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This message board is a place where friends and family can leave messages for or about Dani.
Written by Mindy on Jul. 24, 2009
Been missing you a lot.

Written by Mom on May. 11, 2009
My Dearest Dani,

Aunt Niecee, Grandma, Mimi, Katie and I went to the play "Dirty Dancing" yesterday in celebration of you! You watched that movie over and over again. I would have loved to take you.... but, I know you were there with us. We ate dinner at CPK and had a very special waitress, her name was Dani. I love you darling and I miss you dearly.

Today is Mother's Day. I'm trying to be peaceful with this day. I pray some day I will. You make me so proud Dani. Sean is growing up to be such a beautiful person, I know you are watching out for him.

I wanted to share with you a poem that Bob wrote for me today:

Mother's Day 2009

My Darling, Charlene

This is a day
The nation stops to thank
Our mothers.

From the depths of my heart and soul
I want to thank you for being
A wonderful, loving mother.

A warm loving person
Not only to her daughter and son,
But also to my three sons.

It is not every day
That we stop and tell you
How much we appreciate you.

But please know
That for every day I breathe
You are loved and thanked.

We know, too
That this day
Brings sadness.

With that,
We understand
And share that sadness, too.

Though too often unsaid
Please know
We love and thank you.

With all our love and graditude
Robert
Danielle and Sean
Peter, David and Matthew

Email:
Written by Steve Hall on Apr. 13, 2009
Hi Dani,

You didn't know me but we have a friend in common... she's one of your best friends. I really wish I could have had the opportunity, or I should say privilege, to know you when you were here. As I've learned about your life, seen quite a few of your pictures, and read some of the heartfelt thoughts expressed by others, I can't help but shed tears and wish things had turned out differently. You were clearly a wonderful person that this world was blessed to have. And I wish you could know how much you continue to touch people's lives. I asked our friend in common to leave a flower for you from me the next time she can, and she promised that she would.

<3 Steve

Email:
Written by Whittney Petersen on Feb. 5, 2009
To the angel in the sky who I think saved me (Dani).

As I read all about you Dani, it is amazing to me at how much we have in common. It sound ironic, but you are the younger version of me and I never met you. People come together for reasons and in mysterious ways.

I was in a in a Dirt Bike Accident in Ocotillo Wells, were I thought I pulled a muscle in my neck, well to find out, I broke my neck (C1 & C2) and had a severe concusion, on November 9, 2009.

I have been so blessed to be able to come home after 5 days in the trama ward and hug my children, which is the best feelng in the world. I believe you were the angel that looked over me during this time and made it possiable too come home to my children.

(Now a little about me)

I swam for San Clemente for 4 years, have worked and love kids (where my passion is), I have always taken responsibility for my own actions and I enjoy taking care of others before yourself.

I want to thank you and pray to you, please watch over others like you, and bless there lives as you did mine. Thank you for being that angel Whittney Petersen

Email:
Written by Kris Minton on Jan. 11, 2009
Dani,
I was just watching the video yearbook in 2006 and saw you. It was really good seeing you and your smiling face. No one will ever forget your smile and the love you shared with each person you met. I miss you. Heaven is right around the corner. Hope to see ya soon!!

Love Always,
Kris Minton

Email:
Written by Bob Berends on Nov. 26, 2008
Dani

We miss you ... Yesterday on your birthday, Mom got a tatoo in your memory, which consists of the word "Grace" superimposed on a flying dove. The dove represents hope and peace, that is, the hope we have to be re-united with you in Heaven. The "Grace" represents God's Grace, that is, sharing you with us for your 18 years on Earth. For your birthday, Mom, Sean and I spent the day cherishing your memory. Too, Aunt Denise came over with her three daughters and together with your mother they did a little shopping and then watched a movie at the house, a chick movie, which is something that Mom often longs to do with you .... Tomorrow we will also spend the day cherishing your memory, and thinking about the two long years since we last saw you. We love you and miss you.

