Melissa D’Mello A mom whose life’s work is to serve others
Melissa is the Congestive Heart Failure Program Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ.
She has three children with her husband Chris. Joshua (8), Jacob (5) and Jaxon (1). Melissa and Chris moved to Cranford in 2014.
What are your favorite family activities in Cranford?
We have experienced so many “family favorites” in Cranford that it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. It seems with every season our community creates new opportunities for local families and friends to come together and cultivate connections and relationships. Some of my favorites have always been Porchfest, the Cranford Jaycees Great Pumpkin Carve Out, and the haunted houses in the fall. The Santa Toy Drive that the Cranford Fire Department and the Cranford Jaycees organizes in the winter is always an event that helps to continue Christmas magic. The spring and summer are sweetly filled with sporting events, street fairs and live music. Truth be told, we just can’t get enough of Cranford. I have always found that all of these events show the best part of our community. Every time we attend one, I’m always amazed over how our community comes together- whether it’s to celebrate or help those in need. As we have continually witnessed, Cranford families show up and make it a priority to participate.
Tell us about your job or passion.
My passion is to serve. That passion has manifested itself in different ways throughout the course of my life. When I was younger, I would watch my mother work tirelessly as a nurse. She worked double shifts and never complained because she loved what she did. Then, I would see her come home and work tirelessly as a single mother. Her entire life has been about sacrifice and serving. This was perhaps the biggest blessing I received growing up; watching, learning, and internalizing what it means to serve. She instilled that same value in my brothers and I at a very young age, and I am resolute that my upbringing is the root of my passion today. Now, as an adult, serving others, encouraging others – even in their most challenging times, is my calling. I have been fortunate enough to be able to bridge my passion and purpose with my livelihood when I became a nurse and then subsequently, a nurse practitioner. As a nurse, I had the ability to directly change the trajectory of a person’s life in a very meaningful way – sometimes in life or death situations. As a nurse practitioner, I have expanded on that role and have been provided a platform to assist a special group of people with recovery and comfort. The best part is that I have the ability to foster even stronger relationships with my patients and their families. That is why, when the COVID pandemic was at its peak and this unprecedented decision making opportunity to serve and help presented itself – I chose to serve. I will always choose to serve.
What was the best advice on motherhood that you ever received?
The best motherhood advice I have received is,“You don’t have to be the best, you just have to be good enough.” As moms, we wear so many hats and struggle to find the balance between them all. It is nearly impossible to believe we can be perfect at every hat we wear. For me, it is not about struggling to be the best anymore. Instead, my focus has shifted to making sure I am present with my kids and making sure we are happy. That is, after all, what they will remember.
What is your favorite restaurant and/or place to shop in Cranford?
Cranford has so many great businesses in town. If we are running late in the morning and need a quick breakfast, Mr J’s Deli is our go-to. For late night summers, we are hitting up Vanilla Bean for two scoops. On date nights, you will see Chris and I all over, from Venue 104, Oak & Tavern, Mizu Sushi or the Cranford Hotel. However, if it were up to our kids – we would be at Thirsty Turtle or El Paso every night! It is not just the restaurants, but the kind and warm atmosphere that all of our local boutiques and businesses in our town have. That is what makes Cranford so unique.
What do you enjoy doing for self-care?
I know all moms can relate to this, but honestly I had to first give myself permission to properly do self-care, and do so unapologetically. My morning routine plays a huge role in my self-care process, and I have promised myself to begin every day by giving back to me. This includes exercising and a built in, must have, 10 minutes to reset, pray or just enjoy the moment of silence before all the responsibilities of the day set in. I also invest time in myself by reading. I am big on promoting personal growth by making sure I am constantly learning. I like to think of myself as a lifelong student and I am consistently trying to encourage myself to try something new.
What is your favorite go-to dinner recipe or take-out when you’re short on time?
My go-to has always been shrimp over rice and veggies! It is a family favorite, nutritious, quick and easy. In a real pinch, we love breakfast for dinner. On those long, tough days where there are not enough hours, it may not be the perfect dinner but, hey, it’s good enough!