our last photo together. march 2011.
happy mommies.
I write this for healing.. to celebrate her life..
she will be remembered..
for her smile. her laugh. her faith. her heart. her loving soul.
for the spontaneous joyful amazing
beautiful person that she was.
Yesterday one of my best friends, Shannon, was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend and the estranged father of her two beautiful children during a custody exchange.
My heart is broken. She was an amazing mother and friend. We had our babies within months of each other! and even when we were busy with our mommy duties,
when we talked it was like no time had gone by.
My heart is broken. She was an amazing mother and friend. We had our babies within months of each other! and even when we were busy with our mommy duties,
when we talked it was like no time had gone by.
I was so proud of her for all that she was doing.. she was planning on being a nurse. she had given me a tour via skype of her new living arrangements. She was happy. She had just gotten both her babies baptized. We had just talked a couple weeks ago about meeting up when I would be in charlotte next week.. excited to have the kids play together.
she was a faith filled woman that I loved like a sister.
she was a faith filled woman that I loved like a sister.
I rejoice in the gift or her life.
She is my saint in heaven now.. and I will pray that she will
watch over me and help me to be a better mother.
You helped me to remember how short life is..
and how i should live each day and love those around me as if it was my last.
We were always together in high school.
we would go to praise and worship nights together.
drive into the city for fun usually getting lost and looping around the entire city at least once…
threw a costume party with cassie and were the 3 blind mice…
would sing dashboard confessional together in the car..
go deeper in our faith together on retreats..
have girl talk with my mom..
laughed. we laughed a lot. just being silly girls.
and most recently we encouraged and loved each other as moms together.
enjoying all the fun and exhaustion having babies brings.
I’ll love and miss you forever dear shannon..
my friend. my sister.
your children will never stop being told of how amazing you were and how much you loved them. how you would give your life for them.
My sophia will still be bff’s with your daughter like we always joked about…
she will be her pen pal! a scribbled picture will go in the mail today!
you are where we all strive to be..in heaven with our Father. I pray that I may stay faithful and win heaven as well..and I look forward to the day that I will be able to hug you again.
rest in peace.
So many of you wonderful loving people have asked how you can help Shannon’s children, and the family is awestruck by this outpouring of generosity for these two children and Shannon’s memory. If you wish to contribute, simply click on the “Donate” button to make a secure donation through Paypal.
Praying for your family and loved ones..
that they may know Christ’s peace.
Please join me in lifting up your prayers for them
and all of those effected by violence.
Pray for peace within ourselves,
within our families, within our communities
and throughout the world!
To read all posts related to Shannon you can click here.
Please share her story..donate if you can.
If you have been touched by her story and would like to
visit her Memorial Page you can visit here.
Please Pray for all those affected by Domestic Violence.
To read all posts related to Shannon you can click here.
Please share her story..donate if you can.
If you have been touched by her story and would like to
visit her Memorial Page you can visit here.
Please Pray for all those affected by Domestic Violence.
Candi
June 6, 2011 at 1:49 pmWhat a sad story. I am sorry for your loss and sadness. I hate that her children will have to go through this traumatizing loss so young in life.
Marjorie
June 6, 2011 at 1:51 pmoh my goodness, what a tragic event! this is heartbreaking, especially for the children involved. i hope you are able to find healing and peace.
Lora
June 6, 2011 at 2:02 pmi am so so sorry! i will be praying.
Tyler-Ashlee's Mommy
June 6, 2011 at 2:15 pmthis is so heartbreaking. I am SOO sorry. I will pray for you and her family!
About Mrs. G
June 6, 2011 at 2:19 pmNatalie, I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I prayed for her family, for yours, and all those who knew her.
e.louise
June 6, 2011 at 2:20 pmHow very, very sad, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sending many thoughts and prayers your way.
Cara
June 6, 2011 at 2:34 pmOh Natalie I am SO sorry about this:( My best friend and I are very similar to you two, and she has also gone through so much with her ex:( I will pray for peace and healing for you and her family, I cannot fathom what you all must be going through.
