Day One Hundred and Sixteen: A Song for Deanna

Twelve years ago, the last year we were in Black Lake, a fly-in Northern Community, six of our colleagues were on a plane that went down. Deanna was one of those teachers who survived that night. This weekend, Mom requested I sing a song I wrote for these friends. We were at the Ladies Retreat Coffee House. Deanna was sitting at my table.

A Song for Deanna

From Edmonton they took off straight into the starry night
They laughed they joked they got up close to the Northern Lights
But Stony Rapids had some fog when the pilot tried to land
A second pass took control out of their hands

And down down, they went down, but they weren't down for long
Down, down, they went down, together they were strong
Down, down, they went down, the night it was long
Down, down, they went down, listen to their song.

Stony Rapids heard the call at the airport made a plan
They grabbed their gear, filled their tanks, skidoos on the land
Some even drove from Fond Du Lac to look for the lost
It didn't matter they were strangers, they didn't count the cost

And out, out, they went out, to help those in need
Out, out, they went out, true heroic deeds
Out, out, they went out, the night it was long
Out, out, they went out, listen to their song

Search and rescue out of Winnipeg was soon on the way
Canadian soldiers hoping to save the day
They spotted a small fire, strapped parachutes on their back
Things were looking up, they jumped to get the facts.

And down, down they went down, but they weren't down for long
Down down, they went down, together they were strong
Down, down, they went down, the night it was long
Down, down, they went down, listen to their song.

In Black Lake friends and colleagues stood vigil side by side
Students joined the prayers, not a single eye was dry
At three am, they heard the news a little fire burned
At five am, they thanked God all six would return

Out, out prayers went out, to help those in need
Out, out prayers went out, for true heroic deeds
Out, out, prayers went out, the night it was long,
Out, out, prayers went out, listen to their song

Twenty below fighting odds, Joseph, Gint and Vilma
Bruised bodies, brave spirits, Deanna, Tracy and Brenda
Six everyday teachers, alone in the night, but six at their best
And man did they fight

When down, down, they went down, they weren't down for long
Down, down, they went down, together they were strong
Down, down, they went down, the night it was long
Down, down, they went down, and everyone's a hero in this song