Thank you for the prayers, well wishes, love and kindness you have all shown me, their family and close friends.
I have been having a hard time putting this news into words! I guess I just don’t want to admit it or acknowledge the fact that she is gone. She became an angel on August 20th 2019 and left behind 3 beautiful daughters,
a husband, family and friends.
Dana was truly the most giving and kind hearted woman and will be missed by all that knew her.
I want to share with you many lessons that I learned from sweet, sweet Dana.
1. Treasure the TIME we have on this earth. Just a few days before she passed, she told me that she just wanted more time! With tears streaming down both of our faces, I wished this for her too with my whole entire heart. The fact that she shared this with me, in these last tender moments made me stop and think… WHAT am I doing with MY time??? Is it filled with love, gratitude, peace, kindness and grace? OR is it filled with fear, judgement, impatience, anger and resentment? What a reflection… I choose love now more than ever.
2. Be Grateful for all of our blessings! On Thursday, August 15th she told me that she took so much for granted! Don’t we all? I now stop more often to take deep breaths and BE present! I am more grateful for sunshine, family, children, my husband, friends, trees, health, food, freedom and safety. My intention is to be grateful for every day and have eyes of gratitude, eyes of light and love.
3. Kindness Matters! Dana was so kind! She thought of others and would do anything for a friend. She was filled with gratitude and love. The last thing she said to me on August 16th was, “Have a safe trip.” and “I love you” We were leaving for Reno that weekend to drop our oldest off to college. She remembered! She made ME feel special even though these were her last days… thinking of others was her strength and she made all feel loved and appreciated in her presence.
4. Make daily choices to stay healthy! Dana is the 3rd person very close to me that passed from cancer. First, my mom in 2012, then Jim Belk in 2013 and now Dana in 2019. I have known many others that have passed from this horrible disease but these 3 were closest to my heart. Since loosing my mom in 2012 and watching her go through treatments, surgeries, tests, prescriptions, numerous appointments and scans for 10 years, this all made me take a closer look at my own health. Yes! Some cancers are genetic but the more studies that are being done, they are finding that 80% - 95% can be prevented with our lifestyle choices.
I believe that I can do so much more to stay well and the choices we all make on a daily basis are either moving us towards disease or away from it.
5. Give Love! I asked Dana what she wanted me to do for her 3 precious daughters. She told me “Every time you see them, LOVE them.” Yes Dana, I WILL love them when I see them and I will give LOVE to all that I meet. You see, we NEVER know what anyone else is going through. Who are WE to judge? I feel we are here to love, to forgive, to lend a hand, to have patience and grace for others. May we all give more smiles, hugs, compliments and pure presence. May we treat others with the same love and concern that we yearn for.
May we go in peace to love and serve the world. Amen
I know you are watching us from heaven & guiding us all.
Thank you for being a friend and teacher to and all who knew you.
I am forever grateful for your friendship and look forward to reuniting with you again in heaven.
Shine on Dana!
Keep sending the butterflies and dragonflies as these make me smile when I think of you.
Love, Natalie
I want to close with some of Dana's Last words she spoke, "Have a beautiful day."
Thank you and God Bless you!