Friday, September 4, 2009

In Memory Of Dayna










This picture was taken at our Grandmother and Pop Bowling's. Dayna is the baby in this picture.





Today, would have been my sister, Dayna's 38th birthday. She was tragically killed at age 17 (April 14, 1989). My post today is a tribute to an awesome baby sister.

When Dayna was born, I was five years old. I was extremely upset to get another sister. I already had one and my parents and God knew I wanted a brother. I remember crying and being upset with my parents.

In the years that followed, Dayna became quite close to both Courtney and I. I am the oldest and Courtney is the middle sister. Dayna soon became the glue that held Courtney and I together. She was always positive and looked for the good in everyone. Courtney and I on the other hand fought terribly through the years. Dayna always tried to keep peace between us.

When Dayna died, both Courtney and I made a commitment to each other: NOTHING or NO ONE would ever come between us. We also committed to use Dayna's death to help others. Over the years, we have used every opportunity to share with others the affects of "one bad choice." Dayna allowed someone to drive her car. That person made a wrong choice and it cost Dayna's life and the lives of two others.

Dayna has given Courtney and I a gift that many others do not have in their lives. We share a bond united in the heart of our Heavenly Father. We long for day when we are united with our Heavenly Father and reunited with our precious Dayna.

In Dayna's memory, I ask each of you to pray about the relationship you have with your siblings. You may not have a chance tomorrow to make the changes you need to make. In a fleeting second, your world, as you know it could be in a tailspin. Share your heart with those important to you. Express how much you love them and put the past in the past. The past can not be changed. The present is yours. The future may not look as you know it, today. Begin anew!

Never more than a thought away,

Andrea

56 comments:

Karen Barnett said...

This is beautiful, Andrea. I'm sure your sister would be pleased with how you and Courtney have come together in her memory.

Terri Tiffany said...

Andrea,
I know your sister would be pleased to see how her death has made such a good impact on so many others. I am glad for your close relationship with your sister. It is special and we all don't have that. Many blessings for you today!

RCUBEs said...

This is a powerful message and I'm sad also because not many have close relationships, siblings to siblings [pls. pray for my hubby's family, they're that way]...Not having a sister of my own, I'm touched by your experience having Dayna, of how she held you three, so close, altogether. I'm also touched that you and Courtney chose to use this painful experience to become a positive one. And now, you are a great encourager to all of us. May God comfort your aching, longing hearts until that sweet reunion comes. Hugs and love to you sister. Hope and pray you're feeling better. Have a great weekend!

Formerly known as Frau said...

Thank you for sharing your sisters memory with us. I passing your words on to my youngest sister that has issue with us all. I hope your words make a difference. Blessing to you and your family my her memory live forever.

God a Have Faith said...

Andrea,

You have a great point to make! I have an estranged Brother that will not talk to me over something that happened in the past. I think it is pretty petty and have apologized several times and tried to call and talk to him, but it has not done any good. I am hoping and praying that one day will be able to be close again.

That was a great tribute to your sister and great Post!

Steve

Jeanette Levellie said...

I so appreciate this post, Andrea. I am proud of you and your sister that you allowed a tragic event to mold you into more mature people. May God continue to use you to help others,
Jen
Audience of ONE

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I just copied and pasted this to my sister. She's not a blog reader but I wanted her to see what you wrote. My heart goes out to you today./ What a beautiful post. Blessings. Sarah

Silver said...

It's a beautiful tribute to your sis, Andrea.

~Silver

Anonymous said...

Andrea~ This is inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing ths with us.....

I know Dayna would be proud to have sisters like you!

Much Love,
Andrea

Charlotte said...

What a sweet sentiment and tribute to your sister.

Often I'm reminded that just because we are related by blood doesn't mean that we always get along with one another. But hopefully being family allows each us to at least try and make just a little extra room in our heart to look past our faults.

I'm reminded of a little family fight a couple of summers ago. It started over a 99 cent bottle of H20 that my husband didn't buy my sister-in-law while playing a free game of golf with my brother and his sweet wife. This for some dumb reason got her all in a twitter!

What she didn't understand was that my sweet husband didn't have 99 cents in his pocket to buy her or much less himself a bottle of water.

Far too often people look inward and not outward to recognize poverty and I'm not just talking about money.

Laurie said...

