The following was written to the community of Eureka by Terri Burns, Alyssa's mom:

"As many of you know, Alyssa struggled with a rare autonomic disorder that resulted in her fainting after going through position changes - like going from sitting to standing in school or church. Her participation in sports did not seem to be affected because her body could make use of the elevated pulse and blood pressure.

Following a very bad episode in which we thought we were losing her, she regained consciousness with a different manner about her. The family noticed the change, but didn't know the reason for it. She went through another episode and I brought her home from school. We were sitting on the couch together when she described the earlier fainting episode. She described the horrible pain and feeling like she didn't have the energy to fight - that she was simply ready to die. She said a small light started in front of her and grew steadily larger until it overtook her - overtook everything. She felt a presence and understood that it was not her time, she was to go back. She understood that her time was not then, but soon.

She journaled as she dealt with what she understood. In her writing you can see her deal with what she knew to be the next phase in her life.

She loved life, family and pets and her friends. It was important to her to try silly, harmless things, support the underdog, and work hard at what she decided was worth it.

The last few weeks of her life saw what was perceived to be a disappointing change in plans. Apostolic Christian Skylines - the facility where she, her brother, and I work - had not had their annual survey. Due to the incomplete survey, we parents could not leave on vacation. Family from Wyoming who were to be in charge of the kids should anything happen to Joe or I on the canceled vacation, changed their plans to stay with us at the house in Eureka.

The day of Alyssa's accident, the driver of the other car that Alyssa almost hit saw her SUV roll. She called 911 and ran to help her. She related that Alyssa was at peace and not struggling when she reached her. She started CPR and continued in prayer as the responders reached them.

That night we were suddenly insistent on reaching this woman to make sure that she was not upset. A friend was able to contact her. The woman from the accident related that she was struggling with her emotions when her young daughter brought her a book that was written for her during a co-op project between the high school and Davenport (Elementary). This book was written by Alyssa.

The ways of the Lord are difficult to understand. The circle of the book shows us that indeed this accident was part of His plan. Much as us parents grieve as our young ones start school, or start college, we grieve at this next step Alyssa has taken without us. We will miss her so. But she was ready. Fortunately she had the ability and time to let us know she was satisfied with what she knew to be a direction her life would soon take.

Learn what you need to from her life and accident. When she was 3 we had a very large German shepherd. They often would head into the pasture together. We used to say, "Have friend, will travel." Now we draw comfort from the vision of her with our Lord. "Have friend, will travel."