Always

Bob

Email:
Written by Torrey on Nov. 20, 2008
Dani,
The newest james bond movie is out and i know you would have loved it. i saw it a few days ago and i was thinking of you the whole time. i remember when you brought me to my first james bond movie for your birthday and got me hooked. and you pretened to be james bond when i took you target shooting. i miss those days with you. all your friends are growing up now, over halfway done with college and its sad to not see you here with us sharing these moments. i was just in la jolla 2 weekends ago and now i know why you loved it there, its beautiful. i miss you lots chicka, as two years are coming up. say hi to my dog calle for me, i miss you both like crazy. take care love.

lovingly forever,
Torrey

Email:
Website: www.torreyleephotography.com
Written by Michelle on Nov. 7, 2008
Dani,

Wow where do I begin? I came across this site again and I thought I'd write a note to you since I never had to strength to do it before. I miss you so much and I want you to know that you had such a significant impact on me. One of my favorite memories is when you taught Kathy and I to eggbeater on the side of the pool when we were confused little sophomores who knew nothing about water polo. You were always so selfless and never hesitated to help others. Your loving heart is what stood out the most about you. It was evident in everything you did. I still have the beanbag you gave me for my 16th birthday in my room and it always reminds me of you. I miss your smiles and hugs and your positive attitude no matter what the circumstances were. Your brother doesn't know me, but every time I saw him at ET I thought of you. You two look so much alike.

You and I never discussed faith, but it was obvious from your actions that you had a strong relationship with God. I don't understand why He decided it was time for you to go to Heaven so soon. That's one of the many questions I have for Him when I get to Heaven. Maybe it was because He wanted you to be closer to Him. I know that you are having a blast there and are looking down on all of us.

Well I'm in college now. Hard to believe, I know. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman at ET and you and Becca and Courtney were teaching me all about high school swimming. Anyways, I go to UCI and I love it here. I wish that I could call you and tell you all about it and hear stories about how college is going for you. I miss you so much. But I know that I will see you again some day in Heaven.

You are so special to everyone you knew and you'll always be in our hearts with us. I love you! Keep smiling!

Love always,
Lami

Email:
Written by Bob Berends on Oct. 10, 2008
Dani

You are always in our thoughts and prayers. And as evidenced by the messages below, many others spend a lot of time thinking about you and expressing their love for you and thanks for the contributions you made to their lives.

I spent some time yesterday with your father and Sean, and can tell you that you are loved and missed.

We are approaching the second anniversary of your Passage to Heaven. Todd told me that again, on the day that he received an email from your father, mother or me, that he had a loving dream about you, which is what happened when I sent him an email earlier this week. See, Dani that shows me you and God are working together and staying in our lives.

One of my new clients sent me an email yesterday telling me how touched she was reading the messages in this website, and telling me what a wonderful person you were to all of us. Coincidentally, her 20 year old daughter -- who attended Mission Viejo High School -- is a sophomore at UCSD. See! You continue to touch so many lives.

I received an email yesterday from the Bahls, who lost 3 year old Andrew [in a Rhino accident] the same day -- 08/24/2008 -- I posted a message on this site. They mentioned it in their message to me. Here is part of their message: "I know [Dani] has surely met Andrew by now and I'm sure she is 'showing him the ropes.'" Just like you were there for Uncle Joe, Ashlyn, JT and too many others, we know you were there for Andrew and helping him to make this transition.

We love you and miss you. Always ...

