Danielle Victoria Elizabeth Tuma — on May 1st she celebrated her 16th birthday. On May 22nd she died tragically in a car accident just a few moments from home. I never met Danielle but I’ve gotten to know her parents Jeff & Eileen over the past few months and as you can imagine many hearts ache for them.
The Tumas moved to Port McNeill from Fort MacMurray, Alberta excited to be part of life in a small coastal town. Danielle made many friends, was working part-time and had a boyfriend Jessie. Jeff and Eileen love crabbing on the beach, fishing on their boat and life on the beach in their new home. Sadly, a move that was made a few days after Danielle’s memorial service.
Losing their beloved child — their only child has enveloped Jeff and Eileen in unimaginable grief. They are living with unbearable pain and too many questions with no answers. Somehow just 3 weeks later they are able to talk about their “Danielly belly” without crying every time. Somehow they go shopping for groceries, cut the grass, make meals and try to make their new home a place they can feel comfortable.
The memorial service was one of the saddest but touching I’ve ever been to. The Scout hall was full of family, friends, teachers and students spilling out onto the grass. Danielle’s best friend Taysha was too overcome to speak so the funeral director read a letter on her behalf. Taysha said Danielle was always smiling and encouraged her friends and made them feel good about themselves. A eulogy written by Danielle’s family talked about her as a “free spirit” who loved spending time shooting with her Dad but was also very much a girly girl.
I send this Irish prayer to all who love and miss Danielle
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there…I do not sleep. I am the thousands winds that blow…I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain…I am the gentle autumn rain. When you waken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifing rush. Of gentle birds in circling flight…I am the soft star that shines at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry – I am not there…I did not die.
Blessings from the beach…
At Water's Edge Ventures 
I came across your blog and your post about her and her family. I`m so thankful I did. I was Danielle`s best friend when she lived in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She helped me through some of the roughest times in my life and to know how many people loved her and came to her funeral comforts me in some way, as I never had the means to get there in time for it.
Thanks for the shred of hope.
Skylar Canning
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Skylar — thank you for your message. I’ll mention it to Danielle’s parents when I see them next. It’s incredible how many lives Danielle touched in just a few short months. I’ll include you in my prayers — that you find the strength and courage you need to carry on through difficult times.
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