Jayda was the kind of little girl that captured your heart from the very first moment you met her. She always smiled and loved making other people smile. I still remember having her in my sixth grade language arts class. She was quiet, but had many great things to say when called upon. The other students loved her and were concerned about her health. I think it was easy for my other students to care for her because she loved them so much and enjoyed being at school when she could be there. Her creativity amazed me: her artistic ability and writing ability. The potential within her was so great. She had a positive attitude and drive to persevere no matter what was thrown at her. And there was a lot thrown at her. Jayda battled cystic fibrosis ever since she was born. Cystic fibrosis greatly affected her lungs. She used a breathing machine and had numerous visits to the hospital throughout her lifetime. She was often sick with upper respiratory illnesses, easily caught from others. Life was a struggle for Jayda. Breathing was not easy at times.

She was so young, however, she was so courageous. She was an inspiration to many just because of her smile. She was always smiling, always loving other people. And she wasn’t afraid to tell others that she loved them. Jayda gave her love and encouraging words out freely, and didn’t care for anything in return. She wanted people to feel good, even when she wasn’t feeling her best. It made her happy to see others happy. I’ll always remember the day I visited her before her passing. It was in April and my friend and I were traveling to the hospital in Asheville. We were stopping to get gasoline when we suddenly saw a bald eagle flying in the sky. It was soaring in the air with three eaglets (baby eagles). It was beautiful. That same day I told Jayda about the eagle and that I felt the eagle was for her. I said that God wanted her to know that she can trust in Him and He will give her strength. Isaiah 40:29 says, “Those who hope (trust) in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.” 

Though her body was weak and dying, I know her spirit was strong and alive. She was in a lot of pain that day at the hospital, but still managed to smile and say, “I love you.” I’ll never forget her praising God outloud in her hospital bed, proclaiming Jesus’ name, with her hands in the air. She loved God so much! She knew that He was with her.

One of her last wishes and prayers was that her parents (her father and mother) would be saved and know Jesus. She always prayed for them. She loved them a lot. I pray they know how much she really loved them and how much she loved the Lord and followed Him. 

Jayda expressed true child-like faith in the face of adversity and pain. Her faith helped her through sickness and gave her hope for when she died. I know she’s in heaven now, looking down and smiling on us. She’s breathing in fresh air with her new heavenly lungs. Her courage gives people hope even today, because she truly was a blessing to all of those who ever knew her and to all of those who will get to know her through her story, and through her testimony of faith and love. 

I dedicate The Heart of a Friend in honor and memory of Jayda Toineeta, a courageous girl, who has inspired many people through her love, joy, and beautiful smile.