Saturday, March 19, 2011

A Letter to Shauna

A few days ago I and a few others were contacted by Shauna's family to write to her and share how much she has touched our life. They were reading our responses to her. Well this morning dear sweet Shauna passed away. I am devastated and unable to find the words I feel in my heart right now so I am posting the e-mail I sent to her sister. Shauna's picture is just to your left.  Please keep Shauna's husband Darren, her two babies, parents and all of her family in your prayers as they learn to live in this world without their beautiful Shauna.

Dear Shauna


I have begun this post so many times and find the tears interfere with what I want to say. They don't stop so through blurry eyes I put my heart into words.

It has been almost two years since we met Shauna as well as meeting your beautiful sisters through blogging. I instantly fell in love with all of you. Your love of God, family and home was always the base for each of yours/their post.

In one post you shared how wonderful Darren, your husband, was. You said one time that he always knew he was going to marry you, even before your first date. (I love that sweet Shauna is loved by such a wonderful man.)

I believe this love is because you are such a loyal, loving and wonderful wife. Your children have been blessed with such a loving mother. Your love for them is so pure, it will last a lifetime, as I believe love lives forever in our hearts.

You have so many blessings in your life, and the best part is no one has to remind you of them - you just know - you are so thankful for everything beginning with a fresh sunrise to a beautiful sunset and all that comes in between.

You have been such an inspiration to all of us. Your strong faith has never wavered through all the challenges you have faced. You are pure love.

God has blessed you with one of the most loving families I have had the pleasure to meet through blogging. Chas and Debbie have set an example how relationships between sisters and (in laws) should be. The way God meant it to be. They love you Shauna so much and love all the fun times you have shared together. They have even managed to turn the challenges into a labor of love. I had a lovely e-mail from your mother, what wonderful parents God gave you and how blessed they are to have you as their daughter. The love a parent has for their child is one so great that no words can describe it, actions can a bit and I know how much you appreciate all your mom and dad have done for you, I also believe it is because they are so thankful that God gave you to them. I soon realized who had taught you about love, I think of your parents daily in prayer as well.

Sweetie there is so much I want to say to you, we never had the pleasure of meeting in person but one day we will meet in heaven and instantly recognize each other by the bond we share - our love of the Lord. I will recognize your beautiful sparkling eyes and be reminded of the positive way you have always lived your life. I have prayed for you every day for almost two years now, held you in my thoughts and always in my heart. I know you won't mind when I tell you I have shared "your" prayer time with your husband, children, parents, sisters and all those who love you. I want them to have your courage and understanding of all that is happening.

You are such an inspiration, a dear sweet spirit, spreading faith, hope and love wherever you go. Much like an angel I expect.

Please know you have someone in Canada who loves and cares for you and your family very much. I will continue to hold you up in prayer every day sweetie, always in my heart.

Big Hugs and Prayers Always

65 comments:

Rebecca said...

Such a kind & grace-filled letter, Bernie. Coming from such a faithful friend as you, I know it will bring comfort to Shauna's family.

Garnetrose said...

what a wonderful tribute to your friend. She is blessed to have a friend like you.

A Bit of the Blarney said...

With such love and compassion in your words Shauna's family is sure to find consolation. What a wonderful friend you are to all of us! God bless you, Bernie. Prayers are offered to to Shauna and her family! Cathy

Mary N. said...

Your letter is beautiful, Bernie. I will keep her family in my prayers.

Sending you a big hug, Bernie! I know you've suffered many losses this past year and my heart goes out to you.

Maggie May said...

I am very sorry to hear about Shauna's death. I have looked at her picture on your sidebar, many times and she looked a lovely, brave lady.
Your post was a wonderful tribute to her and I hope it will bring comfort to her family.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Anvilcloud said...

Your letter is great and I'm sure it was much appreciated. People need to know that they have been "seen" in some way, and you did that for her.

Margie said...

Bernie,
I know that your letter will give comfort to Shauna's family.
It is beautiful and touched my heart so much!
You are such a special person!
God bless you, my friend!


