Made With Melanie - A Feature Documentary by Robert Ham
"Made with Melanie" is the life story of Melanie Ham; a military spouse and mother, a daughter and friend, a maker and crafter, a successful business woman, KZheadr and entrepreneur, a woman of faith and a cancer warrior.
When Melanie was diagnosed with an incurable rare form of Sarcoma in 2020, Robert asked her if he could film their story not knowing what would happen. This film is the result of a life lived with passion by an extraordinary woman.
There are an immense amount of vulnerable (and potentially triggering) moments in this film. Our collective family have watched and approved the film, and Melanie had given me permission to be very open with it, hence the freedom to film so many private moments. This film is meant to share the incredible light and life of Melanie, thank you for watching.
Melanie’s Socials
BLOG: www.melaniekham.com/
Facebook: / melaniehamdesigns
Pinterest: / melanieham
Instagram: / melaniekham
Robert’s website - www.hammrproductions.com
Much love,
Robert and family
*Graphic Correction @1:16:30 -- "January 27, 2022" (not 2021)
FILM CREDITS
@RobertHam1
presents
A Robert Ham Film
Filmed and
Directed by:
Robert Ham
Edited by:
Robert Ham
& Tyler Neal Gates
Graphic design:
Andjela Burzan
& Tyler Neal Gates
Motion graphics:
Ivan Knežević
Post Production Services Provided: Lazy Mountain Media
Special Thanks To:
My children Elijah and Ainsley, Lisa and Larry,
Don and @bdelpesco , mom and dad, @racheltalbott and @ByronTalbott ,
A.J. and Claudia, Ashley and Dave, all of our
friends and family, Gana Čomagić, Luka Vukčević,
Todd Smith, Crossroads Community Church
and our entire team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
To Melanie's many followers.
Thank you for your views, comments,
messages, letters and gifts.
You have truly been a blessing.
"Leaving On The Next Train"
Performed by: @RachelTalbottMusic
Written by: Rachel Talbott,
Daniel Martin, and Bryan Lanning
Used with permission, all rights reserved.
All other music used with permission from Artist.IO, Epidemic music, and Premiumbeats.com
Robert here - Melanie’s Makers, quilters, crocheters, friends, family, and visitors, Made With Melanie is up!Please check out our blog post that shares a little of the heart, motive and story of the film. If her story inspires you please share! For Melanie :) melaniekham.com/made-with-melanie-feature-documentary-debut/
An excellently crafted documentary. Thank you for having the courage to share it with us. We will miss Melanie too.
It’s with the greatest of pleasure to share the wonderful testimony of your amazing and beautiful wife Robert 🙏🏼💕🌹🌺🤗😓
Hi Robert .. my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and the kids and extended families .. I can't watch this without breaking down.. I can't get to terms that Melanie is no more with us .. I struggle to watch her tutorials.. my heart hurts so much 💔 😢.. I can't imagine just how you and the kids are dealing with this moment by moment .. she is in a beautiful place just gone ahead of us .. a Beautiful soul that beautified our world for a short time and her beautiful memories will live on in each one of us who learned so much from a sincere and avid crafter.. My first blanket I crocheted.. I follow Melanie's instructions.. Stay strong and blessed .. a friend from Johannesburg South Africa 🇿🇦
Robert... May God continue to give you His Wisdom and discernment for the days to come... He has a plan and purpose for you and your children.. May God continue to protect and provide for you.. please don't get swept up by the fame of hollyweird..... its the devils play ground ..
This was an amazing documentary! Thank you for keeping her vision alive and sharing these amazing memories with us all. You were very fortunate to have each other. I will miss her and remember her each time I crochet. I will keep her videos handy for times when I need a reminder/refresher. She was a great teacher and inspiration to me and so many others. Her heart remains second to none! ❤💕❤
Still thinking of you all in 2024 ❤
Thank you for not removing her channel. She is still helping so many people even to this day. My hope for you and your children is to see how her love is still giving and encouraging so many people. God bless you and your children. 🙏
This is a wonderful tribute! Melanie was an angel. I am a trauma surgeon in Ohio. I started with her video on how to crochet the salmon colored baby blanket about 12 years ago. I appreciated her clear instructions, but more importantly I appreciated the fact that she made me feel like I CAN do it and that imperfection is okay. In my line of work, imperfection is not okay, and I insist on the best for all of my patients, but as a result of this I have significant problems with anxiety. Crocheting helped me to overcome the anxiety. Being able to veg out, work forward, accept imperfection, and complete a project I am proud of has helped me to deal with the anxiety. I don’t think I fully acknowledged how much it helped me until one of my neighbors, a police officer, picked up crocheting too (naturally I referred him to her videos!) It’s wonderful to see in the comments how many other lives she touched.
thank you for the movie about your wife. hugs from germany
That is great! I'm sure being a trauma surgeon is beyond stressful. I can't imagine. You must be a very special person.
Wow, talk about a stressful job! I'm glad you found her, and she was able to help you. Beautiful tribute!
"The sicker she became, the greater my love grew." Exactly THIS is the most painful, yet the most precious gift of dying ... one starts to recognize and care exclusively for the really important things!
Truer words have never been spoken 😢. I was a hospice nurse for over 30 years. I wonder how many family members remember WHO needs the support, love, kindness and unconditional acceptance. Fortunately, it was not often but there were times when the anger over a dying spouse would overflow and I would find my patient crying and with tremendous guilt over something a “loved” one had said. We pass this way but once, PLEASE be KIND!! Your anger has a time and place but save it until the time is appropriate. My reference point when patient situations were tense was, “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD”. AMEN. Thank you
34 year old Divorced Dad here, Found Melanie’s videos mid pandemic learning to make a quilt. Know her legacy continues to inspire people everyday! Her contribution to the world is still well on going.
Thanks for this! I'm so glad she continues to inspire you.
