January 25, 2010 -Our precious Danielle would have turned 22 today. It’s been an emotional week, but God continues to help us see Danielle’s departure to heaven from an eternal perspective.
A few days ago I was reading some of the hundreds of cards/notes she received from her friends. One minute I’d be reading about the fun, joy and laugher she brought to others and the next I’d be reading about how Danielle had encouraged someone. I was crying as I thought, “Danielle’s story was just beginning…it was way too short. She could have impacted so many more lives.” I then read a goals statement that she had written:
“Goals for my life - My rewards in heaven are greater and more important than my rewards on earth. · I want to fix my eyes on Jesus and be his follower. · I want to surround myself with people that will strengthen my walk with God. · I want to be a good influence to others and show them God’s love through me! · I want to spend time with God every day."
Even though I had read this many times, it impacted me in a different way. I looked at those goals and thought, wow, not only is she really living these goals in heaven, but the goals are also being lived out here on earth, even as she is Home. God reminded me that her story was far from done…her legacy will continue on this earth. And - her story continues in Heaven. I like this quote from The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis, "But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page; now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before." I draw strength from this truth every day. For the follower of Jesus Christ, death is not the end of life, but a continuation of it in heaven.
I’m including a picture of Danielle and her sister and best friend, Ashley. This picture was taken right after Danielle fixed Ashley’s hair for prom. They had so much fun getting Ashley ready for Prom…not realizing that in two weeks Danielle would be attending a far greater party -her homecoming!
21st Birthday letter - January 25, 2009
My dearest Danielle,
I wrote these exact words a year ago in your blessing that I gave you on your 20th birthday. “A sad moment this past year was saying good-bye to your grandpa - but knowing you’ll see him again as he welcomes you at the heavenly gates with his booming voice – "Welcome Home Danielle Joy". I remember driving you to Bethel following his funeral. In tears you shared how you were influenced by the sharing time at the funeral. Realizing that grandpa had made such an impact on so many lives, you told me that you want to have that type of impact on others, and that you wanted to be more bold in sharing your faith; and I’m sure you will!"
Danielle, sadly, you were welcomed home by Grandpa much sooner than anyone wanted. You have had an impact on so many people during your twenty years here...and your legacy continues. God knew that May 17th was going to be your final day on this earth, and maybe it was His prompting that led you to write cards to your friends. Never would you have imagined the impact those cards would have on so many people, as your cards led to the creation of this website.
Danielle, I hope you know how much you have impacted others, both on this earth and since you went home. I’ve received hundreds of emails/facebook entries that express how much your friends miss you: your smile/laugh, sense of humor, compassionate and caring heart, and your love for life. I’ve also received just as many notes on how lives have been changed because of you – before and after you went home. Your legacy continues! Oh honey, there will be so many that you will be welcoming home some day, saying “Thanks Danielle!”
Since your 20th birthday, we had four awesome months with you. How do we capture those months in a paragraph? Nathan still talks about the snowboarding memories. Ashley’s greatest memories were hanging with you and laughing. We’ll treasure every conversation we had with you those last few months, including your openness about how God was working in your life, as well as the areas you struggled with. And none of us will ever forget our last hug from you, and will treasure it forever.
Danielle, your life and your homecoming have impacted my life more than any other experience that I’ve had (outside of accepting Christ). I wish it had not taken a tragedy to give me a sense of urgency to reach others for Christ; comprehending how brief life is. Initially, many of my dreams were buried as they lowered your casket; but I see now how my dreams have been altered. I now dream of hugging you again...and using your life story as a way to honor God. Danielle, I love you so much and I’ll see you soon...and then it will be forever.
I’m including a picture of Danielle and her sister and best friend, Ashley. This picture was taken right after Danielle fixed Ashley’s hair for prom. They had so much fun getting Ashley ready for Prom…not realizing that in two weeks Danielle would be attending a far greater party -her homecoming! 