Cara
Stevie @ MooreBabies
June 6, 2011 at 2:35 pmWow, I am so sorry for your loss. Your friendship looked amazing! Prayers will be with you.
Lindsay
June 6, 2011 at 2:38 pmI am sorry about the loss of your friend. Some things in life leave a person speechless…this is one of those. Prayers for all who are involved.
Krista
June 6, 2011 at 2:39 pmAgain my deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear friend….such a tragedy. My prayers are with you and her family as well.
Christine
June 6, 2011 at 2:55 pmI can not stop bawling my eyes out over this. It’s truly a tragedy. I can’t stop thinking about her kids also, I know Our Lady will be a mother and constant protection to them! I am so sorry Natalie; you and everyone else affected by this are in my prayers.
Matthew and Bailey Walkup
June 6, 2011 at 3:10 pmNatalie, I am so broken for you on your loss. You are showing amazing strength and love writing about her with such care. Know that you are being wrapped in a blanket of prayer as each person reads your sweet post.
Becky
June 6, 2011 at 3:14 pmMost definitely praying…what a heart heavy, but necessary post. So sorry to hear. What a difficult situation for all involved.
Julia
June 6, 2011 at 3:27 pmThis is heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers g out to her babies and family.
Heather L.
June 6, 2011 at 3:35 pmWhat a horrific, senseless tragedy. What a beautiful young mother she was. I am praying for healing for you and for her precious children and family.
Elizabeth
June 6, 2011 at 4:19 pmOh Natalie! I just heard the news last night. I am so so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the group of friends as you mourn the loss of a lovely lady. I trust the Lord is taking wonderful care of her!!!
Megan
June 6, 2011 at 4:39 pmI am so sorry for your loss Natalie. I’m so sad that her children have to go through this. My prayers are with you, her family and friends. My heart goes out to those 2 beautiful children of hers.
Annie
June 6, 2011 at 4:44 pmthis is so so sad Natalie! Please know that I am praying for your friend, her babies, for you and for everyone touched by this tragedy. My heart breaks reading this.
Mandy
June 6, 2011 at 4:50 pmWhat a sad thing. So sorry for the loss of your friend. I am praying for you and her family.
Aunt Kitty
June 6, 2011 at 4:51 pmYour words and tribute were a beautiful celebration of your friend and your friendship. Godspeed to Shannon.
allenaim photography and design
June 6, 2011 at 5:10 pmNatalie – I’m so very sorry…this is horrific…
Cares and Mimi
June 6, 2011 at 6:13 pmI am so very sorry. My prayers are with Shannon, her family and with you. – Carrie
Megan
June 6, 2011 at 6:23 pmI stumbled onto your blog today and read this story of a horrible, senseless loss. My thoughts and prayers go to her children, family and her friends. I’m glad that her children will be able to go to you for support and for memories of their beautiful mother.
CJ
June 6, 2011 at 6:41 pmMy heart goes out to you, to Shannon’s babies, and to her family. What an awful tragedy. May the Lord help you all cope with your loss.
Karen At Home
June 6, 2011 at 7:12 pmOh Natalie, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. What a beautiful post to celebrate her life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her friends and family.
Jen
June 6, 2011 at 7:14 pmI am so sorry. This is truly a senseless death. I can’t imagine the sadness you and all of her friends and family must be going through. Someone told me when my mother died, that the tears we cry and the sadness we feel are not for her, but for ourselves and the moments we miss with her here on Earth; she is in heaven with our Lord and is in no pain. I will pray for the positive to shine through you and bless all those involved. She was a beautiful person with beautiful babies.
Rachel
June 6, 2011 at 7:39 pmI am so very sorry for your loss. What a sad story and I can’t imagine what you are going through. What a shame such a wonderful person was taken from this world in a senseless manor. I am again so very very sorry.
Sassy
June 6, 2011 at 8:51 pmSometimes there are no words to express……except that I am so sorry for your heartbreaking empitness you must be feeling……and then her poor children……ohhhhh wow…..what a sad life for them to be without their mother….I AM SO VERY SORRY!