Well done you xx
In a heartbeat I would give my 60 years of live for her thirty something of so much life and. Love… 😂😂
What the name of this song ?
@@RobertHam1i
What a beautiful documentary. Robert, you’ve done her proud. Melanie was such a beautiful person, an inspiration to many and such a ray of light for me when I began my KZhead journey. She welcomed me with open arms and I’ll be forever grateful. My heart aches for you and your children. Although I’m sure she filled you with so much love to last a lifetime. Thank you for letting us into these moments, for sharing your story. Rest in peace sweet Melanie x
Bella thanks for this! 😭😭It wasn't an easy decision for us to show the world some of these moments but reactions like yours make me so proud of Melanie and her impact on the world!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I hope that you and your family are doing well. Grief is a tricky emotion because it’s not just one emotion to experience. It’ll always be with you and over time you learn how to cope to make the days easier. At least that’s what I hope for you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful soul. She had that super power when she would look at you and immediately you’re engaged. That’s how I felt watching Melanie’s videos.
Damn, when I was 8 years old(I'm 14 now) I used to come home from school and watch your videos and crochet to them. It was my passion, I dont do it anymore but I would do anything to go back and relive those days. I came back today to see that she has passed and I nearly cried because all of my early memories came to a sudden stop. Melanie, you helped me a lot and I would never be able to thank you enough. Thank you so much Melanie. Rest easy in heaven🙏💕
Thank you so much for watching her videos (I’m her daughter and I’m around your age)
@@user-mi5po1qb4lyour melanie’s daughter?
It is absolutely not fair when a soul as beautiful and as extraordinary as Melanie leaves this world far too soon.
Maybe god wants these people to leave this evil world for the next
@@JokerDon-qu4dfJoker I found your simple, straight up comment very comforting. It should be posted right off from the beginning. Before one even begins to watch this , heartbreaking, gut wrenching, haunting documentary. As a person battling cancer myself. What can be said about Melanie Ham? She was the best of the best of us. Yet her relentless, ruthless cancer took her young, vibrant, loving life. Despite the best doctors, hospitals latest groundbreaking treatments. The rug of hope & faith gets ripped out from underneath. Those of us who sit through this. The truth, and reality is for some of us. Melanies destiny will become ours too. So after shedding an ocean of tears. Feeling helpless and hopeless. Your comment Joker is a beacon of light dispelling the darkness. I thank-you for taking your time to post it! ❤😔
@@juaquiene7726 Hare Krishna ,
I don't think it's fair that anyone has cancer. It's awfull for everyone
REALLY MISS HER SO MUCH, SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TORTURIALS I'VE CROCHETED TOO. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BRING YOU PEACE.
Me too.. she’s the reason I truly started crocheting.. sad yo see her gone..🥲
Me too 👍♥️💔
Me too
Me too, 1000% she was pinned to the top of my page so I saw everything she posted first, I miss her so much!!
Ditto! Miss her a whole lot! God bless you all! 🙏♥️
I go back to Melanie’s videos all the time to watch her tutorials and every time I pick up my crochet hook and yarn I’m reminded of her spirit and love of her gift to teach others.
Exactly!! Such a beautiful soul 👼🏼💜
I do as well. I have so many saved.
I saw a Melanie tutorial for the first time yesterday. Loved the instructions and her spirit and demeanor. Today… this? What an homage to a fantastic, talented daughter, wife, mother and crafter. Life is frail. ⭐️
@@ann-marielewis3132 …. Yes, very frail ..
Me too 💕
My son was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma 5 weeks ago at age 18. I’m deep in the rabbit hole searching for anything I can find and I watched your wife’s story. She was a fighter. I wish I was half the fighter she was. I’m hoping to find a survivor. Or hope to find hope. And then I’m going to raise awareness to this cancer that seems overlooked by everyone. I hope you find comfort knowing that her story will live on. ❤
🙏🏽🙏🏽💜 sending prayers his way.
I'm so sorry Staci
You are a fighter...you will be stunned at the reserve of strength you will find...strength you didn't know you had...one day at a time...thinking of you from the province of NL, Canada...
Please, check Dr Joe's Dispenza work, mind to matter healing, God bless
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I did not expect to be watching this today. I barely found her video of granny squares yesterday. It has thrown me for a loop. Im angry at what this stupid cancer did to her & the family. Im glad she is now healed. I just pray everyone left behind will also be healed. On earth its a great loss but not to her. The cancer did not have the last word & i won't reduce her to this cancer. I will try my best to live a better life. She has inspired me even if she is no longer here. I'm inspired to learn more, love more & live more. Thank you Ms Melanie! Good job on the video! Thank you Jesus for giving us Ms. Melanie!🤍
AMEN ❤❤❤❤
I'm an oncology nurse, and I've seen sad stuff, but I have to say I sobbed like a baby watching this documentary. Such a beautiful soul, her smile, her energy and her courage. Nothing about this beautiful woman to not love. I can't crochet, but what Melanie taught me, is to smile through pain, live life to the fullest and gratitude. I wish I would've known her. Thanks Robert, for this beautiful production. RIP Sweet Angel.
Yea it must be tough working with really sick patients! Thank you for your service! She was so young to go! So much life unlived!
Amen❤️
So you administer this deadly stuff? Do you have any ideas on this? Do people usually survive the deadly injections? Would you take chemotherapy if they diagnosed you with cancer? Ever wondered how you can absolutely not get it on your hands ....but you then easily can inject it into people's veins?
@@alessandropoggi-ls3tqwhile i agree that chemotherapy is poisonous, and personally I don't think I would choose to use it.... maybe, depending on the type of cance, I think your coment has no place on a video like this. This woman fought for her life and you get on here and point fingers at her? How dare you. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope you don't find yourself in the throes of cancer someday with a blockage that needs removed or radiated, or chemotherapy to keep it at bay to buy you some time, and then have to stand by your judgmental statements and just die. None of us knows how we'll react when it's us, including you.
