Photo/MARNI WALSH MEMORIAL MURAL: The Kelly family on the left, stand beneath the Hyland Heights' mural of their daughter Melissa,who died suddenly last summer. Tami Bye, Melissa's teaching assistant, and artist Sandy Harron expressed the immense influence that Melissa had on the lives of the students and teachers, and all who knew her. Melissa Kelly was excited about graduating from grade eight this month and going on to high school. She would have crossed the stage with her fellow graduates to the sound of enthusiastic cheers from the friends, teachers and family who loved her. But Melissa, who suffered from Spina Bifida, died last summer while away at Easter Seals Camp.

Now, her image and spirit have been captured in a memorial mural on the walls of Hyland Heights Public School, where she was an important part of daily life for seven years.

An emotional crowd of supporters gathered at the unveiling ceremony, which took place June 20th. Principal Vicky Crandall opened the ceremony by thanking Melissa's parents, Barb and Mike Kelly "For blessing us with your beautiful daughter."

Shelburne Artist Sandy Harron, well known for her "Spiritual Journey" portraits, says she was "honoured to be considered as the artist for the job." She gave much of the credit to Hyland Height's students as the driving force for the project.

"A group of Melissa's friends put forward some wonderful ideas for the mural; one big one was 'the puzzle that was Melissa.' I thought a single puzzle piece would be appropriate, as we are all but one piece of the larger puzzle, one piece that connects with others to create a larger picture."

One of the inspirational messages in the mural, "We are all in this together," has now become a school motto.

"The images contained in the mural are all important parts of Melissa's life", said Ms. Harron, "Music, friends, influential adults, family support, and hope."

Tami Bye, Melissa's educational assistant for seven years, says "staff and students wanted to remember Melissa as someone who inspired us all to try our best, and to be decent human beings. She taught us to be accepting of individuals with any kind of disability. We realized that our limitations were nothing compared to what she faced every day."

Under Ms. Bye's direction, 13 students took on the task of brainstorming fun ideas to have the school raise the money for the mural. Fundraising events such as book sales, Christmas and plant sales, hot dog and cookie days were held.

"Melissa was my really, really good friend," said Sarah Christensen. "I spent a lot of school time and home time with her. She taught me how to flop into bed and we taught each other to learn to speak up!"

"Melissa pretty much taught me to believe in myself," said Jessica Cowan. "She was my best friend."

Melissa's Spina Bifida was severe, complicated by scoliosis and kythosis. She was born with her spine outside her back and was paralyzed from the waist down. She learned to crawl 'military style', pulling herself along with her arms. She suffered five broken femurs in those early years. Despite all this, she had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to pop wheelies in her wheel chair and perform "spineramas."

Former principal David Kirk first met Melissa in grade one. He was moved by her strength and positive attitude despite her many difficulties. "She taught adults, and students alike, tolerance and understanding.

"I never heard her complain. She had a huge impact on my life."

Melissa's Mom had difficulty expressing how much this mural meant to the family. "It is just the best," she said. "The outpouring of love from the community has been overwhelming. We did not realize how many lives Melissa had touched."

Mrs. Kelly spoke of the family's gratitude for the help the community had given in the past; raising money for Melissa's wheel chair, and a convertible sledge which the Kellys have donated back to the school.

"She was a very giving person, always concerned about others, kind and grateful" said her mother. The family is trying to deal with the pain of her early and unexpected death. Mrs. Kelly says they cope "day to day; some days are worse than others, but you do it, because you have to."

There is hope on the horizon for advancement in the treatment of Spina Bifida. Experimental work has confirmed that the repair of the spina bifida defect in utero stops spinal cord destruction and restores normal neurological function at birth. "This is going to help kids walk," says Mrs. Kelly, because the nerves can regenerate."

Mr. Kirk told the crowd that when he retired, the one request he made was, "Please invite me to Melissa's graduation."

"I will be attending," he said, "with her in my heart."