May Shauna rest in peace and may her memory always be a blessing to her family and friends!

Margie xo

Anonymous said...

Bernie, that is such a beautiful letter - Shauna I know would have been so happy to receive it. You wrote from your heart, and the sincerity of it brought tears to my eyes. You have such a loving and generous heart that I know there is a special place for you in heaven. I am so very happy that Shauna had the good blessing of having you as a blog friend.
Rest in peace Shauna. You have been well loved, and you will be missed.

Cherrie said...

A wonderful letter my heart goes out to her family & friends!

Mindy said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. This adds another trial to your already grieving heart. I am thankful that you continue to minister to many through the words from your heart. Thinking of you.

RNSANE said...

What a very beautiful letter, Bernie. How sad for this family to have lost such a special person in their lives and you have lost another friend. My prayers go out to all of you.

You are an incredible friend.

Brian Miller said...

what a beautiful letter...hugs...i am sorry for your friend and family but sounds like you were blessed to know her...

Unknown said...

Dear Bernie I will definitely be praying for Shauna's family and for you too and all her blogging friends. As I had posted on my blog yesterday on Sepia Saturday it is near my own dear sister's birthday and I just ache still when I think about it. She had breast cancer and left 5 young children under 12. But because our faith in the Word of God we will be with them again in His world.
QMM

Abbey's Road said...

My dear friend,

An angel got her wings today! She is surely living in eternal bliss, but I know it is so difficult for us humans who are left behind to let go. We grieve because WE want them to stay with us. But our precious and merciful Lord has His plan, and Shauna must have been such a beautiful child and He could not resist taking her Home. I am so very sorry for your hurting and lonesome heart, for Shauna's babies and husband, for or mother and dad, friends and family.

You are such a brave soldier, Bernie; you are sent from heaven as a beacon for the suffering of women with cancer. It is a very beautiful and selfless thing that you do, and I LOVE YOU for it.

You are in my heart and I am lifting you in prayer as well. Even as difficult as it is to lose one more "friend", you never stop being a minister to them and their families.

What a beautiful heart you have.

Much love,
Abbey ♥

chasity said...

thank you for all you have done for me and my family bernie.

you've been such a blessing...more than you will ever know.

big hugs and much love to you~
chasity

proud to be shauna's big sister.

:)

Donna said...

That's a tear jerker of a letter Bernie! It is such a tribute to a friend and you knew her well even though you never met! Sympathies to you and all who were her family and friends. Hugs.

the wild raspberry said...

Bernie,
Thank you so much for the many kind words, love and encouragement you have faithfully offered for our Sweet Shauna and our family. We are blessed to have gotten to know you.

Much love sweet friend.
~Debbie

Valerie said...

Bernie, I am so sorry to hear of Shauna's passing. I know how much she meant to you and I am certain your letter will give her family some solace. Hugs from me, my friend.

CorvusCorax12 said...

my condolences..i don't know what to say..i was always struck by her sweet face when i opened your blog.

Wanda..... said...

I know how sincerely felt your letter to Shauna was, Bernie. Such a painful loss for her family.

Gail said...

Bernie-
your heartfelt words will be with me forever. I know your love and kindness and shared grief will bring Shauna's family much comfort.
Love to you
Gail
peace.....

Anne said...

Such a kind and compassionate letter. Your words certainly touched my heart, so I am sure your words were a comfort to Shauna and her family. I hope in writing that letter, it comforted you.
Take care.
Sending lots of smiles.

CiCi said...

Shauna's picture on your blog has been special to me every time I read your posts. You too have the kind of deep love for others that you spoke of in your letter to Shauna. I know there is no pain for Shauna now. My heart goes out to Shauna's family.

Sheila said...

Bernie - I'm sending you a hug and prayers. You must have been such a support to your dear friend Shauna and I hope that someday you will meet her family. So sorry to hear that your friend has lost her battle.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post Bernie...
I'm sorry about your beautiful friends passing..She is indeed beautiful and that radiant smile is just glowing.
blessings in your hour of need,
glenda xoxoxo

Sharon said...