@@shannonscheffel7366 I am pointing fingers at the billion dollar modern cancer treatment.....and righly so. How dare YOU add meaning to my comment that I never intended?
When she said “I don’t want this to be the end of our story” I cried so hard. I’m so sorry
@@melodioushaste What happened in your life that made you so cold hearted and insensitive? I hope you get better soon.
@@melodioushaste Please consider deleting your comments. It’s not about anyone needing to “toughen up” it’s about basic, human decency.
@melody , kind words said are also for the people who knew her. I would assume some would say kind words when you pass away.. maybe not
That broke my heart too. She was a warrior: an amazing young woman. Almost at 900k! I’ve been waiting for 1 million! She will get there.💗🙏🙏💗I loved her and will see her again. My husband was diagnosed with cancer 4 months ago. He’s a fighter just like her. Praise God!
⁰⁸i
Dear Robert, As 2023 is so close, I entered into the search engine here on KZhead, beginning quilting. Mel's video was the first one to pop up, and I thought it was so great. I clicked on her other videos and saw further down that there was a memorial video of her life. WHAT? How can this be? This beautiful, sweet, talented young woman has been taken from the world? From her beloved family? All thoughts of quilting were gone, and I watched your beautiful video of your lives together. Not many people are able to find a deep love such as the two of you shared. That love will go on in the children that you share. I know that the pain is with you hard and deep right now, but you are all so very lucky to have had such a beautiful love in your lifetime! Not everyone does, but it shines brightly throughout your video. May God wrap you all in his loving arms and hold you tight. You and the family are in my prayers, and I hope each day forward will be a little easier to bear. With love and hugs from Georgia ❤️
I've seen this video today in 2023. Without knowing your wife I've cried a lot and I think she was a wonderful and inspiring person. I could feel the love between Melanie and you through the screen. Her story touched me in so many ways. I wish you and your kids all the best and the strength to live without your lovely wife and mommy. Greetings from Germany. Rest in Peace dear Melanie
How does one explain the tears for someone you don't know personally? That was her impact on me. Her channel was the first one I saw when I decided to get back to crocheting after 40 years. Such a beautiful tribute to her life. Thank you Robert for sharing. May this help you and your children in your healing ❤️🩹
It seems like theres those few people that pass through our lives that have a light so bright it stays with us forever. I'm glad Melanie was that for you and so many... it was the blessing of my life to be a part of her life for so long, I'm forever grateful to her.
My answer to your question is we are all connected and can relate to each other's lives in our own special ways. I feel like there are no coincidences in who we meet and who touches our hearts. There's a reason for each one. I wish more people could realize that every thing we do matters. Every person we talk to, think about and love matters. It's a very small world. Much love to you ❤
@@RobertHam1 You have a part of Melanie in both of your children… she will always be with you Robert…she loved you so much…I could see that in her eyes and her smile. She was a beautiful woman..inside and out! Thank you for sharing her story! ❤️
I only ‘knew’ Melanie through her craft videos. Just sat and watched your thoughtful and heart-wrenching documentary. Thank you for sharing this tough journey @RobertHam1. Praying you and your family are able to find peace and comfort now one year later❤
@@RobertHam1 I always think of Melanie every time I sew. I miss seeing her and her tutorials.
Haven't cried this hard in years. Melanie’s soul is infinite. What a deeply touching, loving tribute to her.
It was
Ya me to. I was crying so hard.
I w We see
It’s an indication of your capacity for empathy and compassion that you feel such emotions for a lady with whom you have not met. She was such a good person and it’s difficult to conceive of there being any real reason why she had to suffer.
Watching a movie, but,thanks anyway
Robert, I just saw you on TV at the Super Bowl for getting the Pat Tillman award!! Melanie is looking down and is so proud of you. I’m in tears right now! Congratulations from Michigan. I hope you and your children are doing ok.
That is such a nice comment!
Aloha Robert 🌺 I'll be honest with you; I have tried twice to watch but I can't even pass 15 minutes of the film. It is too difficult for me. I lost my Mom to cancer when I was 10 and Mom was 41. Mom taught me how to crochet when I was 5 but dropped everything that reminded me of Mom after losing her. I found my way back to crocheting because of Melanie. Losing Melanie just brought me back to the past and it has been difficult. A few days ago, I posted a photo of my work on my IG and FB and dedicated it to Melanie. I am trying to get back to it. I will make sure that I finish the blanket ( Melanie's tutorial ) that I am working on. I will post it for her. I miss you, sweet Melanie❤🙏 Mahalo Robert ❤
That is so strong of you. Idk you but I know you are strong for finishing even if it takes you longer than average. Melanie would want you to finish it and her family will be honored to see your work when you tag her ❤️😇🙏🏻
@@aembusiness Thank you ❤ Melanie was constantly saying to go for it. She would always reply to tell me to start with my channel and just do it. Never mind what others would say; just do it. I started recording videos but I am broken that she will never see them 💔😢I will keep going for Melanie 💞
@@Chrisc1995AMEN ❤❤❤❤go for Melanie would have wanted you too do it for both you guys GOD bless YOU SWEETHEART ❤
14:30 in and I lost it!!! "I don't want this to be the end of my story" so heartbreaking....she was such a beautiful and inspiring woman!!!
Thanks for watching! I lose it at that part every time too... well I lose it throughout the whole thing. I miss her!!! She continues to inspire me.
A wonderful film and a truly wonderful person 💙🙏🏼❤️🌹
Aww this got me in tears all through..sending love to you Robert and the kids all the way from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬. Sometimes we can't fully understand God's way but we gotta have to trust and have faith in him regardless of what this Life throws at us.. You are so strong..God Bless you and your two kids.