Andrea,
What a precious tribute to your sister Dayna! I am sorry for your loss (though a while ago), but I appreciate who you are- you make the best out of everything and use every situation to glorify God. Love you, Laurie

Anonymous said...

Thank You for sharing your Sister with us , I know she is looking down at you as proud of you as she can be :)


Huggs Renee & Jacob

Marsha said...

A beautiful tribute to your beloved sister, and a wonderful challenge to all of us.

Praying for you.

Martha said...

Aw, what a beautiful heartfelt post. A bittersweet reminder to end any silly feud between family members, life is too short to hold grudges. Happy Birthday to your sweet sister, Dayna!

Heart2Heart said...

Andrea,

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am so sure that she would be so proud of you and what you have accomplished in using something that has hurt you deeply in your personal life for something good. May God be with you today and fill you with many memories and happiness you did have with her.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Unknown said...

I cried.It's such a bitter-sweet story... Thank you for sharing this with everyone..God bless u!<><

Me said...

Powerful and inspirational words, as always.

Saleslady371 said...

This is a wonderful challenge that you give today. It is vital to make any repairs with family before it is too late. I'm all for it!

Kat said...

Andrea,

Both my husband and I come from families full of broken relationships. Since meeting the Lord, and as the only believers in both of our families (except for my one brother) we have made it our personal responsibility to try to mend those ties. The Lord has led us each step of the way and grown us as Christians and in our walk with Him through it. We have made great strides but there is so much more work to be done! I have recently been greatly discouraged in this area and am thankful to you for heeding the Lord's calling this morning to open your heart to these painful memories in order to encourage me to continue in the work I know He has for me.

With much love and gratitude,

Kathleen

Loren said...

Andrea,

What a beautiful testimony....you have allowed and purposed glory for you ashes! Your sister would be so proud and clearly her seeds went into fertile ground while she was with you all and you and Courtney have allowed sweet fruit and the testimony even here today to inspire many!
Blessings to you my friend!!! I know the reunion ONE day will be glorious

I love you

Karen said...

What a sweet tribute...there are glorious reunions coming!

Anonymous said...

My older sister died an hour after she was born. I came along 7 years after her birth and death and then my brother two years after me. I have always missed knowing my sister. I love my brother dearly and pray for our relationship a lot because it's not what I would like it to be.

What a great tribute to your sisters and you... and the love you share. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous :) said...

Such a loss. I'm glad you are using her as a reminder to all of us.

Kelly said...

I'm sorry for your loss. What a great tribute.

My sisters & I are close, and I am very thankful for that.

Hope today is filled with wonderful memories of your sister, and the hope that you will see her again.

Daveda said...

This is very beautiful, thank you for sharing it with us. During the last few months, my sister and I have have grown much closer. A lot of that has to do with my grandmas illness and her death. When you lose someone it makes you value those you have left all the more. It is unfortunate that it takes something so tragic to change our hearts, yet it is just like God to bring something beautiful out of something bad. Beauty from ashes.

Glad you shared your heart with us today :)

BARBIE said...

Thank you for sharing about your sister. What a beautiful tribute. I am thankful you were so close. I am not close to my siblings, although I do try. I am a Christian, they are not, yet. My own children have quite a bit of rivalry at times and I've always told them to love one another because we never know what tomorrow may bring. I hope they will grow closer as they get older.

Jo said...

Hi, Andrea.

I just wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving your warm, encouraging comments.

This post about your sister is quite touching and heartwarming--being the youngest of nine, this truly resonates.

May you, and others, be healed through your words and memories.

Thank you for leaving your footprints....

I am proud to be a new follower of yours.

Peace, love and happiness,
~Jo
"Diary Of A Sad Housewife"

Just Be Real said...

What a beautiful tribute Andrea! It is an honor to know your sister through your words. Thank you for sharing such a special lady in your heart.

Blessings. ((((Andrea))))

Cathy said...

I tried to leave a comment earlier, Andrea, but I guess it did not take! That is such a sweet post about your sister. Thank you for those thoug for your encouraging words. Your music is pretty.

Anita C. McCants said...

Andrea,
Your touching tribute to your sister, Dayna,
made me think about my relationship with my
sisters. I've always wanted us to be close,
but there has always been tension among us.

Many blessings to you and Courtney.

Edie said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister Andrea.
Love you~

Debra Kaye said...

