Thank you

Thank you everyone.  The support shown to Shawna and her family has been amazing and inspiring.  I have heard many times how hard it has been for those who couldn't attend the service.  It was a beautiful celebration of Shawna's life.  Shawna picked the music, scripture and other details that made us feel so close to her.  Nothing more so than a breathtaking video of her from a church service earlier this year.  Her words were so profound, so honest, and so true.  Her voice pure and full of love and faith.   Beautiful words were spoken by Will, family and friends.  The worship team she spent so much time with sang just for her.  The love in that room was tangible with hugs, stories, tears, and laughter at the reception.  Thank you to those who attended, and for those who could not, please know your love and best wishes were felt from afar.

There is a special service to remember Shawna at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances on Sunday, November 4th @11:00am.  The address is 209 Victoria Avenue.  Phone # is (807) 274-5233.

It has been an honor and privilege for me to contribute to this blog.  Alexis will have this always as a way to remember her Mom's journey and read posts from those who loved her through it.  God Bless.

Terri 

Service details

Our chance to gather together to say goodbye to Shawna is a precious time.  Please join us at 1:00pm on Saturday October 20, 2012 at Bow Valley Christian Church, 5300 - 53rd Avenue N.W. in Calgary.

Thank you for respecting the family's wishes of privacy and peace during this time.  Will and Alexis are holding up well and now welcome phone calls from those who wish to offer expressions of love and support.

If anyone has any questions, please leave a message on the blog with contact information and I will contact you directly to help out any way I can.

God bless each and every one of you who have been on this journey with Shawna.  What an honour it has been for us to be on this journey with her.

Terri

Peace

Shawna died peacefully in the late evening of Monday October 15th. 

In her final days, as all those before, she was surrounded by love.  Her last day included time with Will and Alexis and the constant attention of her parents.   

It is time now to pray for rest for everyone who has lovingly cared for her.  Linda and Willie have been completely devoted throughout this journey. I have witnessed mothering at it's most profound, most loving, and most difficult. Linda has cared for Shawna tirelessly with grace and gratitude.

The staff at Sarcee Hospice provided wonderful comfort to both Shawna and her family.

I will post details regarding the funeral service when they are finalized.

Thanksgiving

Thank you everyone for your continued love and support, your birthday wishes, and ongoing prayers.  Today is Thanksgiving, and I know Shawna would want us all to be truly grateful for our many blessings.  I know she is grateful for her family - her devoted husband Will and amazing daughter Alexis.  Her Mom and Dad - Willie is back in Calgary and he and Linda are by her side through this journey.  Derek and his family supporting and loving her from afar.  She is thankful for the staff at Sarcee hospice who are giving her wonderful care.  She is grateful that her symptoms are relatively well controlled - medications being changed and adapted as her symptoms change.  She is thankful for the wonderful flowers from friends and family, Alexis' beautiful decorations and the yummy treats she has been enjoying.  Most of all, despite this long fight, she is thankful for 38 wonderful years with a beautiful family and amazing friends.

Linda has been spending most nights with her.  Sharon, Christine (back in town for a few days) and I are taking shifts to give Linda some rest.  She enjoyed her birthday last weekend.  Will and Alexis spent the afternoon with her and brought scrumptious cupcakes.  Linda, Sharon and I spent the evening with her.  We watched her blow out candles and shared one of her favourites, carrot cake.  She even sang Happy Birthday with us.  Amazing voice, even now.

This is a slow journey, but we are grateful for every moment we have with her.  I know many of you have been awaiting news - thank you for your patience and respect.

Terri