I cried like a baby, such a kind, beautiful soul. May she rest in peace. 🙏
I’m a crocheter and I will definitely keep the creativity going in honor of this amazing woman💎
I will never forget the day I had learned of her passing it was a huge shock and I miss her.. now I'm getting all teary....whenever I wanted to do something or forget how to do it Melanie comes to my mind. Mind you I still go over her video's she's taught me a lot for a long time. Watching this I'm still crying this is a beautiful and very heartfelt documentary thank you for sharing about Melanie's life she sure was very loved by so many she was a special person with a heart of gold. I know she wouldn't want us all to be sad she would want us to be grateful for what we have in our life and to enjoy life to its fullest. It is so true LOVE wins above everything. RIP beautiful Melanie xx PS: beautiful song towards the end...
It felt like a family member had passed away.
@@soniaruiz9037 same here....
Only recently found Melanie’s videos as I’m just learning to quilt and do needlework. Ironically, I started needlework to help me cope with grief. I have a daughter aged 46 who has just finished a second round of chemo and is in remission. In 2020, I also lost my handsome 32-year-old stepson to esophageal cancer. I feel like I was guided to this video to find this beautiful courageous woman. I’m finding new courage to sew and crochet while I navigate grief and loss. I joined a charitable group of needleworkers who donate our pieces to others. Thank you for being transparent and sharing this journey with me. I’m finding joy in my needlework as I’m guided by Melanie’s videos. 💔❤️. Sending much prayers right back as we walk through grief’s journey together
Reading this & knowing I'm the same age as your daughter. Praying she's continuing to do well. You are in my prayers.
Isn’t always the most beautiful people that die before their time. I’ve never been so upset by such a beautiful person dying way before their time.
I actually just started quilting and I just found Melanie’s page tonight. I have just watched my cousin go thru a similar journey but hers only lasted 2 weeks. This tribute to Melanie is the most loving and enduring thing I have ever watched. I have watched one video of hers and started my first quilt and I’ve watched and listened to this tribute as I’ve put the stitches into the first quilt I’ve ever made for one of my grandchildren. She’s still a part of that. I couldn’t help but think as I listened to her story…but God!! She said that she felt like God sent y’all to Alaska bc that’s where she said she didn’t want to go. That’s where she learned and started to develop her love of crafting. It was her first journey she thought she didn’t want to go on that lead her life’s direction to all of us. I am forever grateful for her journey and for having crossed paths with your family tonight. I will always remember my first jelly roll quilt was taught to me by Melanie. Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us. Much love and prayers to you still as I know a love like that lasts for everyone’s lifetimes. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️
I hear Melanie's voice in my head everytime I pick up a crochet hook "relax your shoulders, let the needle do the work". I was a little girl when my grandmother taught me how to do a crochet chain and later in my life when I wanted to learn more I discovered Melanie's channel. I did not know she had passed, I haven't been crocheting for a while now. But a few days ago I decided I wanted to make hats for less fortunate people in my area as it gets so cold here. I immediately thought of Melanie and went straight to KZhead, knowing she was the one I wanted to refresh my memory on how to do them. She taught me how to make hats the first time after all. I make my magic circle the way Melanie taught me, blankets the way I learned from her, granny squares, shawls, etc. Everytime I make a project it is with the skills that I learned right here with her. Her kind, encouraging voice urging me along - it was like having her in the room with me. Learning how to do something I love with a friend. I am so sorry for your loss Robert, and your children's. Know that she made an impact on me and that specifically this season I will be using my gifts that she helped me curate to share the love. Something I've heard her say often. She won't be forgotten.
What a beautiful tribute to Melanie!
I didn't find Melanie until this year when my doctor diagnosed me with cancer. He explained I would have to avoid sun exposure. All my outdoor activities were no longer available to me. I needed help and I found Melanie 's tutorial in April 2022. Her video encouraged me and I began to make my first quilt it is taking a while but I am almost done. Thank you for not taking her videos down. She is teaching me new things and giving me courage through my cancer journey.
🍀🌹
From the bottom of my heart all the best for you and a Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Courage !
From the bottom of my heart all the best for you and a Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Courage !
Nish, I hope you are doing well. Prayers.
Just said a prayer for you, and I, too, am grateful to her husband for leaving up her videos. I started crocheting in 2021. Took last year off, but getting back on to start again.
You can tell that Jack the cat loved her so very much, too. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to a lovely, Godly lady 💐
Yes!!!! The cat absolutely knew what was up...that was very clear he wanted to comfort her in her time of illness
Dear Robert, Your documentary about your journey with your beloved Melanie touched me deeply. 40 years ago, I walked with my best friend as she fought lung cancer. Non smoker. 30 y/o when she died. I wept. I wept again as I followed your story. Melanie made an enormous difference in your life and in her children’s lives. Her love surrounds you each day. 40 years later I remember my BFF. I’ve married, had a daughter and 2 stepkids and grandchildren. But, I’ve never forgotten my dear friend. Your life will eventually move forward and your love for Melanie and those precious memories will remain for decades to come. You are carrying forward her wonderful legacy of love. God is still walking beside you. One day you will see Melanie again and I will see my BFF. I not only believe it; I’m counting on it. And you can, too. ❤
That was beautiful and so true thank you for that post ❤
Robert, that was absolutely beautifully done. My heart just breaks for you and your children. I lost my daughter at 40 to Cancer nad she fought with all her heart and soul too. We'll never know why, but I read one time, that when we meet the good Lord as well, we will have the answer as to why people like Melanie had to leave this earth so soon. You did a fantastic job on this video, you touched all of our hearts, God bless you.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved daughter . I have a 43 yr old son and a 41 yr old daughter I can’t even imagine . I’ve lost mom at 42 yrs old to lung cancer my dad at 70 heart attack two brothers 57 51 and and a nephew 44 to heroine . Life is not fair but my strong faith in Jesus has helped me get through life’s surprises . 🌻🌻🌻
This was a wonderful tribute to your wife. I have watched and made many of your wife’s projects and really enjoyed her spirit. 🌹💕
I'm so sorry for your loss, cancer is so heartbreaking and life ruining. Thanks for the kind words, it's hard to see the purpose in why she had to go but she lived an amazing life and died with courage and she's forever my hero. God has her now.
