for shanna.

I am deeply saddened to write that this morning I received news of one of my sweet Grateful Life followers passing, earning her full angel wings and being freed from the body that was unable to hold her dynamic spirit any longer.

Shanna,

Thank you for supporting my writing endeavors from the very beginning. Thank you for being the first person who was a "stranger" to contact me--I still remember the humbled, excited, flattered, grateful rush I felt seeing your form in my inbox. How kind it was of you to reach out and make our spirit sister connection; how brave you were to open up to me. Thank you for writing to tell me, when I posed the question on improving the blog, "I think you just need to keep putting YOU in; that's what make's your blog so special :)" You helped to inspire me and motivate me; you helped me feel more confident. You are a huge reason why I continue to write today.

When my cousin passed away a few months ago and I took to my blog for release you kindly wrote to me "Deepest hugs and love going your way. Beautiful tribute post. Take care of yourself and remember your loved one is free now."  I can only send the same sentiments to your loved ones, today, in the hopes that they feel peace in knowing you are free.

Oddly enough, Shanna, I am home sick today. Once again you managed to send me a powerful message on gratitude surrounding health and wellness. I love how you used the expression "to LIVE for" instead of the typical "to die for" when describing things that gave you joy, pleasure, happiness. I plan to embody this sentiment daily. Life is for living, period, and you did it with fierce love, faith, kindness and gratitude. I continue to be inspired by you.

A dear friend mailed me the following quote once and it has continued to give me comfort during difficult times when dealing with death. I will keep this by my bedside today, while thinking of you and sending you love;

"Play, smile, think of me....One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better; infinitely happier and forever..."

In Gratitude,

Tricia