Michelle {not Shelly}
June 6, 2011 at 9:21 pmI am SO sorry to hear of your loss, how incredibly sad and my heart goes out to those little babies. May you find comfort in your memories. Shannon looked like a beautiful women and I will pray that she is at peace.
appreciate each day!
June 6, 2011 at 9:43 pmsending you prayers & love. what a terrible tragedy. may your amazing friendship & sweet memories of Shannon give you some comfort during this difficult time.
MrsKinne
June 6, 2011 at 10:28 pmI’m so sorry for your loss, and I am sending lots of love your way.
Missy
June 6, 2011 at 11:10 pmI am deeply sorry for your loss and the loss of such a wonderful mother. May God be with you all. I’ll be praying for you.
Anonymous
June 6, 2011 at 11:16 pmTHank you for sharing Shannon’s beautiful life through this blog. I cannot stop thinking of her and her beautiful children. Psalm 139 tells us God knows the number of our days. Perhaps that is why he inspired Shannon to baptize her babies. Pope JP II says the only true response to evil is “an explosion of love”. I will see Shannon’s smong face as she cradles her pregnant belly, and love when it is hard. You are close to my heart, and everybody grieving over Shannon’s death is in my prayers. I am so very sorry.
Stacy Peterson
Anonymous
June 6, 2011 at 11:20 pmI’ll see Shannon’s SMILING face as she cradles her preg ant belly, and love when it is hard. (sorry for the typo)
Miss Mandy
June 7, 2011 at 12:11 amgut wrenching, just a reminder that life is precious. thoughts are with you.
Ami w/AliLilly
June 7, 2011 at 1:13 amI’m so sorry and so heartbroken. I’m lifting all of you up in my prayers right now!
Jessica
June 7, 2011 at 1:16 amI am so so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and her family.
Evelien
June 7, 2011 at 5:51 amI’m so sorry… This is just an awful story! I don’t know what to say…
Kara
June 7, 2011 at 7:43 amIm so sorry for your loss.you are in my prayers.
sarah @ life {sweet} life
June 7, 2011 at 10:00 amOh my, I am SO terribly sorry for your loss. That is just heartbreaking. She sounds like an amazing person and she will no doubt leave a legacy, touching many lives. You are in my prayers!
Art For Little Hands
June 7, 2011 at 11:41 amI am so sorry for your loss and for those beautiful babies loss of their mother. I am saddened by this and sad for everyone that knew her. I hope for peace to be with all.
Invited In
June 7, 2011 at 1:51 pmSo very sorry! I am praying for Shannon’s 2 little ones and for you as well!
Christi
June 7, 2011 at 2:55 pmI just found your blog through Karen-at-home…but I think God was directing me to you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you right now and Shannon’s family. Almost a year ago, my sister (step…though we don’t use that term) was shot and killed by her boyfriend. The trial starts in 2 weeks hopefully. When it first happened and was all over the news, it was so surreal and I cried often. I live 2 hours away so I couldn’t do much from here and had sick children and missed the funeral. So if you ever need to talk…share..etc just write to me.
Christi
Amber
June 7, 2011 at 3:35 pmI’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. And my heart breaks for her babies. :( Tragedies like this make me so angry and sad. What right did he have to take her away?! I am so so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort for you and her family.
Christinabean
June 8, 2011 at 2:43 pmI am so so so sorry for your loss and for those poor babies who have lost both their mother and father through this tragedy. I am certain that she is looking down on you and smiling as you remember your times together. My thoughts are with you…
Lorren
June 11, 2011 at 1:28 pmWhat a tragedy. Shannon created a glow about her, you can see it in the pictures. Those poor babies. My thoughts are with you.
DeeDee @ClassyMommyD
June 18, 2011 at 1:22 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeeDee @ClassyMommyD
June 18, 2011 at 1:23 pmThere are no words to make things any better or to undo what has been done. But my thoughts and prayers are with your friend, her children, her family and her close friends like you. I hope that time will eventually heal all of your hearts. May God be with you all, big hugs!