A person once said at a meeting I was at that “Communication is a valuable tool.” At least that’s what I think he said. I really wasn’t paying any attention.
I chose the topic of communication to let you know how it has helped me since Shannon passed away. The night that Shannon passed, I could not sleep. I had so many thoughts and emotions going through my mind. There were so many things I still wanted to say to her. Justin had gone home for the night and Ryan was asleep down stairs. It was 2:00 in the morning and I decided to go outside and sit in the back yard.
It was a very calm night and the moon was full. The stars had never looked brighter. I am positive it was because a very beautiful angel had just arrived. I sat down on one of the chaise lounges that Shannon and I had sat in so many times. We would discuss the day, or just relax and enjoy each other. I started talking to Shannon and telling her how much I was going to miss her. I told her I was glad she was no longer in pain and I knew she was in a much better place. I was filled with an overwhelming comfort and warmth that I had never known before. As I talked to Shannon, our cat came over and jumped into my lap. I could tell that she was missing Shannon as well.
I told Shannon I would do everything to make sure our family bond keeps getting stronger. I promised her that I would do the things that would put a smile on her face. I told her how happy she has made me and how blessed I am to have the family I have. I don’t even know how long I had been talking, but it must have been a while. The cat jumped off and ran away, as I continued to talk to Shannon. It was very therapeutic to be able to let her know how I felt. Looking back on it, this had to make the neighbors wonder if I had lost my mind. “Who is he talking to, and is he ever going to shut up? The cat has even given up on listening to him!”
From that moment on, I talk to her all the time. When I water her flowers, I tell her how pretty they are. When I drive to and from work, I tell her how much I love her and miss her. (Thank God for Bluetooth, so other drivers think I am on a cell phone) When I am at the house I tell her how grateful I am to have had her in my life for as long as I did. I tell her I can’t wait until we are reunited. All of this made me understand how “Communication is a valuable tool.”
(1) I am positive that by now the white trash think I am very unstable and they keep a safe distance.
(2) The rest of the neighbors think I am crazy and as I have always said, “Crazy can be your friend!”
(3) It is likely that the way my house is described is “That is the home of a crazy person.” This can be an extremely helpful theft deterrent.
(4) When you are golfing alone and the people in front of you realize you are not on a cell phone like they thought, they WILL let you play through. This has actually happened on more than one occasion, and comes in quite handy.
I wanted to tell this story to let everyone know how important it is to communicate with the people you have in your life. Tell them how much they mean to you. Justin & Ryan, I love you guys so much and I am so proud of you. Brittney and Cassidy, I could not ask for two better granddaughters. I love you both with all my heart. To my family and friends who have been there to help me through this, I send you my sincere appreciation. Shannon, I want to thank you for still listening to me, and for guiding me with love and strength. As always, I LOVE and MISS you.