Friday, May 16 was a typical day for Danielle at Bethel University: she hung out with friends, studied, laughed and just enjoyed life. That evening she went to a party, celebrating that finals were over. Danielle made a decision that night that had tragic consequences. Although she had drank alcohol and she was exausted, she got into her car and drove. At approximately 2:00 a.m. she was on Highway 694 when witnesses saw her suddenly swerve from the far right lane as if she realized she was in the wrong lane. She went across all lanes of traffic and crashed head on in to the concrete barrier that separates the highway. A nurse who witnessed the accident attempted to help Danielle, however due to the severe trauma she sustained in the accident she died immediately.
On Wednesday, May 21, Danielle’s family and friends gathered for her funeral and to celebrate her life. We watched as her dad and step-dad walked on each side of her as they carried her casket down the aisle. We had hoped to someday watch them walk her down the aisle at her wedding. We now wake up each day and realize that this is indeed real, and Danielle is gone from this earth – we cannot touch her, we cannot see her accomplish great things, we will never see her hold her babies. She would have been a wonderful mother. We think about the hundreds of things that we will never see or experience with her and the pain is overwhelming.
Danielle is loved by many who miss seeing her smile and hearing her laugh. Her fun loving attitude, exuberance and enthusiasm were contagious and she had such a gift to bring life, joy, and laughter to others. There is an emptiness and ache in our hearts that will remain until we see her again. Our comfort is knowing that Danielle accepted Jesus as her Savior and she is "home" with her Heavenly Father.
We live the life we choose. The choices are made daily, hourly, moment by moment. We hope that as your read this you will consider our loss and pain before you choose to make a mistake similar to Danielle’s.