Watching this was heartbreaking💔❤️🩹😢 To make such a bold & brave decision to share Melanie & your “togetherness” journey right to the very personal footage of her deteriorated body must of been very difficult. Not knowing her personally, but thankful for coming across one of her very simple beanie crochet tutorials, she was easy to listen to & her instruction on point! Her calm , beautiful personality shines through every tutorial. Melanie’s beautiful spirit will continue to live on and the night sky will shine a little brighter with her guidance. May she rest easy😇🙏🏻 May her love reign over you and your family always💞
@@tmaffeo Thank you Toni. I'm so sorry for your loss as well. It is hard to go through something like this and not be a Christian. A belief in God will get you through it because one day you'll see them all again.
RIP Melanie, you created a life of crocheted stars and quilted Heavens.
I happened upon this video accidentally. No idea how because I’m not into crafting. With still 30 minutes left I’m bawling my eyes out. How heartbreaking, but an absolutely beautiful tribute to Melanie 🖤
I’m a teacher from Peru. In 2013 I left my country and my job for moving to the US to get married. A year later discovered Melanie’s KZhead channel and started crocheting. I was unemployed and depressed so that helped me a lot. Today, looking for her tutorials found this documentary... I don’t know what to say😢 Maybe that I will never forget her beautiful eyes and her smile! My condolences to you Robert, her children and family. God bless you all❤
This is beautiful ❤❤❤
Your lovely wife's birthday on June 29 ~ the in loving memory service on January 29 ~ the launching of the documentary, made with love, on July 29 ~ That brings me to Jeremiah 29:11 🌺I know the plans that I have for you declares The Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope🌺 Stay strong, God bless!💗
I found Melanie this morning when I was searching for a tutorial to make a pencil case and read the comments that she had died. I looked through her channel and found this beautiful documentary. Her life is a story of love, laughter, creativity, FAITH and more. What a wonderful husband you are. Your love for your wife speaks to all of us. You are full of courage. Thank you for sharing this beautiful life story. I cried my eyes out and yet saw love so genuine and raw that it inspires me to love that way every day. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you for sharing this! I was 29 when I was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, and at 31 suffered a stroke during my 2nd brain biopsy, leaving the entire left side of my body paralyzed. I am 35 now and still working to walk without any assistance. Thankfully, the lesions in my brain are no longer growing after chemo and radiation. I often feel sorry for myself and wonder why this happened to me at such a young age. Melanie was only 2 years older than me. This video has made me realize that cancer truly does not care who you are: young/old, success/failure, rich/poor, good/bad... I related to so many moments in this film. Cancer was not my fault and I feel more grateful to be alive after watching this. Every time I feel hopeless I will return to this video to find my way back to gratitude. Melanie taught me how to crochet through her videos and now she has taught me how to live with more grace and hope. Thank you so much for sharing her story. -Marissa Franz Lou, KY 💚
❤️
I've never wept so hard in my life. But it changed something inside of me that I can't explain. Mel's story really puts things in perspective for me as a wife, mother and woman. Thank You Robert and all of the family for this gift. May God bless all of you!!
Wow, thanks for this... I was hoping that this film, her story would touch people deeply.
This!! It has changed my perspective on life and not take for granted any time we have. God bless this family 💙
@@RobertHam1 it sure has touched me! I’ve watched Melanie’s story I don’t know how many times!! She is so beautiful! Robert- you are a good man by never leaving her side and by supporting her and comforting her! A lot men couldn’t handle it. Thank you for sharing her story!!
@@RobertHam1 it has. Infinitely. Deeper than you will ever know. I'm sorry you all had to live this. Thank you for sharing your story and Melanie's life, light, and LOVE. 🙏💓 I wish you all peace, and healing.
What a beautifully sad tribute of your love Mel. So much love for her was shown by her family and friends. We should all be so lucky. Hope all find peace in all your beautiful memories
I’m sitting here trying not to cry. To not personally know someone but feel blessed to have experienced them is just a testament to who Melanie Ham was and still is to so many. I am grateful that God is continuing to be with Melanie’s family and thankful that you have left the parts of her that we have come to know over these years available to all of us. I continue to pray for you, your children and the rest of Melanie’s family and friends. May God continue to embrace you all!
This was perfectly stated ♥️ I had to pause the video many times due to my crying.
@@cynthiadeslauriers2978 I did the same thing I couldn't stop the tears...
@@cynthiadeslauriers2978 Same! To sob, and reflect.
Tears and cheers. Melanie was the first person I subscribed to on my quilting journey and her sweet loving self got me thru so much with my husbands cancer journey. My heart goes out to you Robert and your family for the loss of such an amazing beautiful woman and also I am so happy that you and your children were blessed with such an amazing woman to share some of your lives with and to guide you thru the rest 💕💕💕
It IS a testament to who she was... thanks for saying that. She just exuded a light, in some ways it felt as though she was too good for this world with all its pain and suffering.
Oh my god my heart just broke into 1 million pieces. I just discovered Melanie’s instructional videos and then found out she passed away. I am so sorry for this family’s loss. I will continue to watch her instructional videos and learn everything I can. 😢
As a cancer survivor this story touched my heart so deeply. Until yesterday I had not heard of Melanie but another creator on KZhead shared about her journey and this documentary. Thank you for this. What a beautiful testimony to your beautiful wife's life and legacy. I could not hold back many tears. I will pray for you and for your sweet children as you walk this journey of grief.
Robert, with all of the quilting videos out there, I decided to watch the beginner's tutorial from your sweet, beautiful wife. I was so excited to get through each stage, and by the time I was binding the quilt, I knew I loved to sew and was hooked. Because of Melanie's videos, I've made quilts, pouches, mug rugs, drawstring bags, fabric envelopes, etc. Your wife was an amazing teacher, full of light and knowledge. My prayers are with you and your family.