Hello Bernie, I really feel your pain and that was a lovely email which you sent to Shaua's family, which i'm sure will be of great comfort to her family. I clicked on the button you had on your page for her and it took me to her sister's blog and I was very touched as I read through some of the pages. Shauna looked like a beautiful person, inside and out and her passing will be such a tremendous loss in her family's life, especially her husband and her lovely children who now face life without her. Having friends like you offering kind words of comfort and love will help them through this very sad time. Thinking of you and Shauna's family xx

Bernie said...

I am sorry for your loss and I add my appreciation of your fine letter. Now I know why you were so sad. Don't grieve any more but be joyful that she is Home.

Just a word about the picture on my post--My college room-mate had been to visit and we had been out to a party until 3 the night before and of course the children got us up early so we were very tired but then you could do things like that when you were young.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Praying for Shauna and her family.

And for you too Bernie. Keep well and look after yourself.

God bless you.

Diana said...

I feel so bad Bernie. I remember you talking about Shauna before and I think that I may have stopped by her blog once, I can't remember now.
Your letter was beautiful and heartfelt, just like you Bernie. And it sounds as though Shauna was that way too. I will keep her family in my prayers. Love Di ♥

Barb said...

Such a tragedy, Bernie. Your letter to Shauna is a heartfelt tribute. Hugs to you and to her Family.

Donna said...

Bernie,
Beautiful letter ... I know you write from the heart :) I know Shauna's family treasures your friendship as I do.
Heaven has gained another wonderful person.
My thoughts and prayers are with Shauna's family. God Bless them.
Take care of yourself dear friend.
Hugs,
Donna

Joey said...

Dear Bernie,

May the Lord bless you and keep you and blanket you with love and peace. I am truly filled with sorrow for you and Shauna's family.

God bless you,
Joey

Simply Debbie said...

Dearest Bernie,
You have the kindest heart, so full of the love of the Lord.
The letter to Shauna and her whole family just has me in tears. It is soooo very sad for those left behind. I know how faithful and how deep you loved Shauna and her family...and now Debbie has this monster called cancer. I think, I know for me, when I read she had gone home, I cried so hard for Chasity, and her husband, her mother, her babies...what a road they have to walk but Shauna and foremost Jesus will be with them every hard step.
I am so sorry Bernie. Hugs to you. I know it will be very sad for you.
What a beautiful tribute you penned.
hugs
Simply Debbie

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

God Bless you also Bernie for a heart gift of encouragement.
XXX Hugs Crystal Mary xx

Vicki Lane said...

A lovely letter...

Mollye said...

Oh Bernie, What a beautiful letter and tribute to Shauna. She was indeed blessed as she was a blessing also. Much love and support with prayers to her family. You are so inspirational to know. XXMollye

Eileen said...

I will keep Shauna's family in my prayers. How sad for them, for you, and for this old world to be without her.
I know there is a reason for everything, but somehow it just doesn't feel right.

I can read the beauty of her life, her family, and the love that she gave, and the love that surrounded her in your words.
God Bless.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

Cindy said...

Dear Bernie, I have just come from Chas blog. I went there after you had talked of Shauna once and have been following ever since. I am so sorry for your loss dear friend. I can not quit crying. I feel so bad for the family, Prayers to you Bernie.

Tranquility Speaks said...

I am so sorry to hear of Shauna passing away.. May God give her family strength to sail through this phase. May the sweet memories of Shauna remind them everyday that she is still with them in spirit. God bless

Joanna Jenkins said...

Oh Bernie, How very, very sad. Your tribute is so kind and loving. I hope it helps bring peace to Shauna's family at this sad time.

xoxo jj

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is really sad....your letter is beautiful....and Shauna's death is a reminder that all we have is today.

Simply Debbie said...

