About Me
Melissa M Monroe, PhD, L.Ac is the mother of two wonderful girls, Grace Marian Ferguson, now eight years old, and Alice Marie Ferguson, who died August 6, 2013 just 11 days after turning two years old. Alice died unexpectedly in her sleep, and no cause of death could be determined. The family has been devastated by this unthinkable and shocking loss.
When not mothering, Melissa practices Traditional Chinese Medicine in her clinic, and teaches Pilates, Yoga, and Qi Gong as well. She also teaches continuing education to acupuncturists and other health professionals on the topics of Grief and PTSD, and writes extensively on these issues.
Melissa also hosts an annual concert called Agastock (Alice called her binky “Aga”) every year on Alice’s birthday weekend. All proceeds go to The Southern California Counseling Center’s (SCCC) Trauma Training Program, which trains therapists in EMDR and other Trauma and Resiliency therapies, and where Melissa received life-changing help after Alice died. Additionally, Melissa was a featured speaker at the SCCC fundraising Gala in 2015.
Melissa lives her daughter Grace, and the memory of their dear Alice, in Los Angeles, CA. She is deeply and profoundly grateful for the support she receives in the wake of Alice’s death.
Very sorry for your loss and very thankful for your message and the message for the rest of us not to forgot to be thankful about what we have, an never forget to enjoy the simple and common moments of life.
If I can be of any help do not hesitate to contact back.
Warm regards,
Leandro
Thank you so much for this thoughtful note, Leandro. It helped me then, when I could not speak, and it helps me now. Blessings to you.
Thank you for your bravery and unconditional love to your daughter; you have woken me from a deep slumber of self pity and regret only to realize I have been given everything I could ever want and more.
My kids are not defined by me but more me defined by them. They are my strength and my courage and I must never forget to show my gratitude to them for this gift of clarity and beauty in this sometimes foggy and colorless world. Your words are beautiful and I can see Alice so vividly through your eyes when reading. I am so sorry for this loss to you and your family and I do have faith and believe that she will be with always with the gifts of clarity and color to what seems like a foggy and colorless time.
I sometimes ramble and lose my point (A.D.D.) but I wanted to thank you very much for sharing your heart. God bless you and your family.
Thank you so very much for these kind, thoughtful words, Will. They meant so much to me when I could not speak, and continue to help me through. All my best to you. Melissa
I am so very, very sorry.
Thank you so very much, Debbie. xo
I am so sorry for your loss. God needed another Angel and he chose your daughter ,so she can watch over the the entire family.
Thank you Fran. Much love to you. xoxo
Such a beautiful memorial to Alice.
Thank you so very much, dearest Norm. It means so much to me.
Melissa, My broken heart hears your heart mama…I lost my 3 1/2 month old son Mars in March…he took a nap at daycare and never woke up…the cause determined to be “unexplained.” My compassionate accupuncturist shared your blog with me, and although so much is too hard for my raw soul to bear to read at this point, with my wound too fresh, I find your tribute honoring your Alice so beautiful and I admire the strength you have to share. her story with the world.
Oh my dear, I am so very sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish no one had to know that pain. My wish for you is that you are surrounded by all the love that surrounded me, and surrounds me still.