The words “live, laugh, love” so easily describe the type of person Danielle
Marie Gould was for almost all of the 17 years she enjoyed life this side of heaven. Danielle was killed in car accident just weeks before what would have been the start of her senior year of high school. In the days that followed her death a memorial service was held in her honor at the church she faithfully attended with her family and more than 600 of her classmates, family and friends gathered to celebrate her life and share the impact her life had on others. With each and every conversation the words, “Live, Laugh, Love” were spoken again and again to describe Danielle by those who knew and loved her.

Danielle was “crazy” in the sense that she was very spontaneous and lived her life with a sense of adventure. She was inquisitive and enjoyed trying new things and going places. The bible says in John 10:10, “The thief (speaking of the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Danielle discovered the source of life and living a full abundant life because she was a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and the Lord of her life and it showed in everything she did. If there is anything Danielle would want you to know is that you too can enjoy the abundant life she came to know.

Danielle also loved to laugh and yet she wasn’t rude but her laugh was very loud and it was extremely contagious. If she was laughing, people were gathering to see what it was that was so funny. Do you like to laugh? I hope you do as laughing is not only fun to do, it’s good and healthy for us because laughter soothes our hearts, minds and souls. Every time I laugh I am reminded of Danielle and her love for laughter.

Yet, the greatest characteristic, the attribute that set her apart was her love. Danielle loved God and she loved people, even total strangers. Danielle was very outgoing and had a magnetic personality but this wasn’t always so. As a little girl she was rather shy and timid but as she grew in her relationship with Jesus Christ, she blossomed into a beautiful vibrant caring person who reflected the Lord in her life in so many ways.

“Live, Laugh, Love” is just part of the legacy that Danielle has left behind. Though Danielle was not the founder of these words that we see on bracelets, plaques, frames and other items that we see today, when I see the words Live, Laugh, Love, I think of Danielle and the life that she lived here on earth. When I recall memories about Danielle’s life and the impact she had on her family and friends as well as total strangers, the word “legacy” and the realization that part of her lives on in those she has left behind plays like a movie across the theatre of my mind. My heart rejoices because like the book of Daniel declares, “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3).

My heart is comforted knowing that Danielle’s life still shines bright today because of her love for God and her desire to share His love with those she came in contact.