Eulogy for My Sister Donna

I first want to thank everyone for coming together as we all try and comfort each other. Over the course of the past few days many people have shared their condolences with me. In doing so the word inspiration has been used often.  As much as that word is appropriate, Donna's imprint on my life goes far beyond inspiration.  No one person has shaped my life more than my sister.

If you were fortunate enough to have Donna step into your life you were transformed, your perspectives were shifted, your focus was sharpened and your appreciation for life was stimulated. I am sure that my words only reinforce your own understanding of this phenomena.

Donna's life was so incredible, so rich and so full. Not many of us are able to live life the way that my sister did – Donna lived every day as if it were a gift. The simple things in life that most of us take for granted were never lost on my sister.

Donna always looked forward.  She never forget the memories that made her smile. She always enjoyed the present and found a way to turn the now into one of those smiling memories.

People say that when it comes to love the more you give away the more it will be returned to you. Imagine for a moment the amount of love Donna had in her heart when you think how much she gave away to each and everyone of us. The love that you returned to her enriched her life as much as she enriched yours.

When you think my sister never forget that love and remember to share it with someone. When you do my sister's soul will be lifted up along with yours and the people who receive your love. Never stop loving, never stop looking ahead and never stop embracing life. That is how my sister lived and that is her legacy.