Yesterday I had the unfortunate honour to attend the funeral of Sheyanne O'Donnell, a twelve year old girl who lost her battle with neuroblastoma earlier this week. Although I never had the privilege to meet her in person, hearing the stories told by those who did, and loved her dearly, made it seem like I had. The memories shared about her smile, laugh, sense of humour, and eyes that could brighten any room were touching and emotional moving to all in attendance, but for me, there was much more to it. While this day was about Sheyanne and her family, part of me couldn't help but be brought back to memories of Darrel. Sheyanne and Darrel both faced each new day for what it was...a new day. Their far too brief lives had given them life experiences that forced them to have a certain wisdom and maturity beyond their years about the disease they fought against, yet they still longed for the joys of the childhood denied to them by cancer. By looking into their eyes, you could see conflicting reality of their situation, hope and despair, but always the dreams for a better tomorrow.
My thoughts were and are also with Sheyanne's family and friends. I know all too well the pain, grief, and misplaced guilt they are no doubt coming to terms with. Nothing you read can ever possibly prepare someone for dealing with the loss of their child. Each grieving parent comes to terms with this loss in their own way, and in their own time. There is no correct or better approach or timetable for them to take, and it may be awhile before Kevin and Rebecca figure out which is best for them, both as a couple, and as individuals. This is equally true for her sister, her extended family, and others who loved Sheyanne. This is a journey that never really ends, as it continues to change and evolve over the days, months, and years that follow. The loss, pain and "what ifs" will remain with them, never too far from the surface, but it will be countered by the love and memory of their daughter and sister, which will give them the strength to make it through the day, and all the days after that.
Rest in Peace Sheyanne
Sheyanne Shari O'Donnell
December 18, 2001 - February 17, 2014
*************************
Below is a poem read at Sheyanne's Funeral:
The Bumble Bee Cannot Fly
According to laws
Of aerodynamics
The bumble bee cannot fly;
It's body is too
Heavy for its wings
And that's the simple
Reason why.
But the bumble bee
Doesn't know this fact,
And so it flies anyway
For all to see.
Remember this when you're
Losing faith or hope
God's proof that the impossible
Can be.
A.S. Waldrop
My thoughts were and are also with Sheyanne's family and friends. I know all too well the pain, grief, and misplaced guilt they are no doubt coming to terms with. Nothing you read can ever possibly prepare someone for dealing with the loss of their child. Each grieving parent comes to terms with this loss in their own way, and in their own time. There is no correct or better approach or timetable for them to take, and it may be awhile before Kevin and Rebecca figure out which is best for them, both as a couple, and as individuals. This is equally true for her sister, her extended family, and others who loved Sheyanne. This is a journey that never really ends, as it continues to change and evolve over the days, months, and years that follow. The loss, pain and "what ifs" will remain with them, never too far from the surface, but it will be countered by the love and memory of their daughter and sister, which will give them the strength to make it through the day, and all the days after that.
Rest in Peace Sheyanne
Sheyanne Shari O'Donnell
December 18, 2001 - February 17, 2014
*************************
Below is a poem read at Sheyanne's Funeral:
The Bumble Bee Cannot Fly
According to laws
Of aerodynamics
The bumble bee cannot fly;
It's body is too
Heavy for its wings
And that's the simple
Reason why.
But the bumble bee
Doesn't know this fact,
And so it flies anyway
For all to see.
Remember this when you're
Losing faith or hope
God's proof that the impossible
Can be.
A.S. Waldrop
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