Reflection by Tim Blaum, a junior at Goshen College.

About 30 of us just returned from Lake Park Minnesota, leaving on Wednesday the 28th at 5:00am. Upon our arrival, we promptly moved inside the parish for the visitation service that was already in progress. A line stretching out into the lobby of the chapel was the first example of the scale of the tragedy at hand. During the visitation we were able to meet Deanne’s parents, Debbie and Dale, and then proceed to pay our respects to Deanne. Off to the right of the casket was a stool full of Sharpies, and one after another, friends and family left personal messages on the casket.

The visitation led right into a prayer service. The priest led the congregation with some prayers and opened up the greater part of the service for reflection and sharing. The majority of the sharing time was wonderfully happy, full of joy, because that’s who Deanne was. This time was very healing and emotional but full of laughter. We could tell Deanne’s smile was beaming down on us.

Later that evening everyone was invited to the Binde’s home for a candlelight vigil in Deanne’s honor. We walked around the farm, singing songs that ranged from “Jesus Loves Me” to “I Will Survive.” After circling the home, we ended up in a circle around a bonfire, singing some more, and ultimately leading into more stories full of laughter. There was something about the warmth of the fire and the light of all of the candles that was so comforting that night.

As GC faculty and students we were greeted by loving arms and open homes not only the Binde’s, but their friends too. Fifteen of us spent the night at the home of one of family friends. They provided beds, warm showers, and a wonderful breakfast spread in the morning. It amazes me that through the affection of the friends and family, in just a short amount of time we were able to more clearly define ourselves as a community united by the love of the Holy Spirit and the love God had for our cherished friend, sister, and daughter, Deanne.

The funeral service was especially sentimental to the family, because we as a GC community sang one of Dee’s favorite hymns, “Be Thou my Vision.” The family had requested we sing some four part harmony, and we received several comments from others in the congregation afterwards of just how appreciated the music was.

Concluding our time in Lake Park, was the burial service and meal together back at the parish. The burial service was probably the most emotional part of the journey for me for obvious reasons, and seemingly for many others also. At one point some of the crowd broke into song again. We returned to the parish for a meal prepared by the members of the congregation. It was a wonderful final opportunity to visit with each other, Deanne’s relatives, and Lake Park friends.

Although I’ve been through the last two days, full of emotions, I still have a hard time understanding that I won’t see Deanne again. Reflecting over the trip, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with someone else which left me with the following thought. Deanne had so much left to do in her life, so many plans, and so many people’s lives to touch, yet somehow, she was more ready than anyone to go home. It still doesn’t feel real, but I know now that its because Deanne’s not gone, her powerful spirit is still here and will live with me and many others for the rest of our lives.