On October 15, 2012, one of my biggest supporters fell into eternal slumber after losing her battle with leukemia. My aunt, Sharron, was one of few who believed in me, even when I didn’t. She stood by me, no matter what and accepted me with all my faults. She inspired me. She was truly an exceptional human being and I am blessed and proud to be part of her family. She was an angel on earth, so I know she’s more than that in heaven. And I know she will be watching and cheering me on as I embark upon this new chapter of my life. We knew this day would come. Unlike four short months ago, to the day, when we suddenly lost another truly amazing member of our clan, my uncle, Barry. He devoted his life to helping others and was taken from us much too soon on the day before his son would celebrate his first Father’s Day. It was sudden, unexpected and completely unfair. I was angry at God and questioned His ways. Oh my aching heart. It was bruised and battered. And I wept. I struggled silently. I tried to keep my focus. I tried not to fall behind in my studies. I tried to smile. I did my best to keep on living because we all know life goes on. In June, I had the dismal task of explaining the death of my uncle to my daughter. He was now an angel in heaven, watching over us with baby Jesus. And now, I had to explain how Aunt Sharron would be joining him, to watch us from above. I was unable to do it without tears in my eyes. And I felt a sense of guilt for bringing an undoubtedly adult issue to light in the eyes of my child. But, she was stronger and more compassionate that I had ever imagined. After hugging me tightly, she kissed my cheek and told me she loved me. And then, “Uncle Barry is an angel in heaven with baby Jesus, right? And now Aunt Sharron is with him. So they have each other now…and I bet they are happy and smiling, you know? It’s ok mommy.”
How a four year old could soothe my heart was beyond me. I felt amazed and proud and reassured I was doing something right as a parent. And thank God that.
1 Comment
Susie
2/22/2014 11:25:08 am
You are right I do like this one. Good post and good on you shauna.
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Shauna QuinnNo stranger to taking the road less travelled, I must admit those not so great choices made me who I am and led me to where I am right now, which happens to be exactly where I am supposed to be. Archives
July 2018
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