I am so sorry to have to say goodbye to you.

I saw you two times on Sunday, the day you died. You were friendly to me, as always, at coffee break after church. Then at the clothing bank, we stood side-by-side and rummaged through kids’ pants and shirts. You told me how much better Terry was at finding clothes that fit the boys.

Not many people could come to my birthday party on July 12, exactly three months before you died. But you and the boys made it to the celebration at Moran State Park. We sat on the fishing chairs with yours and Terry’s names on them, which the two of you had gotten for a wedding gift. We roasted marshmallows with the boys and then took a walk with girlfriends to talk about motherhood and middle age.

We rollerskated together, which gave us a chance to catch up on each other’s lives. You described to me how you were inspired to lose weight by walking and you rejoiced when I got the job at Matthew’s school (of course I was honored to be his librarian).

I first met you when I worked at Michael’s preschool. Christopher would come in sometimes too, slap me a high five, and flash a contagious smile. I wondered what kind of real job you had because you always dressed so nicely. After you became our insurance agent, you would help us when I hit a deer and when our vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run.

Last year at this Halloween time, Skyler and I sat next to your family on the hayride at Camp Orkila. You were laughing at your husband’s jokes, and you seemed so in love. You seemed so in love at your church too, making so many of us feel welcome in your company.

You were my friend, Dana, and you always will be. My deepest sympathy goes out to your loved ones, especially to your grieving husband and precious sons who are left behind. God be with them. God be with us.

Claire Reutter

Deer Harbor