(FINAL COURT DATE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HEREĀ – April 16th, 2014)(UPDATED DETAILS CAN BE FOUND
Ā HERE IN THIS POST. – JULY14, 2011)
I’ve been wanting to write about this past week…
about the Funeral for my best friend, Shannon.Ā
She was like a sister to me.Ā
But I’ve been at a loss for words.Ā
My heart was too heavy to even attempt to write…
and I also just didn’t want to at the same time…
about the Funeral for my best friend, Shannon.Ā
She was like a sister to me.Ā
But I’ve been at a loss for words.Ā
My heart was too heavy to even attempt to write…
and I also just didn’t want to at the same time…
the reality sets in when you write something out…and see the words together.Ā I suppose I wasn’t ready yet for it all to seem so real.
I didn’t want to write certain words when I first found out.Ā
I didn’t want to write her name in past tense. I didn’t want to write murdered or shot.
Ā I didn’t want to write how she had died..any of the horrific details that seemed out of a horrible movie that I would never go and see.
But last night I kept thinking how Shannon would want me to live…
and everything she did, she did deeply.Ā
She loved deeply. She felt happiness deeply.Ā
She loved her God and faith deeply.Ā She forgave deeply.
I want to be like her…
I want others to know about shannon
Ā and her story…..
-The system failed her…
and I pray that her story makes people aware of the incredible flaws in our system and motivates them to make a change! a change to save lives that would otherwise be lost to domestic violence.
-I write this to make people aware of the victims so close to us..1 in 3 women are affected by Domestic Violence.Ā I pray that more of us wouldĀ reach out to help..
-I write this that people would join me in praying for peace in our communities, our families, ourselves and our world.Ā
– I write this for healing..for myself and for all mourning the loss of our beautiful Shannon.
– I write this for strength to forgive.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
I didn’t want to write her name in past tense. I didn’t want to write murdered or shot.
Ā I didn’t want to write how she had died..any of the horrific details that seemed out of a horrible movie that I would never go and see.
But last night I kept thinking how Shannon would want me to live…
and everything she did, she did deeply.Ā
She loved deeply. She felt happiness deeply.Ā
She loved her God and faith deeply.Ā She forgave deeply.
I want to be like her…
I want others to know about shannon
Ā and her story…..
-The system failed her…
and I pray that her story makes people aware of the incredible flaws in our system and motivates them to make a change! a change to save lives that would otherwise be lost to domestic violence.
-I write this to make people aware of the victims so close to us..1 in 3 women are affected by Domestic Violence.Ā I pray that more of us wouldĀ reach out to help..
-I write this that people would join me in praying for peace in our communities, our families, ourselves and our world.Ā
– I write this for healing..for myself and for all mourning the loss of our beautiful Shannon.
– I write this for strength to forgive.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
On Jan. 31,Ā Shannon LawrenceĀ asked the Forsyth County Superior Court for a temporary protective order against Christopher Erdman, her ex-boyfriend and father of her two children.
As part of that petition,Ā which was granted but later dismissed, she typed the words on page 3 of the PDF.
An article from examiner.com…
“A man was arrested Sunday after police said he shot the mother of his two children four times during a custody swap, then drove all three to his fatherās house in Cumming.Ā Mr. Christopher Erdman, 25, of Cumming, was in the Fulton County jail Monday charged with murder in the death of Ms. Shannon Lawrence, 25, of Canton, Ā Milton policeĀ Capt. Shawn McCarty said.Ā Ms. Lawrence was shot about 2 p.m. while her two children, 2 and 9-months-old, waited nearby, Capt. McCarty said.Ā Ā It was supposed to be a routine custody swap, something they did almost every other week. But investigators said Mr. Erdman changed the place where they normally meet to a shopping center across the street on Birmingham Highway.Ā No one reportedly witnessed the man and woman arguing in the parking lot at 15780 Birmingham Hwy., and police donāt know why they were arguing.Ā Then the man pulled out a gun, shooting the woman twice in the face and twice in the body, Capt. McCarty said.Ā Investigators said Mr. Erdman placed the woman into his pickup truck along with his two children and drove 10 miles to his fatherās house in Cumming.Ā The children were left with a grandparent and Mr. Erdmanās father drove his sonās truck toĀ Ā Northside Hospital-Forsyth, aboutĀ three miles away.