I’ve wanted to make this Legacy bracelet for the past few years, and yet it is also a bracelet I would never want to have to make. For 15 years I taught fifth grade at a private school, intertwining my life with many young men and women I will forever love and never forget. My third year of teaching I had a young girl named Danielle Pound who lit up my room with her notable charm, wit, tenacity, and passion for Jesus and others. I quite simply LOVED her ~ So much joy and life in that little lady! In the following years I would run into Danielle periodically at school events, at her work … and I was always greeted with the same beautiful, huge smile. What a gift!
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And then on May 17,2008, when this once young girl had now become a college student, Danielle’s earthly story ended in a tragic accident and her legacy began. Hers was the first funeral I had attended for one of my “kids.” The details of her death and the legacy of faith, family, and friendship Danielle left behind are beautifully and powerfully detailed by her mother and my friend, Melody Richards, at http://www.daniellepound.com. By making this bracelet, I am honored to be one of the storytellers who continue to share about the Light that was alive in Danielle and the Jesus who now holds her. I shall take up her momma’s challenge to live in light of eternity!
-Amy
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Oh Amy…I am writing this with such emotion…tears of both sadness and also incredibly gratitude for you! This is the most precious gift – one that I will treasure for as long as I’m here. Amy you were so incredibly special to Danielle – she always considered you one of her favorites! Not only did you demonstrate the character of Jesus in such a real, personal way that was contagious to Danielle and the other students…but you also showed genuine love for her (and others). Someday you’ll be welcomed by Danielle with her beautiful smile shouting “welcome home, Amy” – what a celebration that will be.
I love the bracelet and it will always be a reminder to “live in light of eternity”.
Love, Melody
Thank you for your beautiful response, friend ~ From the first moment I showed up at your door after hearing the news, you wrapped your arms around me and began pouring out love and speaking truth. You spoke about Danielle loving me and your assurance that Danielle was “home.” You have chosen with courage and conviction to shine His Light into total darkness, and lives will be changed as a result. You have inspired me, and I simply love you. Yep. I love you. :-)And you’re right … There’s a grand reunion coming!
In Him ~ Amy
Amy,
I know very little about Danielle and her family,her mother Melody keeps me updated on her page and in her I find the strength to be able to thank god that I have the joy to see my children grow. You see that night when Danielle passed, she passed away in my hands as I was trying to help her. The sad thing is that I was also driving after drinking at a birthday party for a friend. To this day I drink on rare events, I remember her everyday I wake up and I keep her in my thoughts on the Anniversary of her passing.I cry at the thought of someone so young and full of life to be taken so early in her life, I now worry about my children as they are now getting older and will soon be out on there own in this world. The gift of the bracelet is such a precious gift that you have given. I like knowing that she is up in heaven looking over us all and keeping us safe, and when the time comes I know she alnog with my mom will be there to greet me with the smile and the laughter that I can only read about until that day I can hear it and be able to see her smile.
Thank you so much for responding, Joni ~ I am in awe of a God who can bring “life” from death. Your eyes being fixed on heaven and your heart being filled with gratitude for your children are evidence of His heart at work … all a part of Danielle’s legacy too. While I am truly sorry for your memories from that night, I am so deeply grateful to know you were with her. God bless and stay near to you and your family!
What a beautiful idea, thinking I may order one of these for my mother-in-law for Christmas as it will be our first without my FIL
Thanks for the word of encouragement, Laurie ~ Memorial bracelets have quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of what we do ~ Honored to have people trust us with their memories and the images of those they love.
I was looking through your old posts, and Danielle’s name sounded so familiar. I went to the website that her mom had set up, and realized that I played volleyball with Danielle for a year. She was such a sweet girl, and I had no idea she had gone to glory. Such a sweet bracelet, and a wonderful reminder of her legacy.
Our lives overlap again, Allison ~ 🙂 Danielle was a wonderful friend and her life and death left an impact on my life. Fun to know that you knew her as well ~ Keep watching her momma’s website for information on how Melody is using Danielle’s story to inspire and change lives!