A Tribute to Kelly Jeanne O'Day
I didn't know Kelly, I personally met her, just once, and she moved me to write a poem about her, which then transpired into these lyrics and music through the grace and generosity of Dr. Dan Fluegel.
May all who mourn Kelly's death be comforted to know that "she flew with white winged angels to heaven." -- - Lori Dayton
Lyrics inspired by Kelly O'Day, Shelly O'Neill and the Holy Spirit
She was sweet sixteen, a virgin child
Called upon too early
but not soon enough for those waiting in the wings
A vibrant girl from a family of five
Two sisters old enough to drive
But she didn’t even have a chance to become a woman
Her destiny a winged journey back home where angels sit
Through the eyes of those who love her
Who want nothing but to say
You’re gonna be ok
Just hang on, hang on tighter
You’ll beat the odds cuz you’re a fighter
Don’t give in
Don’t give in
Kelly’s hope traveled the world
Everyone praying for a miracle
Blankets of wishing for getting well
The ups, the downs, chemo treatments
A living hell
But heaven’s light waits patiently
Just sweet 16, young and free, what you gonna be
The beagle pup she got before Christmas
Left behind in faithful bliss
She’s gonna miss
They found a lump on her leg
Malignant’s what the doctors said
Too much for her Mom and Dad to bear
Doing everything they could to keep her
Through the eyes of those who love her
Who want nothing more to say
You’re gonna be ok
Just hang on, hang on tighter
You’re gonna beat the odds cuz you’re a fighter
Don’t give in, Don’t give in
She didn’t give in
She fought to win
And flew with white winged angels
To heaven
She flew to heaven
Special Thanks to the Dan Fluegel Project
Musical arrangement by Dan Fluegel
Lyrics by Lori Dayton
Cover Art Sarah O'Neill and Tori Matt
"There are some kids that absolutely steal your heart the first time you meet them and that was Kelly."
--Sue Francis, special friend of the O'Day Family
A Tribute to Kelly Jeanne O'Day
Copies of this song are available for purchase for $5.00 each. The entire proceeds of CD sales will go towards the Kelly O'Day Memorial Scholarship at Chenango Forks High School. Click the link below for instructions on how to purchase a CD.
