Eulogy for Daughter

Eulogy for Daughter

I would like to thank you all for coming to Arlyn's funeral. I am truly touched that you care enough to show your support for us and your respect for Arlyn this way.

During the past few days, many of our friends and family have come to our home to show their love for us and for Arlyn. I have been especially moved by the fact so many of her teachers and principals have shown up and cried with us. I am also touched by the love her young friends had for her. Our memories of this sad time in our lives will therefore not all be bad.

But now, I would like to talk with you a little about my daughter, Arlyn Maria Johnson, who was born on Wednesday January 12, 1980 at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, the most beautiful little girl I had ever seen.

On Wednesday, August 7th, Arlyn ate lunch at home, acting normally. I noticed she didn't eat a lot, but it was no big deal. Afterwards, she showed us a dress she had bought, presumably to wear in Misty Smith's wedding. Then, Arlyn said she wanted to go visit friends and left the house.

A few minutes later, 3 miles from our home, Arlyn held a rifle to her head and pulled the trigger. She left no note.

How does a child who seemed to have everything going for her end up this way?

Arlyn had a family that loved her infinitely. She was beautiful and intelligent; her sense of humor was remarkable. Arlyn was kind, a friend to anyone who would let her into his or her life. She had a part-time job as a waitress at Quincy's, which she enjoyed.

Arlyn had accepted admission to Tulane University in New Orleans and the week before she died, she shared her schedule of fall courses with me enthusiastically. I reviewed these facts over and over in my mind, trying to discover why she would not see how lucky she was, but I could not find an answer.

From the time she was a little girl, Arlyn has brought joy and laughter into the lives of others. When she was little, she sucked her thumb. She was nurturing; she carried her teddy bear with her everywhere. One of her greatest pleasures was dressing up in beautiful long dresses; she dreamed of being Miss America one day.