Bob

Email:
Written by Kris Minton on Sep. 23, 2008
Dani,
So I was praying that you and me could be together right now because I miss you so much but its like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert but I'm holding you closer in my mind knowing that I will be with you one day. I better get one of those famous hugs that you always gave me. Just a warning I am not going to let go. But obviously your mom gets first dibs of course. You are my heaven Dani and it doesn't seem so far away. Life is so short here that we will end up together in heaven soon enough. Every time I see your mom and I look into her eyes I see you. You taught me so much in so little time. The one thing I regret most in my life is not being able to say goodbye. I just wish I could have said something more. The last time I saw you was when you came back to El Toro to say hi to people and I saw you at the end of snack. You gave me an amazing hug and a kiss. Now looking back on it I never realized how much that ment to me. I love you so much Dani. Every night when I go to bed I ask God why you. You were going to do such great things for this world. In my eyes you were not done with your masterpiece you were creating. May you live in my heart forever. I want to live in the footsteps you were going to walk in. Help me change the world in the way you would have.

I love you with all my heart and always will,
Kris Minton

Email:
Written by Katie Walsh on Sep. 18, 2008
Hey Dani!
I was just sitting at my desk trying to do my math homework and i started thinking about you and how i miss you helping me with my homework. I have been going threw some hard times lately but everyday when i get into my car and look at the picture i keep of you on my visor i smile and get a little confidence to have a great day and live it to its fullest. the world needs more people like you. I love you and keep watching over us please!

Email:
Written by Bob Berends on Aug. 24, 2008
Dani

Thought I would tell you that there is a network of parents whose children -- Abby, Ellie, Sydney, JT, Dusty and Kirston to name a few -- who have died in Rhino accidents similar to yours. I am certain you have already met these children, as well as many others whose lives have been taken by the Rhino. We share our pain with one another. More importantly, we share our stories with government agencies, newspapers and others. Our mutual goals are to warn of the Rhino's dangers, to encourage Yamaha to re-design the Rhino and most importantly, prevent future accidents that result in deaths or injuries.

JT's mother met with representatives with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission this past Thursday, where she presented a PowerPoint presentation that included your picture, as well as other children who have been lost due to Rhino accidents. Looks like the Commission has allocated $1 million to study the Rhino accidents. I previously wrote to the CPSC and in response, they sent me accident reports on over 10 other Rhino accidents that resulted in deaths.

Ellie's father and I have been talking for months about our pain. He set up a site that lists (a) Yamaha's own records list over 140 lawsuits over the Rhino, (b) 50 lawsuits in Orange County, and (c) Yamaha's own Customer Service department's records consisting of over 200 pages of people complaining about the Rhino.

After reading that a police department in Wisconsin received a free Rhino, I wrote to the Police Chief asking him to implement a safety program to ensure his Department's officers. He wrote back immediately thanking me for my letter and telling me he was not aware of the Rhino's dangers.

I posted warnings on some websites and although I received many messages from parents extending their sympathies, I also received some vicious messages from others who blame me/us for your death. How cruel! It won't be until they experience a loss of their loved one that they will truly understand our pain and Yamaha's responsibility.

Most people tell us they never knew about the Rhino's dangers. Our mission is to warn others and, hopefully, prevent any tragic death.

We miss you, Dani ....

Bob

Email:
Written by Kim on Aug. 7, 2008
Hi Dani, I remember how you liked to take pictures of Kamryn in her costumes - so I thought I would share a picture of Bonnie. She makes us laugh and I know you would love her. Love you Kim

Email:
Written by Bob Berends on Jul. 7, 2008
Dani

Last night while praying, I asked God for a sign from you. Moments later, I felt you blowing on my arm. Thank you for making your presence known. You know, your mother and I pray for you every night as she misses you so much, as do Sean and I. We are now in San Clemente living in the house that you once described on your computer as being "the perfect beach house." Your spirit fills our hearts and it's our faith that you are safe in Heaven with God that gives us the strength to endure your physical absence. We love you and miss you.

Bob (for Mom and Sean)

Email:
Written by Marty on Jun. 19, 2008
I think about you every day. Your absence is a void that I cannot fill, no matter what I do. My heart aches for your family and friends. You were the speical one. Know that you touched everyone you ever met with your smile and beauty