A Sad Goodbye

Deana

11/4/72 - 2/28/10

I got some news last week that I was not expecting. A childhood friend of mine, Deana, was murdered by her boyfriend.

Deana and I became fast friends, and after a particularly bad period in her stepfather’s house she moved into our house (whole different story). She lived with us for about a year. We shared just about everything, including a room. I had my license by then and we used to drive everywhere. We loved to just to drive because we could. We did some stupid stuff back then, like driving way too fast out past the Naval Weapons Station, but we felt happy and free. It was some of the best time of my childhood. During that time I think she was able to see how a “normal” (but then who is normal?) family functioned. She got to witness my parents going to our high school and taking the art teacher to task for treating Deana very badly. I really remember how much that meant to her.

One of the other bright spots for Deana and I was Danielle. Danielle was Deana’s half-sister and we had a blast taking her places and just being with her. Later, when Melissa got older, we did the same thing with her. We loved to have them with us. I have to admit that I still have a huge love and soft spot for Danielle. Who is now a loving mother of her own beautiful daughter.

Deana was an amazing friend. I knew without a doubt I could tell her anything. She always made me feel at ease and as though we were sisters. I deep regret that I didn’t keep in touch somehow. I know she had a lot of problems, but don’t we all? I always assumed there would be time. I think I always thought that some day I would see her back at church. I am so sad and a bit mad that someone took away that chance. But I KNOW ultimately it is God who decides and I have great comfort in that. I know that I will see Deana in the Kingdom of God and I will be right there to greet her.