Ā Police werenāt sure how long Ms. Lawrence was dead before the three got to the hospital. Hospital staff called police who arrested Mr. Erdman shortly after 3 p.m.Ā Police later found the gun they believe was used in the shooting at Mr. Erdmanās fatherās house, Capt. McCarty said. He did not readily know the type of gun used.Ā The two children have been placed with relatives until the state decides who should get custody.Ā Ms. Lawrence’s mother, Ms. Diana Macksey, said her daughter was attending Kennesaw State University and planned to enter the school’s nursing program.Ā Ms. Macksey told WSB-TV that Ms. Lawrence had a protective order against Mr. Erdman and the child custody exchanges were supposed to be supervised.Ā She told the station that Ms. Lawrence and Mr. Erdman had planned to meet in a Publix parking lot, but at the last minute, he changed the location to a more secluded lot at the Wells Fargo bank in the shopping center.Ā Capt. McCarty confirmed the last-minute change, but said he did not know why it was made.Ā “Typically, they met at another shopping center across the street,” Capt. McCarty said. But, investigators can’t say if the shooting was planned.Ā Ms. Macksey described her daughter as “the most beautiful, kind, loving soul.”Ā (Kimathi Lewis ofĀ www.examiner.com)
Ā
The executive director of the Cherokee Family Violence Center,Ā Meg Rogers,Ā pored over the court files of Shannon Lawrence…..Ā ““We could not have asked for anybody to have done more than what it looks like she did. This woman was really let down by the system.”Ā The death of Lawrenceāone of several deadly incidents blamed on domestic violence across metro Atlanta this past weekendāhas prompted the Cherokee Family Violence Center to call for a discussion with judges, prosecutors and law enforcement about ways to better protect victims of domestic violence.” –Ā Three Fridays ago, Lawrence told theĀ Cherokee County Superior CourtĀ that she feared for her safety. Under the protective order, the consequences are more severe and Erdman would have been arrested for aggravated stalking.Ā But with the consent restraining order,Ā Erdman was just summoned to appear before Cherokee County Superior Court Judge Anthony Baker on June 15 ā next Wednesday.Ā It wasn’t the only missed opportunity authorities had to protect Lawrence, Rogers said.Ā Baker gave Erdman, who served Lawrence with paternity papers in January, “liberal” visitation with the couple’s children on the same day the consent restraining order went into effect.Ā “I mean this man, according to Shannonās petition, was sending a 100 emails, stalking her, violating orders, had access to guns, had a concealed weapons permit,” Roger said. “We certainly want to look at our protocol in Cherokee County, at the way abusers can use the judicial system to gain access to victims.”Ā “Where I see where the system really confused this issue is treating this just like any normal civil case,” she said. “Almost ignoring the domestic violence and the stalking.”“Ā – Rodney Thrash canton-ga.patch.com
My prayer is that changes will be made to protect innocent life from the effects of Domestic Violence. And it is without a doubt in our minds that Shannon has forgiven Chris. Two days before this happened she told a friend that she had been praying for him..that we should all pray for him. One of the most amazing things about Shannon… even with all of the struggles with Chris, she never once talked to me about him with hate..maybe fear..but she was more focused on being a protective mother..not being a woman filled with hate. She, incredibly, could see the good even in Chris till the very end. She had the most incredible heart…everything she ever did she did for others..even up to the last moment of her life..picking them up there, she gave her life for those kids.
My prayer is that changes will be made to protect innocent life from the effects of Domestic Violence. And it is without a doubt in our minds that Shannon has forgiven Chris. Two days before this happened she told a friend that she had been praying for him..that we should all pray for him. One of the most amazing things about Shannon… even with all of the struggles with Chris, she never once talked to me about him with hate..maybe fear..but she was more focused on being a protective mother..not being a woman filled with hate. She, incredibly, could see the good even in Chris till the very end. She had the most incredible heart…everything she ever did she did for others..even up to the last moment of her life..picking them up there, she gave her life for those kids.
Hundreds of us were at Shannon’s Funeral. People overflowed the 700-seat Church. It was filled with people young and old who loved and were loved by shannon.
