Melissa Greenwood was a devoted wife and loving mother of 2 wonderful boys: John Hunter (born June 21, 2002) and Ethan Jacob (born April 21, 2004). Melissa lost her life in a car accident March 26, 2007. If you had ever had the opportunity to speak with her, you would have quickly realized that her children were her pride and joy. What you probably wouldn’t have realized is that one of her children (Ethan Jacob) had been diagnosed with PDD.

To my beautiful wife this was not a burden or hardship. She gracefully taught me to accept this wonderful gift. For you see, I, like many fathers, struggled with the concept that one of our children was challenged. I worried for his future to the point that I was missing the present.

Time is a much more precious gift today than ever before. My children have lost a special gift, one that can never be replaced. As we struggle to find meaning in her death, I would hope you will be compelled by her story, touched by her smile and moved by her compassion.

A donation to this memorial fund will help other families who need financial support to obtain assistance for both the parents and children affected by Autism. My dream is for one day when the children are grown, to be able to look upon this memorial and see that in her death, she made a far more reaching impact than could ever have been imagined.

I can still hear her lovely voice in my ear: “Enjoy him like this while you can” Honey……. That’s what I’m doing. We Miss You!!

Chris, Ethan Jacob and John Hunter Greenwood