One of the most challenging stressors in life is obviousely death, dying and divorce. Having experience all three the death of our daughter is un-comprehensible for us. She was taken away from us in a split second accident. Yes the driver was driving with a suspended license and expired tabs, yes there may have been human erron in judgement... Anger? Obviously! Pain? Un-describable! Peace! Only for our daughter Stephanie
She was and will be our 'Angel of Healing'. A Senior at the U of M. Destined to be a promising giver of life from the School of Nursing. Over the years, this young, intelligent beauty always made everyone smile when she entered a room. One of her missions in life was to make people happy and smile. How could one resist smiling back at her.
What a blessing to have experienced such an angel in our lives. Our family is so thankful to the tremendous amount of support from all the friends, family and even strangers that showed up to Stephanie's 'Celebration of Life'. On behalf of Stephanie's entire family, I want to extend our sincerest thank you to all who have shared their condolences, their wonderful stories, memories and gifts.
Stephanie clearly touched many peoples' lives and the overwhelming response to this tragedy is a tremendous tribute of her mission in life to serve and enrich peoples' lives.
We were particularly surprised to see the vast numbers of friends and faculty members from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing at both Visitation and Funeral services. When my daughter Aleasha (another nurse in the family) reminded me Stephanie was our ‘Angel of Healing', it put a few more things in perspective for both myself and Stephanie's Mom (Bonnie D'Angelo).
A special thank you to Father Kenney of Our Lady of Guadelupe Church who was the voice of the closest family members and spoke so eloquently on behalf of our family as well. Father Kenney reminded us that we really are here on borrowed time. God blesses our parents with children and reminds us that we are God's children until God needs them back. The accident was simply an accident. It was clearly human and/or mechanical error PERIOD. God did not plan the accident nor do I believe it was destined to happen. What I do believe is God saved Stephanie and made the decision moments after the accident to take her with him. Why would he take her or should I say save her soul is much more clear to me know after reading more scripture and praying. We are Gods' children and God does know what makes all of us tick. Moments after the accident God determined that either Stephanie and/or her family could handle the ramifications of the accident. While Stephanie was un-conscious (instantly) as witnessed by the very first person on the accident (Gary) and a nurse followed by a Cardiologist (Dr. Jim Finnell) who arrived on the scene moments afterwards, God made a decision to save Stephanie and utilize her ability to help and heal the souls in need. Moments after the accident, Stephanie was with God and at peace with God.
One of the hardest thing parents losing children cannot understand is simply why now? Bonnie and I have prayed for her dad (Ray Gaebel) who continues to live in a nursing home, seemingly helpless, un-happy, not responding much anymore and clearly not enjoying life anymore. We have asked for God's graces to take him peacefully in the night. I believe God didn't have the right angel to be at Ray's side when his time would come. I believe now that God does have his angel of healing in Stephanie now.
The other day, we visited Ray and had one of the most lucid visits that we can remember. Thank you God for that shining moment. Thank you God for bringing Stephanie into your kingdom. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.
Love always Snickerdoodle
Frankie :) Please click here if you want to sign or read her guest book
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