Memorial to Delaney Children change us all – whether they live or no Delaney changed every person in this room in one way or another. We all knew Delaney. We heard her laugh, and we saw her cry. Those of us who went to school with here saw here arrive clean and tidy for the day and go home dirty and disheveled. She loved to run on the playground. Delaney equally liked to play with the boys and girls; this made her very popular at recess and aftercare. For those of you who played particular games with Delaney, you’ll always remember her when you play them in the future. Delaney was kind and generous. When she was in Ms. Navas’ class, she would give her juice box to students who did not have one. She would then drink water and say, “I’m okay. He can have mine.” This was when she was three and four, an age when most children have to be forced to share with one another. I’m sure Ms. Navas will always think of Delaney when she’s trying to teach someone else how to share. Delaney liked fairies and colors pink and purple. My mother’s favorite color is purple; whenever I wear it I think of her. Now, I’ll also think of Delaney. I’ll smile when I think of here, and I’ll remember her bright eyes and beautiful face. Delaney loved to read. I’ll never forget seeing all of the books she read one summer piled around her. She won our summer Penny-A-Page reading program that year by reading over 1100 pages! I don’t believe anyone will read a book this summer without thinking of Delaney. Many of you, myself included, will always think of her when you read. These are only some of the ways that Delaney changed some people, and these are only a few ways that Delaney will live forever in our hearts and minds. Remembering someone you love is about celebrating life. As we remember
Delaney, let’s always celebrate her gifts. |