HI BERNIE,
Did you make it home or are you still visiting...
If you're home I hope you had a wonderful time and it helped ease your grief.
You'll have to send me an e mail or do a post about everything you did...saw...
Have A Sugar Sweet Day Bernie
many hugs
Simply Debbie

me said...

Beautiful letter Bernie, you are so loving to all of us and your words have rescued me from despair often.
May Shauna rest in peace. Our Lady watch over her family until they meet in heaven. Amen.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Words fail me. This was very moving, Bernie.And I have read some of your previous posts and can feel the pain you have had with such losses. You are a very loving and caring person. (Thanks for stopping by our blog and leaving a comment.)

Cheryl said...

I am so sorry. What a loving, beautiful letter you wrote to Shauna. God Bless you Bernie and thank you so much for sharing your beautiful words.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

A very graceful letter, Bernie. I am certain it brought comfort to Shauna and her family. You are a very kind woman.

The Retired One said...

Oh, Bernie, I feel your love for her and her family in your every word. It was a shock to hear she passed. But now you have an angel in heaven of your very own that has joined all the other angels you have known in your hospice work. I am sure they are joined there and smiling down at you as a big group, knowing the pure goodness of your heart and actions.
Stay strong in your grief and know in your heart that you will see her again. My heart goes to you and hope that your pain is eased by knowing that she is eternally happy now and wants you to love this life until the next one. ((hugs)).

glnroz said...

oh goodnes, ms Bernie,, i just came upon this today...

Just Be Real said...

Delightful post. Thank you for sharing.

Buttercup said...

Dear Bernie, Just stopping by with a prayer and a hug!

Unknown said...

Dear Bernie, I am just catching up once again. I am so sad about Shauna. I don't even had words to express how that makes me feel. The friendships we find and share in this incredible blog land are unlike any others. We all have our friends that we can actually hug and visit with and laugh with but somehow to me, those friends we meet here...right here in blog land are like no other friends in the world. I am so sorry for everyone who ever was touched by Shauna. Sad for your loss, you had endured many of them. hugs...

Pranavam Ravikumar said...

A great letter. My prayers for her. Loved your bond. My wishes!

Sheila said...

Hi again Bernie - Thanks for popping by my blog. Hope you're keeping well - these sunny days are great. If this keeps up we may see the last of the white stuff before too long - lets hope so! Take care and keep smiling!

Shelley said...

Bernie, it's through tears I read your wonderful post. Such a tribute to and of a dear friend. God has chosen to take Shauna home with Him. Although we know HE has a plan, as humans our hearts don't understand. May God spend you hugs and keep her family close.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

I hope and pray you are well Bernie. Haven't heard from you for some time and got worried.

God bless.

Tranquility Speaks said...

Hey Bernie!I haven't heard from you in quite some time and was wondering if everything is ok at your end! I sincerely hope you're doing good and are in the best of health. Would you know where Jackie went? I can't get to her blog anymore..

Take care of yourself. Love you always!

quieten said...

Just checking in with you Dear Bernie, to see how you are. Hope you are taking care of yourself and all is well with you. Miss you and hope to see you back real soon.

Karin said...

You've been in my thoughts and prayers Bernie! So sorry to hear of your loss. You are such a faithful and deeply caring friend! God bless you abundantly for it. Blessings to you! Trust you are well! Hugs!

chasity said...

love you bernie.

CorvusCorax12 said...

just checking in with you and hope you are OK

Buttercup said...

Hope all is well. Thinking of you and sending wishes for a bright and blessed Easter.

Victor S E Moubarak said...

All the best for Easter, Bernie.

God bless.

Unknown said...

Your letter to Shauna and her family made me cry. You have so much love and compassion in your heart, dear Bernie. I hope you are keeping well and enjoying this holiday weekend, even through the cold chill of early spring. Sending prayers that your snow is melting away quickly out there in Alberta.
Stay close to family and friends this weekend.

Love, Linda xoxo

Margie said...

You are in my thoughts, my friend!

Margie xx

Ed Pilolla said...

it's really an honor to read your blog. what a beautiful tribute.