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Dana was my best friend in all the earth. We lived right next door to each
other growing up. Our mothers were pregnant together, and gave birth in hospital
rooms right next door to each other, one day apart.
We used to play together as children; I remember going to sit on her porch
while her mom made rum raisin ice cream. I am not sure how good that was for us,
but it sure tasted delicious. We used to spend our summers swimming together at
her house, and our winters warming our toes and drinking hot chocolate at my
house.
It was a radical time. Dana and I separated for a brief while when she left
for college, but we kept in close contact writing letters to each other, and
calling on the phone. We would get back together over the summers, and fill each
other in on college sweethearts, classes, and loves.
After college Dana married Bill, and I Joe, living just a few miles apart
from each other. Dana had the twins, and I had my boys just 15 months apart from
each other. It seemed like we were destined to live parallel lives for a
lifetime. Dana was the most vibrant personality I have ever met in my lifetime.
We used to attend football games together, dressed in full regalia ready to
cheer on the team of our choice. We would also have Friday movie nights where we
would pack all of the kids in a room together for sleepovers, with children’s
movies in the family room, and grownups in another room. I have never had so
much fun in all of my life.
The best part of Dana was her sense of adventure. Dana would sometimes call
on a Saturday with the most ridiculous proposition. “Hey, let’s go fly a hot air
balloon today. Hey, let’s go dog sledding. Hey, let’s go jump out of an
airplane.” Whatever it was, I was always up for the adventure, albeit I
sometimes needed a little prodding.”
When I received the call letting me know Dana was gone, I felt as if a part
of me was gone. I have literally spent every moment of my waking life with, or
near Dana. She is very much a sister as much as she is a best friend. I will
always cherish the moments that we spent together, and love her children and
family as much as I love my own. Thank you Dana, for bringing out the best of
me, and touching my family in ways that only a true friend, and loving family
member could. I will always cherish what you have given me. I appreciate your
friendship more than these simple words can express. In the words of our Lord,
“A true friend sticks by you like family…”
You truly lived up to this Dana; may you rest in peace friend.
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