Six Word Fridays: Purple

Purple was her very favorite color.

How ironic that the color purple

also represents "Domestic Violence Awareness" month. 

Purple roses placed ever so gently 

and reverently on her casket... reminding 

us that life is, indeed, precious. 

Purple was her favorite color. 

And now reminds me everyday... of 

her presence, her grace, her laughter

and more. Memories of sweet Shaniel

are lasting and eternal... kept near

my heart. And what joy it 

will be when we reunite and 

begin again where we left off.

We'll hug and shed tears of 

joy... and reminisce about the days

on earth. But knowing her it 

won't last long. We'll be off 

in a flash to explore the 

beyond.... just like we used to

sweet daughter of mine. Love you! 

We lost Shaniel February 10, 2013 from an act of domestic violence. Her husband killed her.

Shaniel was a nurse by profession and a loving mother of four beautiful children. 

After her funeral, at the graveside, each of her co-workers placed a purple rose on her casket and gave a beautiful tribute. It reads...

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses and co-workers here today honor Shaniel and her life as a nurse. Shaniel is not remembered by her years as a nurse, but by the difference she made during those years by stepping into people's lives and caring whole heartedly for her patients.

When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, she was there...

In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loos of life, she was there...

When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, she was there...

At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, she was there...

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, she was there...

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, she was there...

To witness humanity - it's beauty, in good times and bad, without judgement, she was there...

To embrace the woes of the world, willingly and offer hope, she was there...

And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One's side, she is there...

Shaniel, we honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being your nursing colleague. We love and miss you.

In memory of Shaniel 

March 4, 1980 - February 10, 2013

Six Word Fridays: Precious

Who doesn't love the rain and

puddles and the innocence of kids!

Ben had a short, but precious

conversation with his mother about the

things that matter most in life.

Puddles, Rain, and Creator of all.

Ben: "Mom, does it make Jesus happy when it rains so we can jump in puddles?"

Mommy: "I'm sure it makes Jesus happy when you jump in puddles!"

precious

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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Mama Kat's Pretty Much Famous Writers Workshop