Farewell to Donna, a tribute to who she was, what she stood for and how she made a giant impact in my life. Like many things she did, she started with a theme, like giving all her kids a name that started with the same letter. In her honor my selected theme is the letter F because these words best define her true spirit. Faith- Family-Friends-Fellowship-Food-Fashion- Fun and Forgiveness.
Faith: John 3:16 For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have ever lasting life. She was the most beautiful Christian wife, mother and friend. She cared about living her life in a way that was pleasing to God. She cared about sharing her faith with others. When life had its struggles she stood by her faith, leaned on the Lord and persevered with praise. When life brought joy and accomplishments she made sure the Glory went to God.
Family: Donna had her life prioritized in the right way. God first then Family. Maybe it was because of this priority God choose to have our paths meet. I was a single mom to a then 8 year old daughter, having a hard time accepting my divorce, working two jobs and feeling very much alone. My prayers at that time in my life were all about my daughter; her happiness, her wellbeing. Sometimes our prayers are answered in unexpected ways. For the answer I received, came in the form of a Mother’s influence, exactly what I was missing and what I so desperately needed. She loved on me, guided me, influenced me and took me right under her wing like an adopted child. She shared her family with me and I gained a sister. Her relationship with her daughter was the single most beautiful relationship I had ever seen for a mother and a daughter. And just like the blooming of a beautiful peony there I was woven into her life and the tapestry of God’s plan for me. The amount of love that was poured into me from someone who was choosing me will forever impact my life.
Friends: Two years ago Donna threw herself a 60th birthday party at her house. The guest list was big. She wanted all her close friends with her to celebrate. She said, “ you can never have too many friends. It’s not a competition, each one holds a different gift and makes that specific friendship unique. You may have childhood history with one, girlfriends you would call to shop with, a few to travel with, some that love cooking, some that need comfort and counseling and some that just make you laugh.” She said her friends were like flowers in a garden coming together to create unduplicated beauty. She was a friend down to the end making sure that her unsaved friends knew in order for her to see them again in Heaven, they needed to accept the Lord.
Fellowship: This word best exemplifies Donna’s dedication to helping others by giving of her time. In today’s hurried up lifestyle and frustrations waiting for a page to load on the computer, Donna believed her time was best spent being there for others. She had the capability to find humor in the midst of trying times. She wasn’t afraid to get into the guts of a problem and find a solution. She loved throwing parties and cooking food for family and friends. Time was a noun that we all wish we had more of, but she made sure that she always had time available for you.
Food: Where there is food there is loved ones. She was an amazing cook! She understood the concept of pouring love into her recipes. She loved to cook and she loved to try new things. Food Network was an inspiration and she had her favorites. A beautifully set table (themed of course), the anticipation of expected guests, the blessing on the food and conversation that’s shared created such a joy for her.
Fashion: Oh my, how she loved fashion! She would spend hours perusing through Marshalls like it was shopping therapy and sometimes it was. She could put together complete outfits for the fraction of the cost at Mall stores. She was always put together and new when to dress to the nines and when to just show up as is. Although she loved it all, the hair, the make-up, the clothes and the accessories, she knew her self-worth was based on her character, integrity and God’s love for her. Her beauty shined through from the inside out.
Fun: Donna had a sense of adventure. These adventures took her on amazing experiences and travel destinations. Her most favorite spot was Maui, Hawaii. She felt at home there. Hawaii has a sense of rest, relaxation and healing and this rang true for Donna. This was her go to destination and many years were spent with family and girlfriends with toes in the sand.
Forgiveness: This perhaps was one of her greatest gifts. She had the ability to speak the truth in love and spirit and to forgive. Her counsel to me on this subject was grand in size. Forgiveness sets you free and boundaries protect you. We will be judged according to the measure of how we judge others. She had the understanding to go deeper in relationships and get to the real issue. Recognizing flaws in others and choosing to move past them whether you get an apology for being wronged or not, will free you to accept the love that waits for you on the other side of holding a grudge. It’s a leap of faith, remember Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you...”
God knew what I needed. We had a common denominator when we met, an unconditional love for God and for our daughters. Through the years I’ve learned from her life and her example. She taught me how to be a better wife, mother and friend. I am grateful for having known her, having felt her love and spending the time that I did have with her. Cancer is an ugly word but it did not define her. God had her in His hands the whole time. His love reflected through her words, her actions and her trials. I will forever be changed by loving her and I will miss her deeply every day of my life.
