Melissa Hardy
"As well as working a full time job, taking care of my family which includes two small boys, I am also the Co-Founder, VP and Lead Investigator for Lachesis Sight Paranormal Investigation & Research.
I don’t know if my interest in the paranormal or my experiences came first. Either way, as long as I can recall I have wanted to better understand things that happen that, so far, science hasn’t explained.
I believe there is much to learn and am so happy to be on a team that embraces a scientific approach to this field. However, my appreciation for the scientific aspect is well balanced with the emotional side of the paranormal. It’s easy to fear what you don’t understand and so I believe strongly if you are experiencing something that is paranormal it is extremely important to talk about it, with friends, clergy or a member of an investigation team. Chances are you will find many people who have had experiences that defy logic.
My personal goal as a member of this team is to lend emotional support
to our clients who are fearful.
Knowledge is power and if I can help to empower someone with the knowledge
we gain through the science of what we do than I feel I am accomplishing
something."
LSPIR.com
20 QUESTIONS Melissa Hardy
1. Where do you see communicating with the dead in 10 years?
I am not sure that I see tremendous technical advances in that amount of time. What I think will happen is that the paranormal field will be more and more accepted.
2. What would you personally consider to be the definitive proof that
ghosts are real?
I have personally experienced things which have convinced me but
as for documentation as proof I would say a video of an apparition
interacting with a living person would be a good place to start.
3. What is the most real evidence you personally have uncovered so far?
Limiting myself to the evidence collected by LSPIR, I would have to say a photo taken by our technical director John. I was taken at a cemetery that is well known to be haunted. There appears to be a small boy with his head down as if in prayer by a headstone. None of could recall another headstone being there that could produce this affect. We have gone back and verified there is nothing there.
4. Are you skeptical of the claims others are making of their findings?
I would not say I am skeptical per se. But I do tend to question the circumstances in which evidence is collected.
Lachesis Sight Paranormal Investigation & Research Team Memebers past and present
Pictured from left to right: Jan, Alice, Melissa, Kim, John, Al and Wanda Kneeling: Don Jr. and Robyn Note: Alice and Don are no longer with the group. Though we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and thank them for their contributions to our team!
5. If you could investigate your "Dream Haunted Hot Spot"
where would it be?
I would love to investigate any town in the old west or any castle in Europe.
6. What was your first paranormal encounter?
I was about 5 or 6 years old and playing in the house alone. I was sitting on the floor and looked up and saw a shadow walk through the dining room and down the hall. I ran outside and got my grandmother who went through the house. Of course, she found nothing. But I know what I saw and it was not my imagination.
7. What scares you about Ghost hunting or Paranormal Investigations?
It would definitely be the living people.
8. If you could work side by side with one of the Paranormal Investigator
greats, who would it be?
I will go with the obvious and say Jason, Grant and Steve with TAPS
but also Troy Taylor and Richard Southall.
9. Read any good Paranormal Books lately?
I am reading a book about conspiracies by Brad Steiger. I am not, by any means, a conspiracy theorist but it's an interesting read.
10. What Question do people ask you most when you tell them you’re a paranormal investigator?
A. Aren't you afraid?
B. Can you tell me some stories?
11. In your opinion, Where is the most Haunted city in America?
I am not sure what the most haunted cities are but for the sole purpose of investigating I would love to spend time in Savannah and New Orleans. Lots of great history in both cities.
12. Do you feel more people should get involved with Ghost hunting or Paranormal Investigation?
I think there is a flood of people in the field now, some good some, well, some are in it for the entertainment value only, I think. I think people should follow their hearts and if you want to hunt ghosts do it and don't worry what others think.
13. What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully investigating more interesting places. Also, I would like to try some writing about the paranormal field.
14. Paranormal Conventions do you see them growing?
I think conventions will grow. What I hope doesn't happen is that they become dog and pony shows. I see that at TAPS con in Clearwater "Robert the Doll” will be on display. I am a little disenchanted with that idea. I also hope that people don't fall victim to the scam conventions and certification seminars that are popping up.
15. What is your most favored tool of the trade?
Digital voice recorder or video. The EVPs are interesting and getting something solid on video is harder to dispute.
16. Tell us about your best moment in investigating or conference
attending for you?
I will have to get back to you on that one. I haven't been to one yet but, I am attending Tapscon in July in Clearwater, FL.
17. What is the hardest part about being paranormal investigator?
The late nights, I am not a night owl.
18. How do you document your investigations?
In addition to the video, audio, and photographs, a written report is put together at the end of an investigation.
19. Have you ever taken a ghost Tour? And what did you not like about
it?
I have taken a couple ghost tours and they are okay. I don't like
the dramatics that usually get thrown in.
20. What in the field of ghost hunting and Paranormal Investigating
needs the most attention?
I would just like for people to take our endeavors more seriously and know that we aren't freaks. We are normal people with normal lives that have a passion for the paranormal.
