When I was younger, you used to brush my hair. I would give you a hard time. You would tell me to shower....and I would give you an even harder time. Sometimes, I even got in the shower in my bathing suit. When there were storms you would try so hard to comfort me, but there was no comforting this already extremely nervous Nelly. When I was sick, you would give me extra special attention. You would stay home from work and we would watch your favorite soaps all day long.
Then when I got older, I was bullied in school. I could not stay there. I would sneak home after I watched your truck back out of the drive-way. You were not ever angry with me. You came to my rescue and had words with my principal. When he told you there was nothing he could or would do, you pulled me out of school and home-schooled me. You saved my life. Everyone at school literally hated me, and yet, you were there to save me.
When it came to Christmas's and birthday's, I have no idea how you provided such amazing gifts...but you made sure we always had something we asked for. I am truly grateful.
It must have been so hard raising two kids on your own. I know you were glad you had Grandma Dahl there to help you pick up the pieces. But, I know, you did everything you could for us.
You weren't perfect, but none of us are. You were and still are perfect to me. I know I wasn't the easiest child to deal with, but you kept on loving me nonetheless.
When I was sixteen, I got pregnant. I was so afraid to tell you. And now, looking back, I have no idea why I was so fearful. You took amazing care of me. We went baby clothes shopping, on that birthday you made me my favorite meal; lasagna with spice cake and you bought me a beautiful necklace that said "daughter" on it in the shape of a heart.
You were in the delivery room for all three of my children. You got to see me bring three amazing children in this world. And you kept Kevin calm through the birth of Tristan. All three were c-section's and you did not let me see an ounce of worry on your face.
You were there on that awful day in September. The day none of us will ever forget. The doctor gave you and Kevin the news that I had lung cancer. I am sure you cried, but I was still in recovery. I did not find out for three days afterwards. You were so brave through it all. You have been so brave.
Sometimes I cry to you....and I find that you cry too. If I talk about my death to you, I realize you cannot talk long because I am your daughter. God only knows how I would react if it were one of my children.
You bring me groceries. You take me to lunch. You listen. You just love me. How in the world could I ever move 1500 miles away from that? You are my inspiration and I can only hope to be half the mother you are and were.
Everyone knows you are incredible. I am 100% certain that there is no one who has ever crossed paths with you who didn't love you immediately. Just like grandma. I want to be you and grandma combined.
You have brought me here for a reason-and even existing in a way that goes against how you raised me- and do not be mistaken, you have raised me, would be a disservice and dishonor to you.
My children are my marvel, just as I am yours.
Love you all (especially my mom) and truly mean it, and God loves you too,
Shanna xoxoxo
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