Thank you for Our Shannon
I struggled with how to invite you into our lives. I wanted to share the gift of Shannon's wit and wisdom,
her amazing ability to see the incredible in the mundane and leave you with a smile in your heart, but the truth is that with the joy of her life, comes the pain of her leaving us too soon.
I miss her with
every breath and some moments of longing are unbearable, but if I have learned nothing else, I know
for sure that love is stronger than grief and lasts forever and beyond.
So allow me to share
the joy of Shannon's life and some of the ways that she has found to let us know that she is there...
watching, loving and hopefully proud of her Mom and Dad.
October 29, 2009
The Continuation of a Dream - Photography
Life is unpredictable. Those of us who have tried to feel safe by staying in control, always having a plan, a clearly defined direction, discover, sooner or later, that control is an illusion. I am finally having to release my white knuckled grip on what is safe and predictable because I will soon be 55, and I want to be a photographer. Have I waited too long?
I recently had the pleasure of photographing a wedding. It was wonderful. To know that I was preserving memories, capturing joy and promise, hope and love. I can't imagine a more wonderful way to spend my days. I am starting slowly, studying, learning, sharing, listening for Shannon's inspiration and guidance.
Her journal entry for October 31, 1997 says
"I know that God will guide me in the right direction and let things happen when they're suppose to, I just have to trust that I'll pick up on the signs when I'm suppose to."
She was so wise. I am so blessed.
I hope you will join me, once again, as I embark on the next path...helping me to see the signs when I'm supposed to. I have created a preliminary website so that I can share some of our moments. Please let me know what you think. This life is still a work in progress, a continual unfolding, and I am forever grateful for your company along the way.
Please visit A Moment's Magic
February 25, 2009
Time has a funny way of unfolding at its own pace in its own time and we have two choices, swim against the flow or relax and see where it carries us. I seem to be doing a little of both these days. I hope to graduate in May and find my direction, but until then I wanted you to know that I'm still here, still so grateful for each of you and this year more than ever longing for spring and the time to simply be...be in the garden, be with family and friends, maybe just be still for a moment or two. Just know that I love you and have missed you and look forward to reconnecting. Jan Please Visit Our Blog... As Life Continues
An Introduction
Remembering Shannon's Spirit
Shannon's Garden
Coping With Grief
"It's about love, that's it... that's all"
~ S.A.B.
I remember the first time I held Shannon. I remember birthdays and holidays and holding her when she was sick. I remember feeling as if I could do anything, be anything as long as she was beside me.
I remember her starting school, then college. I remember her first solo drive and the frantic call that she had "run over the Fas Mart". I remember our long drives and longer philosophical debates. I remember wanting to protect her and guarantee her happiness. I remember working late and feeling guilty. I remember the day she was diagnosed with diabetes and how brave she was at thirteen. I remember loving more than I thought humanly possible and being loved that way in return.
I remember that like all mothers and daughters, we argued and saw the world from different perspectives... but the last words I heard Shannon say were, "I love you Mom."
I remember that in that moment my heart jumped. She had never said it first. She would never say it again, in the same way.
Too many of life's moments are hectic and demanding but there is no promise that we will have another.
Hold those you love a moment longer. Tell them you love them too many times to count, and find the joy any and every way you can.
Our Web Site
I am finally learning to do what our dear friend Julane
has done for us for so long. I am taking a Web Design class. Hopefully, before long, I will be able to connect and share with you in a more timely way.
Thank you for your patience and gentle support... thank you for opening your hearts
We would love to hear from you
Music by Beth Nielsen Chapman
"Every December Sky"
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