Thinking back over the lives of my grandparents has been a truly joyous exercise. Though I saddened by their loss, I can celebrate their longevity and impacts they made the world. That is going to be more challenging with Cheyenne. The most difficult thing I have ever had to do as a parent was walk into my 11 year old daughters room last July and tell her Cheyenne had passed away during the night.
When we moved to Oklahoma, Cheyenne was Katriel's first friend. Cheyennes house was the first place she ever spent the night away from family. They were friends, played together, got in trouble together, did the things little girls do together. Cheyenne spent the night with us Memorial day 2009, and we enjoyed a day of swimming. It was a fun day, and the last day we would spend with Cheyenne. Later that summer, she would be diagnosed with cancer, and just a year later, she was gone.
Cheyenne was not on earth long enough, but she certainly changed the world around her. That little girl had more spirit than any kid I have ever ministered too or been associated with. She was a fighter. The fight in her, and her unshakable faith inspired all of those around her. One of the greatest nights I ever remember in the ministry was the evening she showed up with Katriel. My 5th and 6th graders had been praying for her, and she comes and for one night she was the old Cheyenne. There was a song on her lips and mischief in her eyes! What a wonderful memory and impact I and all of those kids will carry.
Her life was too short, but her impact will last forever. None of us who knew her will ever forget Cheyenne. We love you Cheyenne, and I know you are waiting for all of us. I hope all of us here can live our lives as fully as you did.
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