Remembrance Walk

Beautiful memories of my daughter inspire me to speak out, educate, help, and share her story...

Shaniel's Story

Her story ended tragically. Too soon. She was the victim of domestic violence. It was an

evil, selfish act. Her husband took her away from her children. Her family. All those who loved her. Shaniel did not die in vain. She left a legacy of love and beautiful memories of a life well lived. Her death has inspired us, her family, and so many more to stand up and advocate against domestic violence. 

A remembrance walk will be held in honor of Shaniel Donaldson on Saturday, April 25, in Price, Utah. It will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Price River Walkway. The walk is hosted by Miss Carbon County, Celeste Smith.

Shaniel was my daughter. My beautiful daughter! She was also a mother to four beautiful children, a sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, friend, and nurse. She had so much to live for. She had so much more to do in life. I miss her every single day. I love her. All those who loved her and had the privilege of knowing her miss her. 

Domestic Violence is an evil sickness sweeping every community across the nation. It affects everyone. We need to become pro-active in spreading the harmful and often times fatal effects of domestic violence. We need to do our part in stopping behaviors of domestic violence. It must start in every home. Abusive tendencies and behaviors should not be tolerated in any way. 

To read more on this event click on the link below

http://www.castlecountryradio.com/Miss-Carbon-County-Hosts-Walk/21412420

In loving memory

Shaniel Kaye Donaldson (1980-2013)

Writing prompt #4: Write a blog post inspired by the word: inspired

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Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writer's Workshop

In an Instant

And then a friend reminds me... Shaniel is here! She is all around us.

".. .you can pick up the phone and talk to her oldest daughter, that is where her voice is shared, you can listen to the twins laugh at play, that is where her laughter was left, you can hold the hands of each of her children and you will feel her imprint left there. Her smile and her jokes are all inner twined in those kids. Shaniels sweet spirit may be with her Heavenly Father, but so many of her attributes were left here on this earth in those children of hers. What a treasure, a keepsake for you to lean on and draw from."

The last time I made a post, it was to Shaniel's Story Facebook Page. A friend left a comment that reminded me that Shaniel is here on earth! I just have to look. I needed this reminder today. So grateful!

Below is the post I made that will explain the comment above.

As a mother, I marvel at her commitment to improve and pursue dreams in the most difficult of circumstances. She became an R.N. a year after the twins were born. She is a professional woman in the humblest of circumstances. Many a night she has been called to sit with a dying patient. She is so caring and loving.  

This is an excerpt from a blog post I did in April 2010. This was a tribute to my third daughter, Shaniel, for her 30th birthday. Little did I know she would be taken from us, by an act of domestic violence by her husband, less than 3 years later. 

When a loved one passes, everything in your life changes in an instant. I can no longer pick up the phone and call her. I can no longer hear her voice, her laughter. I can no longer hold her precious, caring hands. I can no longer see her smile or listen to her jokes. I can no longer play games and eat lunch with her. I can no longer hug her and tell her I love her. Life is different for me. A piece of my heart is gone. There is a constant ache that never goes away. A child is the most precious gift a mother receives in life. Yearnings to have her near are intense on occasion. Just like they are right now. It only takes a memory, a picture, a smell... something that triggers the senses, and it all comes back like a flood.

And then... in an instant I can see her vividly in my mind. I can feel her spirit in my heart. She is alive in my memories. I am still so proud of Shaniel, and always will be. It's not so much as what she accomplished, but the woman she became. The heavens are lucky to have her! She was an angel on earth, and I am confident that she continues to be in heaven. I am quite sure she has received many of her patients, that she cared for here on earth, on the other side. And I know she will be the first to greet me. I look forward to our reunion and a long awaited hug! 

It only took an instant for life to change, and it takes only one evil person, one evil act... to change everything you thought was right in the world. I have to admit, I have had my moments of anger. But with work, and lots of it... and faith, hope and forgiveness, my heart is learning to heal. With God on my side, the impossible truly does become possible.

Mom, thank you so much for the post. Brought a tear to my eye! I love you and thank you for making me feel special!  --Shaniel's comment 

Love your children like it's the last day... you never know when they will be taken from you!

Graduation day, May 2008 - Shaniel, R.N.

Writing prompt #2:  Open a blank blog post and “right click paste” in the body of the post…what was pasted? Explain it.

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Quotography: mending

Broken hearts can become whole again when we let God do the mending.

"He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

This quote goes with a post entitled The Rose, on Shaniel's Story blog. Read the loving tribute that her colleagues and co-workers from CNS (Community Nursing Services) gave at her graveside, before burial.

Six Word Friday's: A long, winding road to...

Ever heard of Dr. Seuss? He 

is one clever story writer! One 

of my favorite books is called

Oh the Places You'll Go! And

it goes like this... "Oh the 

places you'll go. Today is your

day! Your mountain is waiting, so

get on your way!" Oh my...

It was just that way on 
our trip to Ireland. But instead 
of mountains, it was long, winding, 
narrow, never ending country roads. 

Had we not ventured out on 
those long narrow country roads of 
Ireland, we would have missed an
adventure of a life time. So...

Thank you Dr. Seuss, for your
words of advice. We'll continue our
 journey to who knows where next...

And... another post

Healing from a loss is a 
long, long process that takes time!

see Shaniel's Story - Images of Hope

a thank you to Katarina for providing words of comfort today!

long

Mother

In Honor of my beautiful daughter.... Shaniel

Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.

                                                                                                                           -David O. McKay

Mother's Day is coming up and I've been thinking about my beautiful, sweet Shaniel and the wonderful mother she was to her children. Her life was taken... her life far too short. She had so much more to live for. Her journey as a mother.... so young and just beginning. Her dear sweet children will now have only the memories of those few short years they had with her on earth. Oh... my heart. As bad as it hurts, with the sorrow also comes joy... joy in knowing that she loved her darlings with all her heart. As a mother, she did all those things that will have a lasting influence for good in the lives of her children. She cared for them. She nurtured them. She played with them. She cried with them. She taught them correct principles. She encouraged them. She gave them opportunities to develop their talents. She hugged them. She showered them with kisses. She had fun! Her positive influence and unconditional love will continue to be felt for eternity. Her image of faith, love, hope and charity will be in her childrens' countenances all the days of their lives. As well as mine, her sisters, her brother, her dad, and all those whose lives she touched. We have a lot to live up to. My darling, sweet Shaniel.

Shaniel... my daughter, my friend. A wonderful mother. Miss you sweetheart. Love you forever.