Kyleigh & Her Mom

A dear friend of mine lost her daughter on Friday, February 15, 2013.  It was tragic in so many ways, but mostly in how it has impacted my friend, Shawna, and those who care about her, who are NUMEROUS, if her Wall on Facebook is any indication.  I believe it is worth sharing the words Shawna shared with all of us about her wonderful daughter, Kyleigh, who had just turned 10 years old last month:

Miss Kyleigh

I am a child who may never crawl, walk or talk but I am your teacher, if you allow me I will teach you what is important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I give you my innocent trust. I teach you respect for others, their uniqueness and the sanctity of life. I teach you about patience, understanding and not taking things for granted. Most importantly, I teach you about hope and faith.
♥ ♥ ♥ ............ ♥ ♥ ♥
Princess Budda Butt is the apple of mommy's eye and the best cuddle bug. One of the sweetest angels you'll ever meet. Just living each day as it should count and appreciating the moments!

It's a lifestyle, no victims here, and not that it counts - but since you are curious ;P For those who need to know the "Labels" and Medical Diagnosis: Microlissencephaly,Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy, Intractable Epilepsy, Feeding Tube, Profound Global Retardation, blah, blah, blah. 

Most Importantly, don't confuse her medical diagnosis with illness. She is not sick, she is just Kyleigh.....

Alas, as most may already know, Kyleigh, my precious cuddlebug took her last breath laying in bed with me Friday morning, February 15, 2013. SubhanAllah, all praise to God. This phenomenal gift is beyond words. A wonderful blessing! 

Though my arms may not be able to hold her vessel, but my heart is full, overflowing and am clothed by her spirit. Kyleigh knew no sin and is surely at peace with the angels in Jannah, heaven. I was and am honored to carry the responsibility purposed to me through my delicate, beautiful baby girl. It is because of her, Allah, gave me my voice. I am forever grateful. Alhamdililah.

Kyleigh C.
January 5, 2003 - February 15, 2013

I have felt every prayer and sentiment expressed via email, text, Facebook, mail, and the like. My circle of friends are amazing. Thank you for your embrace and support. I will try to respond as time allows. Please continue to pray or make du'a for the family.

I know Shawna is hurting.  But I also know that she is one of the strongest women I know.  I've known her since high school, when she was one of the most popular individuals in our school, a wonderful athlete, intelligent, beautiful, a cheerleader, a leader.  I wish I could say I knew her well, but I really didn't.  But the attributes I listed above are what everyone knew her to be.  I feel like I know her a little bit better now, and I am just so impressed with the way she carries herself, as a mother, in particular, but also in her career.  As a single parent, she is a role model.  I don't wish single-parenthood on anyone, as it is so very difficult to raise a child(ren) and pursue a career and run a household and all of the other responsibilities that adults have.  Shawna seems to make it effortless, and I can only hope to be able to do it as well as she does.  She did all of this and care for her amazing daughter, Kyleigh, as well.

Shawna, I continue to pray for you every day.  I'm so thankful you have such a large circle of friends to help care for you.  Please let them.  We know you can take care of yourself, but, right now, surrender your hurt, your sadness, your heart, to our Lord above, and let us, your friends, be used by Him to care for you.  Thank you for being my friend, Shawna.  Lord, please be with her, and welcome Kyleigh with open arms.  Thank you, Lord.