Natalie Miller

I was the manager for the girls’ varsity soccer team for three years and Natalie was on the team. She was truly hilarious and a totally fun girl—a little rough around the edges with a very sensitive side. She was a great soccer player; aggressive and talented. Natalie suffered from asthma and that tended to be a consistent problem for her. I remember many times sitting with her trying to calm her down during one of her asthma attacks. She would gasp for air, her body would shake, and her hands would turn purple. I would try to cover her in jackets and help her with her inhaler. I always worried about her, but she was a tough girl and so very courageous. I think that the asthma (and maybe school) worried the hell out of her because she started having problems with ulcers. So I always made sure that her inhaler and Rolaids or Milk of Magnesia was available—not only was I the ball hauler, uniform washer, net putter-upper, and score keeper, I also was also the resident “EMT”. But I enjoyed every minute with the girls and was honored to be a part of the team. I found out about Natalie passing away maybe about two years ago. I don’t know who told me, possibly my brother, Royce, but it brought back the memories of hearing about Dara Jones. Natalie and Dara were the two girls with severe asthma but it never slowed them down. It is terrible for someone so young with so much talent to leave us, but during the time I was blessed to know her, Natalie gave a lot to me. Go with God and be at peace, Natalie—you are missed.

Amy C. Klabunde