The old saying is, “I learned to give, not because I have much, but because I know how it feels to have nothing.” This month’s hometown highlight is just such an ordinary, everyday life hero whose generous heart, and acts of love and kindness have been extraordinary.
Melissa Burroughs, 42, of Mansfield took a gifted sewing machine, fabric and thread and began creating masks to help fellow residents, particularly those who have been at a high risk for COVID-19. “I continued to follow the COVID-19 debriefings by the medical staff at the White House,” shared Burroughs. “They started saying how horrible shortages on masks were, urging people to make their own. You can’t find a bandana now, so I just sat down one day and experimented.” Burroughs husband, Brian is an essential worker, and she made a mask for him, his co-workers and their children.
This medically retired SWAT and hostage/crisis negotiator claims she is no seamstress, however, it wasn’t long before she was getting requests from a Van Buren nursing home, Greenwood Senior Center, and an oncology crew. All of this charitable work has been a labor of love. “I’m doing what I can, for who I can,” added Burroughs. “I’ll continue as long as there is a need, and I have the means.”
Burroughs equates herself to Rosie the Riveter, a strong, independent woman. “So many people are supporting this community. I see so many strong females coming together like Rosie the Riveter to help each other! The heroes who still faithfully feed the kids from the school, … the ladies selling eggs and beautiful masks, the grocery store employees, the police, gas attendants, mail carriers, sanitation workers, and pharmacy employees, it’s amazing! I am proud to be among them. We are ALL in this together. Don’t underplay YOUR importance. If all you can do is stay home…AWESOME!!! How many lives are you saving by doing that?!”
Her life hasn’t been an easy one by no means, and she has learned to give because she has seen unfortunate times. “Part of why I’m doing this…I nearly died. I also have PTSD. In 2017, I attempted suicide…My husband did CPR and brought me back…I’ve had lots of support and love from my family…I don’t know why I was gifted another opportunity at life…maybe so I could make masks!”
Her mom, whom she admits talked her through her first bobbin thread, has been a lifelong support. “My family was pretty poor growing up, but my dad and mom would always share what they had.” That taught Burroughs to selflessly minister to the needs of others. “It’s just little things. It’s not about being a good person, or doing extraordinary things. It’s about doing human things. We need each other!”
Burroughs and her husband have four sons: Seth, 23, Cole, 21, Jayson, 17, and Judah, 16. Cole and his fiancée, Lyah, will be having a baby in October, making Brian and Melissa first time grandparents.
Through their 20 years of marriage, Burroughs’ husband remains her inspiration. “My husband is rock solid. He loves his family, loves his customers, and is always willing to help…That’s an awesome example to strive for!” She also lives out her faith, and includes the scripture Psalms 55:22 in each of her mask orders:
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Most of the recipients of Burroughs’ masks will never have the chance to meet her. One recipient, however, wanted to express their gratitude. “For Melissa and her husband Brian to care enough to see a need, and offer to meet that need without being asked is a ministry. They blessed me and my family with masks,” shared Sue Moore, a Mansfield resident considered high risk.
As a society we could all adopt Melissa Burroughs’ outlook on life, compassionate and giving. “All that said,” concluded Burroughs, “you have to accept where you’ve been in order to know where you’re going…I’m going to the sewing machine!”