Andrea,

This is a moving and loving tribute to Dayna. I have 4 other siblings and I love them all dearly...good counsel here today, my precious friend.

Much love!

koralee said...

Such a lovely tribute to your sister..Dayna. Thank you for those important relationship reminders! Many blessings!

Sea Glass said...

Beautiful. Please pray for my sister. I would love for her to understand that each of does love her and want the best. Blessing always to you, Doug, and the children human and furry.

Lori Stanley Roeleveld said...

Thank you, for this Andrea. Beautiful, tragic and true.

Nancy said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I have a little sister and will see her this weekend. Will plan on sharing my love. Thanks for a helpful reminder at a difficult time for you.

E @ Scottsville said...

Oh wow, what an awful loss of such a young life, and Praise God that y'all have found a positive to take from it.

Christina said...

Beautiful!

Thank you for sharing Dayna with us. Her life and death is just another reminder that we must cherish every moment that we are given with our loved ones.

I also want to thank you for all of the kind comments you have left on my blog. You are a sweetheart and I appreciate your kindness and support!

Christine said...

Sending you a hug. Yes,we need to show our love.
Thanks for your blessing and prayers.

Leslie said...

Did you write this for me considering my post last night was really about my sister? I've often thought about what you told me regarding your sisters when we met this summer. And it came to my mind again yesterday as I was angrily writing to my sister. I'm trying to get myself out of the way, but it can be hard! Thank you for this reminder again. I'm sure Dayna is at peace knowing that she brought you and Courtney together.

As a side note, the painting in the picture looks just like one my parents had in our house when we were growing up!

Love & Hugs, Leslie

SmilingSally said...

This is an appropriate post. My twin brother is dying of throat cancer, and I love him so much!

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

By the many comments you can tell that this has touched others. Andrea thank you for stopping and sharing. You are right, our siblings are very important. We should not take anything or anyone for granted....thanks for the reminder today. Blessings,
Luanne

Gaia said...

Keeping her in your thoughts are her blessings.
Bear Hugs and God be with you always.

Yolanda said...

My siblings have totally rejected me, but I pray for them often, and when I get the chance to speak to them, I always do so in love. Maybe once or twice a year I'll run into one of them out and about.

I pray constantly for healing and restoration, but only if they will come to know Jesus. I want that first and foremost. They need Jesus, just as I needed Jesus.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Courtney said...

Thanks for sharing this heartfelt post. I'm going to take it to heart, and check in with my own sister right now. Blessings to you and your family.

A Mother Always said...

God bless you and your loved ones. Thank you for sharing this tribute with us. She must constantly be smiling down on you.

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

This is certainly a case of good coming from bad, but, goodness, how sad! May God continue to help you in your coping with this. I am sure that the hurting never goes away fully. I ask Him to send blessings your way!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

God bless you!!! This is such a moving tribute!!!
I have been truly blessed!!!

Hve a wonderful Sunday!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Mary said...

So glad I found you today, even though this is a few days old...wonderful post! Your sister watches from Heaven, and to know you will hold her again is truly a miracle! Blessings to you!

Mary

Debra Kaye said...

Happy Sunday, sweet friend.

LisaShaw said...

Very special and touching tribute to your precious sister. May God's love and peace remain with you and your family until you see her again in Glory.

Love and blessings dear sister.

Mocha Momma said...

What a wonderful tribute, Andrea. I'm sure there was a lot of pain and anguish over Dayna's tragic death.

You have turned it into something to glorify God. How wonderful that is.

I have an award for you. I hope you'll come and get it, you deserve it for being so loyal and kind.

Take care,
Nannette

Tea with Tiffany said...

Andrea,

Your sister's life is honored in this post. What a gift she was to your family. I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you for pausing to remind us to live and love our families. Our choices today matter. You are living well.

God bless you.

momstheword said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister.

We never really know how long we have with someone, do we?

What a blessing that you and your sister had the maturity to be forever changed by your sister's loss. And, in that loss, you used it to not only bless your life, but to bless the lives of others. Your sister lives on!

christy rose said...

What a sweet tribute to your sister and a great encouragement to all of us who have siblings. I love what you said about the past is the past but the future is ours.
Thanks for this,
Christy

Anonymous said...

Dear Andrea,

It is sad you lost your sister Dayna, but I am thankful she blessed your lives so richly. This is a meaningful and much needed message. Thank you for sharing this story to encourage others.

♥Hope