Nine Years Ago
Last Monday was exactly nine years since Shannon left for her next chapter. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long ago. For this week’s story, I would like to talk about a few of the life lessons I have learned in the last nine years.
- Patience
This was one of the hardest lessons for me to deal with. At first, I just wanted the pain to stop and to not have everything I noticed remind me of losing her. This has taught me that every day is a new opportunity and it’s up to me to find something good to focus on.
- Gratitude
I have told this story to a few people, but I want to share it with all of you. About four months after she passed away as I was praying, I was extremely depressed and bitter. I could almost hear her voice saying, “You need to be happy for me. You need to be happy I’m not in pain and I am in a wonderful place. Every day you get to spend with our sons and granddaughters, and I don’t get that! Do you know what I would give to have what you have?” That changed my perspective immediately and has really helped me appreciate all the wonderful people and things I have in my life.
- Compassion
One of the lessons I have learned that has assisted me was to follow her example of compassion and selflessness. These are the guidelines that have made the Shannon Wilker Foundation the success it is. It has helped me so much as I try to live my life in such a way that she can be proud of me.
- Love
Love is one of the most powerful emotions we have in our life. I will admit that I had taken this emotion for granted but now I have learned to appreciate all the love I have in my heart. I appreciate the love I have for all my friends. I appreciate the love I have for my family and the love they have for me. I especially appreciate the love I have for Kristi, and the love and support she is always giving me.
- Faith
This by far has been the greatest life lesson I have benefitted from. I have always had a belief in our Heavenly Father and his Plan of Salvation for all of us. Now, I have taken many things for granted in my life, but I would say this had been the most important one. To describe how I have taken my faith for granted, let me put it to you in a sports analogy. (Which I love doing whenever possible!) “If I can maintain a C average in English and History, I can still play football and basketball.” I honestly have an understanding of his Plan of Salvation now and the work I need to do to be part of it. My faith in our Heavenly Father and our Savior guides me every day and I am so grateful and blessed to have it.
I sincerely want to let all of you know how grateful I am for you taking the time to read these stories. It has helped me in so many ways and I appreciate it. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Elite Events Garage Sale
P.S. I know I have a long way to go, but I think I might have actually brought my grade up to a C+. Maybe even a B-.