Donna Miller
I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of seeing Donna every week (almost) for the last 34 years, you see I was her hairdresser with ironically the same first name! We shared many memories and conversations that I will hold forever in my heart. I knew her family just as well as my own as she did mine through many countless hours of sharing. So as much as I am saddened by losing her for myself, I am deeply saddened because I feel the loss and pain for her family.
Donna was a second “mom” to me in many ways, especially after the loss of my own mother in 2012. She never forgot a birthday or special occasion. When I was on a maternity leave from my 4 children and eventually took off a few years from working at the salon to be at home with them, she would drive to my home with her hair already washed and ready to be dried and styled. She didn’t want to take up too much of my time but so appreciated me still able to do her hair. It was not uncommon for her to be cradling one of my babies in her arms as I was doing her hair. When I returned to the salon she followed me back there as well, always supporting me and all my endeavors even though I’m sure there were times she had her reservations. She often came bearing gifts with fresh baked goodies or the best mandarin oranges I have ever eaten from tress that her dad planted many generations ago.
She often spoke of all of her church responsibilities and always with a smile. She would speak of the meals she would prepare and how the kitchen was her castle. She was so proud and honored to be serving the Lord through her time and talents there. I know that her presence there and in and around church will be truly missed.
When someone comes into your life at the age of a young adult and watches you grow through 34 years of marriage, have a family and learn throughout all the good and bad…they become family. I will miss her so much more than I can express. I would like to think that Donna and my mom are sharing stories together in heaven and she is catching my mom up on the last 10 years of my family’s life as well as sharing about her’s that she loved so very much. That is my vision and my peace.
I pray you will find your own peace that will surround you over the difficult days to follow. That you will find support from each other and love because that is what she would want for all of you. Take one day at a time and take time to cry. Your tears will heal your pain and enable you to carry on.
She told me after her diagnosis that she knew where she was going and she was prepared to give herself to God but that she would miss her family and the friends she had to leave behind. As difficult as this may be in the days ahead for all of us that has had the privilege of knowing Donna, she didn’t want anyone to worry about her beyond this life because she believed she was going home…in the eternal arms of Jesus!
