Profile Picture

This has been my facebook profile picture for the past year. It is a picture of two of my children. Shaniel and Steven. Shaniel was my third child. Steven, my fourth. They were just about three years apart in age... but close enough to be the best of friends.

Shaniel and Steven have both passed away. I keep a picture of them as my profile picture to keep them constantly visual... just as if they were here.

Shaniel was murdered by her husband on February 10, 2013. She was 32 years old and left behind four children. Her husband killed himself as well. Steven died by suicide on Labor Day last year. September 7, 2015. He was also 32 years old and left behind a wife and two natural and two step children. Both have been very hard deaths on our family. Never would I expected this to happen to them, to me, to their siblings, and children.

Shaniel's death was extremely difficult on all of us. Steven shut down and never talked about it. I believe if Shaniel were here today that Steven would be here too. I can't believe what one person's choices and actions can do to change the life of so many people. Our's is forever changed. 

The picture of Shaniel and Steven were taken at Thanksgiving Point during the Tulip Festival in 2010. We have always gotten together as often as we could to do things as a family. To make memories and strengthen family ties and for cousins to become good friends. 

All but one of my girls were there for the picture. I am thankful for so many good and wonderful memories of my children. For those left behind, I consider each day I am with my children and grandchildren a cherished gift. A gift I never take for granted. To see them, hear them, hug them and love them is more precious than anything. 

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Facebook Profile Picture

I have had this profile picture on my Facebook page since February 2013. It is a picture of myself and daughter Shaniel. The picture was taken at Thanksgiving Point Gardens in Lehi, Utah in April of 2009.

It's been a tradition to meet as a family at Thanksgiving Point for a day of picnicking and wandering through the beautiful tulip gardens. Four of my children were able to attend that day. I bought each of the granddaughters fairy wings. The grandsons and granddaughters all got butterfly nets. 

Soon the kiddos were fluttering wildly among the brightly colored tulips, chasing butterflies with their nets. They were the talk of the gardens. There were ooohs and ahhhs, and "where did you get these darling little fairies?,and how cute!" Garden enthusiasts wanted to know where they could buy the wings and nets. Sadly, I had to tell them I did not purchase them at Thanksgiving Point Gardens. It was my own idea and I had bought them at a store in my hometown. So... the gardens were filled with just my own little fairies that day. And did they ever steal the show! Maybe even more so than the beautiful tulips themselves.

Why did I choose this as my profile picture? Because... it keeps my heart close to this dear and precious daughter. Shaniel was murdered by her husband in February of 2013. It brings me great comfort to see her and I, mother and daughter, enjoying one of the many days of being together. As well as being together as a family... all of us.  

This picture keeps Shaniel's memory close to my heart and soul. It's like she's here. So close. I can hear her laughter, feel her touch, watch her run and play with the kids with energy and excitement. I am reminded of her unique ways of making every event a holiday to remember. 

I don't see myself replacing this Facebook profile picture anytime soon, and maybe never. Love and miss my Shaniel...

Writing Prompt #5:  Share the story behind your current Facebook profile picture.

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