I am dedicating this blog to all those in my family that has gone before me. With each death of a loved one, I appreciate life a little more. As I am sure you have heard before, there is a reason why today is called the present. It is a gift from God to live today fully and enjoy every minute we have with our loved ones. No one knows how long we will each have on this glorious earth. So it is our job to make the most of every moment we have together. I also fully believe it is our duty to leave this planet better than we found it.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about at least one of them, if not all 5. I miss them all so much. Even though the date each passed away is etched in my heart forever, I try to remember the good times we had and the characteristics of each them had instead. I can still hear my Grandpa Otto’s boots on the wood floor. He loved to take my Grandma Bev swing dancing. I can still feel my grandma’s arms wrapped around me. She gave the best hugs. I can still smell the candy and banana peppers Pop(my grandpa) had on his nightstand. I know it is a weird combination. I don’t think he ate them together but it was two of his weaknesses. I can still see my cousin Paul’s half-smile. It was more of shitty ass grin because he was always up to something. I can still hear my cousin Calvin’s infectious laugh. It was so unique and just hearing his laugh would make you laugh.
These people also helped shape me into the woman you “see” before you. My Pop showed me how a camera works and that was the start of my love for photography. My grandma showed me how to add love to your cooking. There is just something so satisfying about creating a meal for a loved one. My cousin Calvin, his sister, Melissa and I learned to rap together. I am not sure when we will be able to apply this great hidden talent but any time I hear Vanilla Ice or Sir Mix A lot you better believe I will rapping along with the biggest smile on my face. I like to believe this hidden talent makes me a more well-rounded individual. Maybe one day I will be able to put that talent to use. Or maybe for the good of everyone else I should just leave that talent hidden.
Live every minute to fullest, Love with all your heart and Shine so others can see Him.
Live, Love, & Shine With Shannon 