photos by canton-ga.patch.com
It was very emotional. even the priest had trouble keeping from crying. The Priest (Shannon’s Pastor) spoke beautifully and shared with us in our sadness.Ā “Today,” he told the crowd, “we say goodbye, for now….”Ā “In all my years as a priest, Iāve never known anything as horrific as this,” “No words can express our deep sadness for the tragic loss of Shannon.”Ā He addressed the questions so many of us were thinking… Why did God allow this to happen? Where was God when this happened? He was right there…in Shannon. I’m sad for the dreams we had dreamt together that will never happen. But even with her gone she is going to change the world. Her dreams will live on through her two babies. The music during the funeral was so beautiful..it sounded like heaven..it made me think of her there. and even though that made me happy..it made me cry.Ā The photos of shannon from our wedding were enlarged and used at her visitation and funeral….i’m so glad we have them. It makes me smile remembering how much fun we all were having together.Ā Walking into the Funeral Home for the visitation, I was sick to my stomache…overwhelmed with grief. I wanted to run in and at the same time could barely get out of the car. Before going to the funeral…I could only picture shannon hurting and in the back of the truck. I couldn’t get that image out of my head.. but during the funeral and burial..I was able to realize that that is where her body was..but SHE was not there. she was somewhere far better…at peace. happy. Christ kept his promise, and came to take her to Himself. and that gave me so much consolation. During the Funeral Mass..we prayed the Our Father..and in that prayer you say “and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..” I thought about not saying those words…but then I remembered shannon’s amazing heart..and how she would forgive..and I cried and said the prayer..” I thought going to the funeral, I would do my best to console her parents..but in reality they were the ones who consoled me. their faith was amazing to witness. I had brought each of her parents a small album of photos and the cd of the originals. Her mother looked at the photo of her daughter’s hands and cried with a smile “I don’t have a photo of her hands…”Ā My heart breaks for them..and I will continue to pray for them every day. That all who love and miss her will feel God’s healing love and our angel shannon’s presence.
Please join me in praying for her family..
especially for her two little babies..emma and peter.
If you would like to make a donation to the children..click here.Ā
It would mean so much to me if you would give something..anything..
photos by canton-ga.patch.com
It was very emotional. even the priest had trouble keeping from crying. The Priest (Shannon’s Pastor) spoke beautifully and shared with us in our sadness.Ā “Today,” he told the crowd, “we say goodbye, for now….”Ā “In all my years as a priest, Iāve never known anything as horrific as this,” “No words can express our deep sadness for the tragic loss of Shannon.”Ā He addressed the questions so many of us were thinking… Why did God allow this to happen? Where was God when this happened? He was right there…in Shannon. I’m sad for the dreams we had dreamt together that will never happen. But even with her gone she is going to change the world. Her dreams will live on through her two babies. The music during the funeral was so beautiful..it sounded like heaven..it made me think of her there. and even though that made me happy..it made me cry.Ā The photos of shannon from our wedding were enlarged and used at her visitation and funeral….i’m so glad we have them. It makes me smile remembering how much fun we all were having together.Ā Walking into the Funeral Home for the visitation, I was sick to my stomache…overwhelmed with grief. I wanted to run in and at the same time could barely get out of the car. Before going to the funeral…I could only picture shannon hurting and in the back of the truck. I couldn’t get that image out of my head.. but during the funeral and burial..I was able to realize that that is where her body was..but SHE was not there. she was somewhere far better…at peace. happy. Christ kept his promise, and came to take her to Himself. and that gave me so much consolation. During the Funeral Mass..we prayed the Our Father..and in that prayer you say “and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..” I thought about not saying those words…but then I remembered shannon’s amazing heart..and how she would forgive..and I cried and said the prayer..” I thought going to the funeral, I would do my best to console her parents..but in reality they were the ones who consoled me. their faith was amazing to witness. I had brought each of her parents a small album of photos and the cd of the originals. Her mother looked at the photo of her daughter’s hands and cried with a smile “I don’t have a photo of her hands…”Ā My heart breaks for them..and I will continue to pray for them every day. That all who love and miss her will feel God’s healing love and our angel shannon’s presence.
Please join me in praying for her family..
especially for her two little babies..emma and peter.
If you would like to make a donation to the children..click here.Ā
It would mean so much to me if you would give something..anything..
“She lies here today because of hate.Ā
She lives in our hearts because of love.Ā
Embrace love because only love canĀ
heal the hurt we feel today.” – Justin Lawrence
I didn’t want to leave her side..
and waited till the very end.
Rest in peace sweet Shannon.
I made a video this morning in honor of Shannon..
to remember her. to heal. to celebrate her.
I am horrible about checking voice mails…but the day after we lost shannon I was going through my messages and suddenly I heard her voice. I didn’t even have a missed call from her! She hadĀ called me thursday to make plans.. she was going to drive to charlotte to see us when we came into town in a couple weeks..
Ā I am so thankful for the blessing of hearing her voice one last time…
to remember her. to heal. to celebrate her.
I am horrible about checking voice mails…but the day after we lost shannon I was going through my messages and suddenly I heard her voice. I didn’t even have a missed call from her! She hadĀ called me thursday to make plans.. she was going to drive to charlotte to see us when we came into town in a couple weeks..
