Crystal's Eulogy for Traci

From as far back as I can remember, Traci loved the outdoors.  Her favorite color was camouflage, and every November, she would fight with me over whose turn it was to go hunting with dad.  Ultimately, I would concede my turn to her because, once you got down to it, 4am was just a ridiculous time for me to wake up for anything.  For Traci, however, it was heaven. 

She was also tenacious and driven.  I vividly remember when she decided that she needed a horse.  I use the term “needed” because everything with her was a zealous desire. She didn’t just ASK for a horse… she drew pictures of horses… hundreds of them… and posted them around the house.  She would write stories about having horses and would vocalize this daily.  She was the master of wearing our parents down for things, which I thoroughly took advantage of.  😊

In school, she was intelligent, beautiful, and athletic.  Her talents came so naturally that I often found myself jealous of her fundamental abilities and intellect.  She was loved by everyone who met her, including teachers, coaches, and friends.  She played softball, volleyball, and loved hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.  She also ran her own tree removal business, climbing to the highest of highs to get the job done.  She was one of the toughest women I have ever known.   

Traci’s life took on a new meaning on October 11, 2000.  She gave birth to Cameron, who was the love of her life.  She would read to him daily and was always showing him math flash cards before he could even read (maybe this is why he is so smart).  Cameron was her sidekick, the thing she was most proud of in life. He became her best friend, and through her, he developed strength, determination, and a strong passion for life.  Traci was born with all these same gifts, so it was natural to see them all reflected in Cameron.  Even at the end, Cameron remained her most prized possession.

Traci’s lifelong battles were long and hard, but through it all, she always had a smile for everyone.  She would always show up with gifts for the little ones, or a kiss for her parents and sisters.  She had so much love to give but struggled with how to balance her two very different worlds.  Throughout it all, however, we have never stopped loving her.  She a mother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. She will never be forgotten. 

Crystal