If you have been following the story of For the Love of Meth, you have not only been experiencing a first hand account of the true life of a recovering meth addict, but you may have noticed a comment which revealed the "M" of MJ Dakota.

Growing up I went through stages of liking my name and not liking my name. I liked that it was not a common name and it was pretty; I did not like the endless times I was asked, "Do you sing?" or received a greeting in song. (Although later in life, there was one who sang his greetings and farewell to me daily. More on that later though)

Melody… "Yes, it is such a pretty name and the word reflects such pretty sounds all over the world, but please… I was given the name at birth; I couldn't talk then, much less sing. No, I haven't "lived up to" my name. Do I sing? Although I do sometimes belt out a song with Madonna and even Paula Abdul, I do not, let me repeat, do not do so in public. I, my friends, cannot carry a tune."

Yes, it is cute and fun for you to serenade me with songs such as; Mr. Melody and Sweet Melody, but the novelty for me wore off years ago. No, I was not named after any particular song because my parents liked the melody.

According to family stories told by my mom and dad, my name was a toss-up between, "Cherry Lee" and "Melody". My dad felt that too many people would make fun of "Cherry Lee" and dreaded what the affects of that name would have in my teen years. The family, three brothers and one sister, were asked if they could think of any names someone might use with "Melody". The answer was "No." Hence, I was named Melody after birth.

It wasn't until Jr. High School that I would even allow people to call me anything but, Melody. Soon though, all my friends started calling me Mel, and I could not stop them. There were just so many! : ) I also received endearing names like "Schmel", "Melodia", and "Farmer Mel" but the most special nickname came from my long departed Uncle Jerry, "Melonhead."

So, there you have it folks, the unveiling of Melody in MJ Dakota. Who knew a letter could have such a story?

As a special tribute to a dear friend, I would like to add this paragraph on the one who sang to me daily…

There was one person who I didn't mind singing to me. He was the local UPS driver/deliveryman for Newberry Springs, Ca. back in 1994. He played in a local band as well as working for UPS. He was a sweet, gentle man who I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. Unfortunately, his wife, a drug user and having an affair, was soon to loose her "pot of gold". She had him murdered just before he filed for divorce and was just months away from retirement. I will never forget Sonny coming into the market and signing to me on the last day of his life. He truly was a lovely man.

For those of you who have not read the story mentioned at the beginning of this revelation, I strongly recommend it. The author is truly courageous and not only speaks of how great it is to be free of meth, but absolutely and truthfully describes the struggles to reach this point and the ongoing struggles to continue on the clean path. The why's of her use and the power of the addiction: The "good", the bad and the ugly of it all.

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