Ā I am so thankful for the blessing of hearing her voice one last time…
(My mom took these at her Visitation..
and at first I couldn’t bare to look..but now I cherish those last moments.)
and at first I couldn’t bare to look..but now I cherish those last moments.)
I know i’ll be sad for a while..
I haven’t been sleeping much…didn’t know the exact reasoning behind not sleeping… you would think I would want to sleep so I wouldn’t think of losing her for that chunk of time. but the other morning I went back and took a nap for the first time since finding out…..
and when I woke up I realized why I hadn’t wanted to sleep…Ā
I get a wierd sensation that it was all just a horrible dream and then realize, it wasn’t.
I’m just trying to take it day by day..focus on my family.. love on them a little more. I know all the ways to view this tragic loss in my head..but letting it go to my heart is another thing.Ā
Does that make sense??
She was such a beautiful person..inside and out..
and I thank Jesus for the gift of Shannon Lawrence in my life.
You will be missed..but not forgotten. And I can’t wait for the day that I get to see you again..but for now you will watch me from above and be my angel.
I have been searching high and low forĀ
this video of shannon from back in high school!Ā
I made this for her and all our friendsĀ
as a Christmas Present back in 2003.Ā
I thought I would cry during it…
but my heart is just so happy that I have this to remember her.
it’s a long video.. but minute 3:42 has our awesome-ly girly hand shake…
Ā SO HAPPY I have that on video..we were ridiculous. :)Ā
I love you shannon! we all love you.Ā
I will cherish these memories forever.Ā
shannon you will always be remembered.
You will be missed..but not forgotten. And I can’t wait for the day that I get to see you again..but for now you will watch me from above and be my angel.
I have been searching high and low forĀ
this video of shannon from back in high school!Ā
I made this for her and all our friendsĀ
as a Christmas Present back in 2003.Ā
I thought I would cry during it…
but my heart is just so happy that I have this to remember her.
it’s a long video.. but minute 3:42 has our awesome-ly girly hand shake…
Ā SO HAPPY I have that on video..we were ridiculous. :)Ā
I love you shannon! we all love you.Ā
I will cherish these memories forever.Ā
shannon you will always be remembered.
To read all posts related to Shannon you canĀ click here.
Please share her story..donate if you can.
If you have been touched by her story and would like toĀ
visit her Memorial Page you canĀ visit here.Ā
Please Pray for peace in our worldĀ
and for allĀ those affected by Domestic Violence.
Rachelle
June 13, 2011 at 9:19 pmOh Natalie, that video was beautiful, and I know she’s watching down on you and knows what a fantastic friend she had in you. I’m praying for you, and for her family and her children. I can only imagine what life is like now for them. Breaks my heart. Stay strong, friend.
xo
Amanda Armstrong
June 13, 2011 at 9:26 pmAn amazing tribute! My heart hurts for you and your loss of a great person. God Bless her children and family.
Widge
June 13, 2011 at 9:35 pmI’m sitting here in tears. What a powerful tribute to your beautiful Shannon. Prayers for you and her family xoxo
Christy
June 13, 2011 at 9:45 pmNatalie this completely tears my heart open reading about your dear friend Shannon. I pray for complete justice from our judicial courts, and for God to wrap his arms around you & others who were close to her during this time.
Thinking about you.
Mandy
June 13, 2011 at 9:57 pmI’m so sorry.
michaela
June 13, 2011 at 10:46 pmbeautiful post. i can feel your soul and my heart is heavy. i really like that you have photos to forever cherish of shannon’s funeral. as hard as they are to look at now, someday you will hold them close. we lost my mother-in-law to cancer a year ago and i wish i had photos to share someday with my son, who was 10 months old at the time. prayers to you and her children.
–michaela
Elizabeth
June 13, 2011 at 10:54 pmIncedible tribute, I am sure it was very difficult to write. We had the teens praying for you, your family and friends, and for Shannon’s soul all weekend on our retreat. They all send their condolences and prayers. Love to you!
Julie
June 13, 2011 at 10:56 pmthis is all just so terrible…I am so, so, so very sorry for your loss. the tribute is lovely, hugs to you.
Lora
June 13, 2011 at 11:58 pmoh my goodness. that is so so sad. i am praying for you and for her little babies, too.
ECoop
June 13, 2011 at 11:58 pmI am so terribly sorry for your loss, and most especially for the manner in which it happened. I will keep you and her family in my prayers for continued healing.
