Rising From the Ashes: Melissa’s Phoenix Story of Survival

What Makes You a Beautiful Disaster?

I have endured multiple tragedies in my life, including the death of my husband, losing everything, and coming home to find my sister-in-law had committed suicide in my house. Along with these losses, I live with several mental health diagnoses, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and severe anxiety disorder. Through it all, I have risen like a phoenix from the ashes.

Why Do You Identify With the Beautiful Disaster Brand?

Because after everything I’ve been through, I am still beautiful—scars and all. I am a phoenix. Perfectly imperfect.

Tell Us Your Beautiful Disaster Story

I was bullied by my best friends in junior high school. In high school, I lost a good friend to suicide. After graduation, I got my own apartment and came home one day to find my high school sweetheart of five years in bed with my roommate. I endured self-harm during that time.

Four years later, I got married. After 25 years of marriage, my husband passed away. Six years later, I remarried—and then came home one day to find my sister-in-law had shot herself in the face inside my home.

I am now seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist for anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Despite everything, I am still here—still rising from the ashes.

What Happened for You to Turn It Around?

Therapy. Support from my mother. And my relationship with God.

Name Three Things You’ve Done to Move Closer to Happiness

Working on a closer relationship with God. He is healing the broken parts of me.

What Is Your Favorite Beautiful Disaster Collection, Past or Present, and Why?

The Phoenix Collection—always has been. I relate deeply to the phoenix.