I found Melanie a few years ago and she taught me how to crochet. After leaving an abusive relationship, I was able to make hats for my babies to stay warm. I made blankets for those who needed them. All of the patterns were hers. I am so sad to just now learn of her passing. I feel like I've lost a friend.
I'm glad you were inspired and learned from Melanie during a hard time of your life, she had that ability to connect with people and teach them all of these amazing things. Thanks for sharing and for watching!
“i don’t want this to be the end of my story” i feel as if my hearts been ripped into a million pieces 😞 rest easy, Melanie
Congratulations to Robert Ham on the Tillman Award at the Super Bowl!!!
I saw him on the Super Bowl.
Your documentary does a great service in portraying Melanie's cancer journey in honest and realistic terms. Few of us get to be part of an experience like this unless a close family member receives a diagnosis. If Melanie hoped to help people by letting them participate in this intimate, painful, but loving experience, she completely achieved her goal. I wish you and your family peace of mind as you process your grief and learn to adjust to life without your sweet wife and mom. She may be gone physically, but she will always be with you and all of us who were fortunate to know her through her youtube channel.
The sign at Melanie's memorial read "Create lovely things" . She created love, in many dimensions, through her family, faith, her teaching and her crafting. That, I think , is what made her so magnetic.
Today, all I wanted to do was some crafting, watch KZhead crime videos and may search how to make a quilt. I didn’t expect to find and lose a friend all in one day. The first video that popped up was Melanie. From the beginning, I felt this was doable and I’d rewatch after I got all my materials. Then I went to the comments……😢 Someone had commented, “I’m so glad they’re leaving her videos up……..” then another comment was “you’re missed, Melanie…” (something like that). My condolences to the people she left behind, her husband, her beautiful children and the rest of her supportive family. Her legacy lives on. Proof: Here I am, a year later, discovering her and her love of creating and making the world a more beautiful place.
She has taught me how to make bags with zippers and it's one of my favorite things too do. Please always keep these videos up. She will forever be teaching people 💗💓🥺
We may not always know who they are, but our teachers have a type of immortality within us. We take them and the lessons they’ve given us, and we and carry them throughout our lives. Then, in many ways and in many times, we pass these teachings and knowledge on to others. Melanie started me on my quilting journey a couple of years ago, and her instructional videos were priceless for me. I know I’ll make more quilts and continue to pass these on to others as gifts. A little bit of Melanie goes out with each one of those. (I’m still making a lot of mistakes, Melanie, but I’m learning!). Prayers up for peace and comfort to all of Melanie’s friends and family.
I just found a tutorial from Melanie on making a pillow today. I am so sad I did not know her earlier. What a beautiful woman of God who loved her family and the Lord.
Stumbled upon this documentary. Crying my eyes out. I'm so so sorry... I'm so glad you are Christians and will be reunited some day.
Robert… I was about to take a nap this afternoon and I grabbed my iPad to watch a video or two first. Your video popped up and I was immediately mesmerized by your film… you captured y’all’s story in an unforgettable way….and you honored Melanie beautifully and have given your family and friends an incredible gift of memories. I cried so hard and was so moved and inspired throughout. I watched Melanie’s videos for years and always loved her creativity and sweet spirit. Thank you for sharing your life. I know it will speak to many.
Thanks for this! I hope her story speaks to many, she was so amazing and I miss her. It helps to share her with the world, may she never be forgotten.
Honestly, the most touching story I’ve ever seen. Still crying 😢 great husband!!!
What a precious soul your Melanie was,I’m so sorry for your great loss. I lost my own Melanie, my dearest friend, at age 28 to a vicious lung cancer while on maternity leave from her job as a cardiology nurse; her little boys were 3 years old, and five months old. Both Melanies were beautiful lights and will never, ever be forgotten. ❤️❤️
God bless your family. I'm getting back into sewing and had saved so many links to Melanie's videos and instructions from eight years ago. I then decided to see what she was up to lately in her youtube channel and found this. I've been saved since my last visit and your video is hitting home as to how important Jesus Christ is in this blink of an eye we call life. Thank you for posting this. Such a bright light she was. God love you.
You taught me how to crochet and now I have this hobby that always brings me joy! Thank you so much Melanie! We miss you ❤️
She touched so many people’s hearts. I wouldn’t be where I am without her making your first quilt series. I’m not normally emotional over people I haven’t even met, but this has me crying so much. What a fitting tribute.
