I have
Gifted a Giving Key
With the word
STRENGTH
My Story
I gifted a giving key to one of my best friends Delaney Dye for Christmas. I chose the word strength. Here is why: Delaney and I have been friends since high school. When I was a junior in high school my mom passed in a tragic car accident. My life changed completely.
Delaney, Kelsie (our other best friend), and I became closer as the years went on. A short 3 years later Delaney lost her dad unexpectedly, due to health complications. Needless to say, our similar paths made us that much closer. We bonded over all our random mental breakdowns, waves of grief, the mutual hatred we had for holidays, and the constant wondering of what our lives could have looked like.
My story and path are nothing like Delaney's. Comparison is the thief of grief, but Delaney has endured more trials and overcame more challenges than are fair for one human being. She just keeps going. Delaney is a bad ass. She graduated from the University of Florida and now works for their athletic program. She has thick skin, and the ability to not take anything personal.
She keeps it real and says what is on her mind. She sees people in similar situations she went through and wants to walk them through it, even when it can be just as painful as the day she lost her Dad. It is a true miracle that we turned out okay, that we are successful human beings, and are still best friends. Or maybe it is just the work of our two angels. Delaney is the definition of strength and Donnie (her dad) is so proud.
Allie Richards
