by Jerry and Rose:
My wife Rose and I were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Angela, Shannon, and Candice.
Each one in their own special way has brought great joy to our lives.
When our second daughter, Shannon was three years old she was diagnosed with leukemia. After two and a half years of treatment Shannon was cancer free. For the next ten years she enjoyed life as
any other young girl. She loved Barbie dolls, sleepovers, and softball. Most important, Shannon came to know and accept
Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
At the age of fourteen, Shannon relapsed and began her battle with cancer again.
After several years of bravely fighting, Shannon went to be with the Lord. She was seventeen years old.
Initially there were feelings of anger, confusion, and frustration. Why my child?
Honestly, at times the pain was and still can be overwhelming and crippling. I was consumed with grief. Until I was
able to surrender these feelings to God and place them at His feet, I was unable to move forward.
By staying involved in church and personally growing in my relationship with God, I have
been able to claim His promise that He will uphold me and strengthen me. I know that He is in control. By
faith, in His word, I am convinced that our life here on earth is not the end. Someday we will bow before the
throne and a thundering voice from heaven will say, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live
with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from
their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away….The
throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see His face…There will
be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
And they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 21:3-4; 22:3-5.
God is good. He has supplied us with overflowing love and support through family, friends,
and church. Our greatest comfort comes from being assured of Shannon’s salvation and God’s love for her.
We know that one day we will all live together eternally in the presence of God just as He promised in His word. Because
of what Jesus did for us on the cross, we will see Shannon again.
© 2009 by Shelley Myrick - All rights reserved
“To die in peace with God is the culmination of any human life.”