RIP Melanie. Thank you for teaching us. ❤
Like everyone else during the first lock down of Covid I went and got a sewing machine to make mask for the hospitals and essential workers. The crazy thing is I haven't used a sewing machine since I was 13 years old and that was many many years ago LOL 🤣 I thought "yeah this is gonna be easy" WRONG!!! So I went to KZhead and typed in "learn how to sew" and the first video that pops up is non other than the beautiful big hearted Melanie Ham🥰. She taught me everything I needed to know. I learned all the little things that most people would never think is important when it comes to sewing. A couple months go by and I was bored to death so I decided to learn how to quit. I Again I thought "yeah this is gonna be easy I don't need any help" BOY WAS I WRONG!!! I went to KZhead on my phone and typed in "how to make a quilt" and low and behold who pops up, Melanie Ham🥰 I watched all five of the videos and since then it has become my passion. 10 years ago I found out I have Crohn's disease and I have been fighting ever since. I got really bad sick almost a year ago from a bad flare up and I just wanted to give up. The past 3 weeks have been nothing but hell for me and I just decided I can't do this anymore. The other night I was flipping through KZhead and this video pops up. I was devastated because I haven't followed her in such a long time from dealing with my own struggle with a HORRIBLE disease. I literally cried my eyes out through the whole documentary. I haven't followed her in such a long time because I was so sick that I haven't done any showing in over a year. I always question God why take the good ones , the one who have taught us so much not only about sewing or making quilts but about loving one another and being nice to one another. After watching the documentary she gave me a huge inspiration to just fight. As hard as she fought I decided yesterday I want to fight just as hard. So I'm going to start my journey next week because of her inspiration. Thank you God for such a beautiful talented and loving woman. Thank you Robert for sharing this with us. Thank you Melanie for helping me find my talent and teaching me everything I needed to know about sewing and quilting. 🥰😢 I can't wait to see you in heaven🥰❤️
Such a beautiful woman and life. Her legacy will live on through all her KZhead videos and all of the people who's lives she touched and taught.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
AMEN ❤❤❤❤ her Videos will definitely live on Rest Easy Melanie
I bawled my eyes out through the whole film- just saved it to my “making with Melanie” folder, can’t stop crying- thank you, Robert, for carrying Melanie’s light forward along with yours, this world will forever be a better place because of it 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
We are at that stage now with my 36 year old daughter in law. My son stopped working because she is now in hospice and he wants to be with her and take care of her. I’m so sorry for all of you 🩵
I made my very first quilt watching her-she was such a great teacher! Sweet, kind and talented. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that you are still grieving-but day after day-it gets better-I promise! Lost my 25 yo son 4 years ago-it still really hurts but I will say that through lots of prayer and just surrendering to Jesus-my heart is healed. He continues to heal me. He will continue to heal u. I am going to Pray for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
I think when I started crocheting she was one of my KZheadr help me crochet I would follow her tutorial on a hat I made it . In one with her help . I never new her by personne but I love her smile every time she was on . When I found out the and follow her all the way through cried every time . Now she s in our heart and never will forget the personne she was a worrier and just a lovely 🥰 personne in side out
I only recently discovered Melanie’s channel and love her simple friendly way of explaining the mysteries of quilting. She was sunny, bright and lovely. I’m from London and her spark reached over here and illuminated my life. I will make my first quilt and dedicate it to her. Love to all of her family xx
Dear Robert, I've never been so touched by a story. The way you opened your hearts to the world. The way you documented , filmed and told your story, was amazing. Because of you, her grandchildren will know her,like I know her now. Her beauty inside & out, the love in this family was so intense. You wrote & filmed the story so well.....There's no doubt about the love and joy of her. I'm 63. I'm a great grandmother, so I've heard a lot of stories in my lifetime. Thank you for sharing. I will always remember you all. Love grandma Sandy ❤️ P.S. YOU ARE ONE HECK OF A FILM MAKER!!
What a beautiful message!
You, Robert were amazing and the best gift she could have while going through this horrible nightmare! I am so thankful she had you! Sorry for you and your children’s loss of such a beautiful, talented, amazing lady! My heart is screaming, “No” don’t take her”!
Dear Robert. I am writing this message from Turkey. The day I heard that Melanie had died, I went to her KZhead channel. I didn't know her until then. The first thing I thought was that such a beautiful woman had been touched by the evil eye. I was very upset. Melanie suddenly came to my mind again today. I watched your videos. and I came across this documentary. It's 4:30 in the morning here right now, I lost sleep because of sadness. I am crying. I am so sorry for your loss and I want you to know that a Turkish follower of yours is also praying for you and your children. I hope with all my heart that you and Melanie will meet again one day. stay with love❤
What a loving husband you are and this is a beautiful way to honor Melanie’s memory! I spent years trying to learn how to crochet. The process just never registered for me, but on my last attempt I figured I would check out YT. I immediately found her tutorial on granny squares. :-) Melanie just had a way about her & her style of teaching made it all make sense… that lightbulb finally went off & from there my love for crochet grew! My prayers go out to you and the kids! 🙏❤️
I have never seen any of Melanie's videos before stumbling onto this video. I cried thru a lot of this video. Robert the love you have for her comes through loud and clear. You captured her love for people, for life, your kids, and honestly it looks like for everyone she ever met. This video shows what a WONDERFUL and special woman she was, so much so I'm weeping for someone I never met. I pray for strength for you, your kids, and all your family. I'm going to watch all her videos now, she's inspired me to be creative and live life to the fullest! God bless
I ugly cried... a lot!! 😢
In the late summer of 2019 I was sitting im my favorite chair looking at the sky and said to myself, " I am going to make a quilt , today. " I googled quilting videos and Melanie 's KZhead channel came up. From that day in August of 2019 to this day I have become obsessed with quilting. Melanie's genuine love and spirit came through the camera and she inspired me in ways anyone reading this can never comprehend. Thank you Melanie and thank you Robert for this documentary, Because of Melanie I can give a piece of myself to friends and family. May God keep and bless you and your family.
It was not the end of her story! Her wonderful view of life has carried me beyond what I thought I could accomplish. Thanks and Love Melanie.
May the beautiful soul of this lovely woman rest in perfect peace
Such a blessing to watch, even though the tears flow and my heart is breaking for you and your family. What a treasure you have captured so your kids never have to forget the sound of her voice, seeing the touch of love she gave, her smile and laughter, and her sorrow at recognizing it was all about to be over. May the Lord keep you as you journey on a path other than you intended, but on a path He walks with you every step of the way.
I’ve never commented on any of Melanie’s videos before, but just wanted to say, she got me crocheting again, after about 10 years of not doing it! Rest in peace, Melanie xx
I will start by saying I am so, so heartfelt with sorrow for her, you, your family and loved ones! FANS! I fell off my sewing wagon. Having difficulties getting back I thought I would reach out to Melanie Ham. She can do anything, as I remembered! Sadly I found this video. I just want you to know she touched so many lives. You may never see this and I understand. However, thoughts and prayers are with you all..! Love and peace. Tawanda Clayton.
