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Thoughts on Passing
It was the second toughest week of our lives, as her family and closest friends laid Shannon to rest in a private graveside service at Peachtree Memorial Park in Norcross, GA last Thursday afternoon. The memorial service on Saturday provided some measure of relief from the pain, as it gave us all an opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness and special qualities of Shannon's life. It also provided reassurances from God's Word that there is hope for the future to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What a joy it will be to spend eternity with Shannon in heaven, after our purpose here on earth has been fulfilled. Won't you join us?! The week before last was, of course, the toughest on us all as family members and her boyfriend, Shea, stood by Shannon's bedside Saturday morning as she slowly slipped away. While we were assured that she was in no pain, that did little to remove the agonizing pain that we all felt in those final moments. Tears were flowing as we tried to give Shannon some final comfort by reading her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, and singing "Jesus Loves YOU" and "Amazing Grace" and telling her how much we loved her. It's my prayer that she was able to hear our final farewell and was comforted by it. The grieving has not stopped. It will take some time. But please know that the immediate family members sincerely appreciate the tremendous emotional and prayer support that our extended family, friends and even strangers have provided during not only the past two weeks but also from the beginning of Shannon's battle with leukemia in February last year. There are some rather remarkable, uplifting things to share about Shannon's 15-month journey that perhaps may relieve some of the pain you feel personally. I'll plan to give you my thoughts about these in the near future. Teresa and I will fly back to Boston next Monday in order to return the leased furniture, cut off the utilities, clean up the apartment, and pack up our personal belongings for the long drive back. We're not looking forward to going back to Boston. A couple of friends of Susan's will also meet us there to help in this effort, which is greatly appreciated. Please pray for traveling mercies and that we can gradually release the sad memories of our time in Boston. In His love, Stuart 5/29/00 |