Last November, I found myself gazing on the frozen ground and wanting to find a way to freeze that time with my sister. In communicating these thoughts with Tim, I shared how I desired something I could always have for the kids to see.
Selfishly, I wanted to be able to preserve Traci's voice, her smile, her laughter.
Selfishly, I wanted to be able to preserve Traci's voice, her smile, her laughter.
I knew I needed to ask Traci if this was something she'd be willing to do and without hesitating, Traci was all over the idea of videoing her testimony. She had talked about wanting to do something like this by writing letters, but wasn't sure where to start. It didn't become something grim in creating a film for after she left us. It became a tool in helping us prepare her for this final step in her journey.
The secret of planning this film was so much fun to share together.
The secret of planning this film was so much fun to share together.
We flew Evan and another cameraman out in February after Traci had learned the cancer had spread once again. Before she was going to loose her hair, we wanted to film her story when she looked relatively healthy.
It was a secret Traci was excited to keep. It was a secret she wanted to keep locked up
until her service.
The blessing of being able to hear her voice again is priceless.
The blessing of being able to hear her voice again is priceless.
It is an honor to share this with you.
Her words; her story.
She gives God all the glory.
https://vimeo.com/184619763/2a
{ TRACI LYNN VAN DYKEN }
Traci Van Dyken, age 37, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, February 17, 2017 after a ten year battle with breast cancer. Traci was born April 30, 1979 to Paul and Cheryl (Schuitema) Van Dyken in Bellingham, WA. She grew up in the Bellingham area, attending Bellingham Christian School, Evergreen Christian School and graduating from Lynden Christian High School. Traci went on to Multnomah Bible College graduating with a degree in Educational Ministries. Traci was a preschool teacher at Sunshine School and Creative Minds Preschool in Portland, OR.
Traci lived for Jesus always wanting to grow and learn more about Him. People knew her for her smile. She especially loved to spoil her nieces and nephews whenever she could. Traci enjoyed hiking, camping, boating, and paddling on the Pink Phoenix Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat team. Traci was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship in Portland, OR and Faith Reformed Church, Lynden, WA.
Traci is preceded in death by grandparents Ralph and Marjorie Van Dyken, Gordon Schuitema and Al Haak.
She is survived by her parents Paul and Cheryl Van Dyken, sister Stephanie (Tim) Broersma and their children Addison, Charlie, Myriam and Baylee; and brother Jason (Lindsay) and their children Talan and Ashlyn; grandparents Etta Haak and Betty Schuitema and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was loved by her Portland family from school, church and many friends.
https://vimeo.com/184619763/2a
Traci Van Dyken, age 37, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, February 17, 2017 after a ten year battle with breast cancer. Traci was born April 30, 1979 to Paul and Cheryl (Schuitema) Van Dyken in Bellingham, WA. She grew up in the Bellingham area, attending Bellingham Christian School, Evergreen Christian School and graduating from Lynden Christian High School. Traci went on to Multnomah Bible College graduating with a degree in Educational Ministries. Traci was a preschool teacher at Sunshine School and Creative Minds Preschool in Portland, OR.
Traci lived for Jesus always wanting to grow and learn more about Him. People knew her for her smile. She especially loved to spoil her nieces and nephews whenever she could. Traci enjoyed hiking, camping, boating, and paddling on the Pink Phoenix Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat team. Traci was a member of Trinity Bible Fellowship in Portland, OR and Faith Reformed Church, Lynden, WA.
Traci is preceded in death by grandparents Ralph and Marjorie Van Dyken, Gordon Schuitema and Al Haak.
She is survived by her parents Paul and Cheryl Van Dyken, sister Stephanie (Tim) Broersma and their children Addison, Charlie, Myriam and Baylee; and brother Jason (Lindsay) and their children Talan and Ashlyn; grandparents Etta Haak and Betty Schuitema and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was loved by her Portland family from school, church and many friends.
Oh Steph, that was AMAZING! I have tears in my eyes.....wish I had known your sister!
ReplyDeleteShe was amazing. Such a gift in my life and many others as well!
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