Hopefully, family members continue to monitor this site. It seems so mundane that I visited this KZhead channel to learn to make placemats. I watched Melanie's video and was gonna leave a comment. I found her teaching method and clear, detailed information excellent, and far better than most vloggers. Then I noticed that someone said that Melanie died, which shocked me, so I watched Robert's documentary. I'm a retired RN and I spent 20 years as an Oncology nurse, so I have seen many people go through these gruelling treatment regimens. Melanie was so brave. She was a shining example of a truly good and courageous woman, who lived her life for her kids and her family. She was remarkable. Thank you Robert for sharing Melanie with us and for this documentary. ♥️
I started watching Melanie when I was 12 years old - she taught me to crochet. What an inspiration ! I now have my own crocheting business& KZhead channel. Thank you Melanie ♥
I am proud of you what is your youtube channel I can follow you.
I am proud of you what is your youtube channel I can follow you.
WOW! THAT IS AMAZING❣ GBY🥰🥰X
Awe thats so beautiful! Wish you well
@@nnn7886 ♥️🥰
Its so depressing that you could definitely see the life start to drain from her face and even though she had a smile on her face you could see the pain and Uncertainty behind the smile. It literally eats you alive my own mother passed away this year from Cancer too one of the toughest thing any of us will ever go through and can be even worse watching our relatives/friends go through. May This beautiful; lady rest easy.
I often come back to this channel to watch your story, I’m so sad for your loss, so unfair to loose someone that had so much to offer in this life. I thought of you threw the holidays knowing your coming up to a year. Just wanted you to know Melanie is not forgotten, her talent she shared lives on in all of us that she taught., it’s a gift she gave us. You and your children are so blessed to have her in your life, hold on to all you had and her love will never die inside of you. God bless you and your children. ❤
Me too…a model of grace and trust in God
She literally taught me to crochet. Im so sad to hear of her loss. I have fellen out of the craft world for a while after having our 3rd kiddo but i saw a pinterest post and it reminded me of her post about finding cancer and i came to see an update. Such a sad update to find 😢 im sorry for the worlds loss!
She was a wonderful woman. I wish we had a chance to spend more time together. My love and prayers to you and your family. Xoxo MARLY Bird.
Hi Robert. This must have been so difficult for you to edit over these months. I hope you can find time to grieve and celebrate and heal. I'm no stranger to loss due to cancer. Throughout years and years now people will be searching for crochet tutorials like I did a few weeks ago and they will come across Melanie. I was shocked once I began following her to find out she had passed away. But she hasn't really see? She lives on indefinitly on youtube and in the hearts of you, your children and family and friends. She's just behind the veil. 🐞
Robert, I knew Melanie had passed away and was deeply saddened for your loss. I finally watched your beautiful tribute to her. I know how much you all miss her. I lost my husband last year. Her beauty radiated through it all. God Bless her & her immediate family and her friends & followers ❤️🩹
Robert Mel's not gone forever she's with you and the kids everyday.
Melanie taught me how to make a zippered pouch, but more, so much more. She taught me to encourage myself in my creativity. She was a beautiful person and I only knew her through youtube. 24 years ago I lost my husband, the dad of our 4 children to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after a 2+ year battle and the final acceptance of hospice and dnr. Your love story is beautiful and made me sob. Please know there will be light again, time will help. I am so sorry for your loss and the family’s loss. Live on and give your love to your children.
I loved everything about Melanie. She taught me how to do crafts in a way that nobody could. I miss her so much.
I came here for the apron tutorial (I’m a new sewer) then subscribed then realized she’s passed. I still want to watch her sewing videos so I thought I should watch the full video of her story. What an amazing woman , i’m so sorry you lost her so soon. Take care
I just finished a hat tutorial with Melanie and when I went to her site to follow her, and see what else I could make with her, I was saddened to see this documentary. I watched it with so many tears as I lost my mother to cancer on January 7, 2011 and know how difficult it is to watch someone you love with everything in your soul, disappear before your eyes. Robert and the kids, continue to keep her memory alive. I will be posting the hat I made with Melanie's tutorial. It means more now... each thread, a connection to her life. May God continue to keep you all strong during those days where it feels like yesterday again. I know them all too well. As someone told me about watching my Mom die, she knew she wasn't alone and that, that is all anyone would want on their last days. She was surrounded in love and light. Thank you for sharing and God Bless.
She was a wonderful teacher. Still is! So much we can learn from her. A blessing for sure.
Such a beautiful documentary. She will be missed by thousands and thousands of people. Thank you for sharing her story.
Thank you for keeping her KZhead channel going. I've learned so many things from Melanie. God bless you and your family.
So hard to watch. I can't imagine being on your end of it. I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing your beautiful wife Melanie with the rest of us. Praying that God gives you and your family the strength you need every minute of every day.
Her zippered pouch video was a turning point in my beginning sewing days. I never forgot it and always went back to it when I wanted to make that pouch. She was sooo lovely. I wanted to be like her, and have that "light" that lived within her.
That was the very first video of Melanies that I watched and I was hooked from there.
What a beautiful story!! Still crying at all the love I felt in this film. She was indeed and wonderful angel from God to bless us. May God bless you and the family
R.I.P Sweet Melanie. What an amazing inspiration. God bless you all. ❤️🩹🙌🫶🙏
Ok I'm not even very far into this documentary and it has already acheived it's goal, Melanie and her life was so bright that I could not possibly think of her death when I think about this story. I wish everyone who goes through this could have such a beautiful documentary made for them by loved ones.
“I don’t want this to be the end of my story “ really got me 😢 I know that exact fear as I was diagnosed this year
ughhhh, such a hard moment and a difficult time. I'm sorry for your diagnosis, I hope you can beat it and somehow find peace in all the pain. Thanks for watching.
Prayers to you.
This must of been very difficult for you to watch, but I truly hope watching Roberts documentary that it inspires you to continue your fight for your survival. God bless you, would you allow me to pray for you?
I hope your story is one of reality exceeding your dreams. Best wishes for successful treatment and cure!
@@carolpainter4305 thank you! Yes please all prayers welcomed! 💕