While Ryan and I were house hunting in Massachusetts, I received a phone call early Sunday morning on April 27th from my sister, saying that my dear niece was gone from this Earth life due to a car wreck. It was the worst phone call I have received. So much went through my mind once the words registered. Sleeping was no longer a thought, but just the desire to get home to Idaho as soon as possible.
Life is definitely full of lessons. Yes, just a few years ago I lost my precious grandmother to health issues, but I never realized that death of the elderly versus children is something extremely different and even more difficult to understand. Dakota was just one week away from her senior prom and 4 weeks away from graduating high school. So much life ahead of my beautiful niece, so much to question why and possibly be angry at, but yet looking back there was never an ounce of anger felt. Yes, I am LDS or some may know as Mormon and yes I have a true belief that families are for forever, no question about that in my mind, but sometimes your belief is tried to make it even stronger.
Getting to Idaho couldn't happen soon enough, but once it did (so thankful my preceptor understood and gave me a whole week off) being with family and seeing the amazing response from Paul/Rupert, Idaho made me realize something about death. Death can't be overcome, but what death does for us is seal those precious memories of our loved ones. Dakota was loved and I always loved my niece, she had such a big and beautiful heart. She was my little side kick ever since she joined our family. But what I felt more was this amazing peace and comfort that my Heavenly Father bestowed upon my family at this time.
One of the greatest gifts our Heavenly Father gives us on this Earth is family. I believe I was blessed with one of the greatest. My extended family is huge and is no stranger to me. My cousins are some of my best friends. At hard times in life, family is what will help make our burdens feel lighter.
Dakota's favorite color was yellow. The night of her viewing, it was suppose to be from 6-9 pm, but it started early at 5 pm and went until 10 pm. It was estimated that over 1000 people came to the viewing. It was unbelievable to see the amount of high school friends wearing yellow to come and see Dakota.
The funeral was nothing short of amazing and beautiful. My dear niece JaQuoy (Dakota's sister) sang with Ryan "Nearer My God to Thee." It was performed with perfection and will always give me remembrance of Dakota. There was so much peace during the program that the moments of tears were because of the knowledge knowing that Dakota was happy and with our Father in Heaven. There were cheerleaders from all over Southeastern Idaho and friends from high school all in yellow. I once again realized my love for small towns and how many are not friends, but family.
My family is my rock in my life. Family helps fill in all of the holes that one feels in times of loss.
My Sisters Are My Best Friends
My main men: Pappy, Woody, and Ryan
I will truly miss you Dakota. You were my minnie me. There will always be a place missing when are family is together, but may you be our light in this time on Earth to lead us back to you in Heaven. Thank you for blessing our life for a short 18 years. Thank you for being the angel that you are who blessed my life more than you may know. May you always be over our family and know our love for you.
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