A girl who inspires me

So, my Sunday editions of inspirational people are few and far between.. but I am going to take a minute today and tell you about someone whose middle name is Inspiration. Everything she does, she gives it 110%. She always looks on the bright side, she's constantly expecting GOOD things to come her way... and they usually do. Have you ever read The Secret? (the book that explains the law of positive attraction..) Well, my friend, Danalin could have written it herself.

I met Danalin my first week in Rexburg. She was my next door neighbor and I am pretty sure we hit it off from the get go. There were 4 of us that became inseparable, the famous Val Bateman being one of them, and the ever-hilarious Kelly O being the other. All four of us were outgoing to start with, so when we were together, it was always a party. I have a million memories with these girls, but a picture will have to do for now. This is us after doing one of our famous, "Down on Bended Knee" performances. Sadly, most of these clothes came from MY closet.


I am so very grateful I had the opportunity to meet such wonderful friends at such a vital time in my life. It's been ten years since this picture was taken, but we all remain close (another reason I just LOVE blogging!) Every time I hear the hymn, "Each life that touches ours for good" I think of these girls and how grateful I am for their friendship in my life...

Now, if we could just talk about Danalin for a minute. She is really incredible. She is a mom of two adorable kids and just completed her VERY FIRST MARATHON. She isn't a runner... but just wanted to do something challenging. That is exactly why I love her! When she sets her mind to do something, you better watch out! She is determined and strong and I am inspired by her example. Each morning when I get up to run, (and especially in this cold weather) I feel myself starting to complain. And then a little voice comes in my head that says, "Dana ran a freakin' marathon! By herself! I can do a measly 4 miles..." Honestly, I can't tell you how many times I have said that to myself. I don't think I could have trained myself and carryout with a marathon, but one of these days, I am going to be just like Dana!

Because the marathon was in Vegas, Aaron and I had the opportunity to go out to dinner with Dana and her husband (and her siblings) the night before the run. We didn't bring a camera with us to the restaurant, but I wanted to make sure I wrote something down about that night because I don't want to forget it. Somewhere in the middle of dinner, Tyler, Dana's awesome hubby, quieted down the group and asked everyone to say something about Danalin before her big run. It was such a sweet moment and even though Ty was trying to get a little bit of attention himself because he was "her coach" I loved what he said.. which was that Dana has a fire inside of her. She can do anything she sets her mind to and is such an incredible, inspiring person. I completely agree and find her example so empowering! I want to do more for myself and for others because I know Dana.

I said a few things about her that night that I love, but I didn't share my most personal and touching story about Danalin. I am going to do that now because I don't have it written down anywhere else... and because it's Inspiration Sunday on my blog...

During our Sophomore year at college, I got sick.. really, really sick. I began the year feeling energtic and outgoing... and about a month into school (just after I told Aaron that I would never be able to think of him more than a friend) I was struck down with Mononucleosis. I literally was on my death bed for 4 whole months. I tried packing up and moving home for a semester so that I could recover and not let this sickness ruin my college career (I was on scholarship and had to keep a high GPA or else I would lose it.) Anyway, Heavenly Father had different plans for me and wanted me to stay at school even though I wasn't physically able to care for myself.. I was awake for a couple of hours per day. I could barely eat.. Taking a shower was so exhausting for me that it would knock me out for 6-7 hours. What I am saying is that I needed major help. I had 18 credit hours that semester, half of which were honor classes. It was terrifying for me and stressed me out so much because I just couldn't stay awake long enough to do anything. My roommates were frustrated with me because I was sleeping all day and wasn't the same fun person that I used to be. I felt very alone and very scared to be so sick and so far away from home. With that said, let me tell you about an angel that was sent to me.

My dear friend, Danalin, was my lifesaver. I think she must have known that I needed a miracle. And she was willing to do whatever, whenever I needed it. She literally carried me through those 4 months. She brought me breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, muffins, medicine, etc, etc. She would visit my teachers and give them updates on my condition and ask for any homework assignments I missed. She found a laptop for me (they weren't very common in those days :) and helped me type out papers and assignments that were due. She printed out my homework for me and handed it in. She literally did it ALL. At the time, I knew that I wouldn't have been able to survive without her, but I don't think I realized how important our friendship would become over the years. I cannot think about this time in my life without getting emotional. It was a life changing experience for me because I was completely humbled and was trying SO hard to do what God wanted me to do (at the end of the 4 months I was engaged...) But looking back, I don't think Dana understood how much she meant to me. She was just doing her thing-- trying to be helpful and caring-- when in reality she saved me. She is a true friend and so aware of the needs of everyone around her. She is able to connect with others and befriend anyone because she is sure of herself. She is an incredible woman and I am lucky to call her my friend.

I have so many picture of the two of us together... but here are just a few..

explanations.. because some of the pictures need it.
1. Sledding together one cold winter night in Rexburg. Dana, did you pee your pants that night or was that Brie?
2. showering together in our swimsuits. Oh, the things you do in college.
3. jail break. why were we wearing orange vests? I think maybe a service project on campus.
4. both RS presidents at our first Enrichment night.
5. It will never be BYU-I to me
6. 80's dance night
7. laughing at one of the many dances we went to.
8. MORP.. the night I met Aaron. The same night Aaron told Dana she reminded him of Cyndi Lauper. I shouldn't have brought that up. sorry, Dana.

And this picture is awesome, but couldn't fit in the collage. We were dressed up as the Spice Girls. Danalin was Sporty Spice. I was Ginger and I happened to be wearing the TIGHTEST pants.. ever. I have no idea how I got those on. I think they were a size 2 (stretch jeans, I am sure...) I still remember counting down the minutes until I could take those babies off! Talk about suffocation!

I wanted to post a picture of the two of us on my wedding day, but I think that photo album is still boxed in the garage. Dana flew in for my wedding even though life was SO crazy for her. It meant a lot to me. When she got married, Aaron was in law school and we were living so far away in Spokane. It was such a priority for me to be there for her big day. So much so that I made Aaron come with me... and she got married on HIS birthday. Priorities are priorities, people.

And it just so happens that I am wearing the same dress that I wore to her wedding. That's right... as I sit here typing, I am wearing that dress.. don't ask me why I am still in a dress 4 hours after church is out.

*off to change into comfortable jammies*

To wrap it up, Dana is such an inspiration to me. Not only as a marathon runner, but as a friend, wife and mother. She lives a happy life with a wonderful husband and two of the cutest kids on the planet. And knowing her, she wouldn't have settled for anything else. She is going to go far in life and I hope she will remember me when she becomes famous... she's totally General Relief Society President material.

Oh, and not to take away from Miss Spotlight, Danalin, but I just thought I would show you how much I actually do look like Ginger Spice. People tell me that in public all the time.. I mean, they used to when the Spice Girls were more popular and when I was more young and cutesy. Doesn't this look exactly like me-- (minus the cleavage, of course.)