I hope that many things change in the courts because of this awful incident. If we (your blogreaders) can ever do anything to help you or her cause please let us know.
http://portofthoughts.blogspot.com
kelsey
June 14, 2011 at 12:34 amNatalie,
I am not sure if you remember me, but you made the mickey mouse printables for my son. I just wanted to tell you that this story has touched me deeply. I am so sorry for your loss, and I feel for everyone that loved her…especially her beautiful children. I just wanted to let you know that my prayers go out to you and her family. God Bless
Kelsey
sara@augustfields
June 14, 2011 at 12:53 amnatalie,
i am so sorry. what a beautiful beautiful woman shannon was…inside and out. your tribute to her life is amazing. my deepest most heartfelt sympathies…..prayers for God to uphold and comfort, to strengthen and carry on.
Bella@Bellabeforeandafter.blogspot.com
June 14, 2011 at 1:39 amNatalie, I am so very sorry for your pain, your loss, and for the tragedy that happened with your sweet friend. Reading that I am shocked this all happened so close to where I live, and it brings back some horrible memories of my little 2 year old cousin being murdered by the babysitter 2 years ago.
I can’t even imagine EVER what goes through people’s minds, and hearts that could make them do such horrible things to people. This was the mother of his kids, who were there, I just can’t believe that!!! I am sickened, and grieve along with you as a mother, and friend. I’m so sorry girl!!
I would like to post this on my blog, and have them come read the story here, I think it’s SO IMPORTANT to bring attention to this horrible thing, that possibly could have been prevented. DAMN IT,,, I am just besides myself, I’m so pissed. Those precious kids don’t deserve this. Please send my love to the family when you see them, or speak to them. Just let them know many are thinking of them.
Sending the warmest hugs, and wishes your way. I hope you can take it one day at a time, there is no other way. Nothing will ever take the pain away, EVER. Please allow yourself to deal however you feel is right for you! There is no wrong way :)
xoxo, Bella
Dacia
June 14, 2011 at 2:34 amI just saw this posted over at Bella’s blog. I’m so sorry for your loss. Beautiful video! I hope this will help bring awareness to everyone. Something like this should never happen. Love and hugs to you at your time of loss.
Tracey Magpie Style
June 14, 2011 at 8:24 amHow incredibly sad. Those poor children…I cried reading your tribute, what a wonderful friends. Sending prayers your way…
McFarland-Higgins family
June 14, 2011 at 8:48 amI am SO sorry for your loss and will pray for her children. What a beautiful young woman she was and I commend you for telling her story. I ran a DV women’s shelter for five years and the system fails these women again and again. They see them as numbers on the budget or “emotional women” and then something like this happens and the rest of us see them as someone’s mother and daughter and very best friend. My deepest condolences.
Sarah
June 14, 2011 at 9:30 amI’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. It makes my heart ache to read something as sad as this. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
Heather
June 14, 2011 at 9:54 amThere are no words to fully express how much my heart just breaks for you, Shannon’s babies, family and friends and especially for Shannon. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I can relate to the situation she was in. Your video was so touching and sweet. I will be praying for all.
BURUNDANGUITAS CS
June 14, 2011 at 10:13 amHi Natalie,
I read yr blog from time to time.
And the story of yr best friend, touch me so deep. I am so sorry about it. I pray now and will keep praying for her children and for you to feel safe and secure besides yr love one. Be sure that Shannon will be forever in your toughts and heart.
a big hug to you, from dalys
Tyler-Ashlee's Mommy
June 14, 2011 at 10:51 amMy heart just breaks from you. I am a regularly reader (and you don’t know me) but I’m so sad for your loss…and for your BF’s family and her babies. Prayers are with you!
amconner85
June 14, 2011 at 11:44 amNatalie,
I stumbled upon your blog while reading the comments on Shannon’s memory page on Faecbook. My heart is still hurting for this incredible loss of such a beautiful person. I remember meeting “Justin’s little sister” at Sequoyah during lunch one semester. She was a frequent and welcomed visitor to our lunch table, as she always brought joy along with great conversation. :) I’ve never forgotten her smile and laugh. What a genuine person! I am thankful for the few and brief memories I have of Shannon. I know that she will be missed by so many! My heart aches for you, her family, and her precious babies as you continue struggle with the questions and hurt. Please know that you are all being lifted up in prayer. Thank you for the honesty of your posts, the numerous pictures and the beautiful video you created. Praying for you!
Aubrey
http://www.youraveragefamily.com
Dough Girl
June 14, 2011 at 12:13 pmI am new to your blog, been following about a month or so. It seems we are about the same age, I put myself in your shoes…what if this were happening to me? I don’t know if I could do it. It would be so hard to let go of her, I can’t even begin to imagine what you and her family are going through right now. Please hang on to all of the great memories together, tell her babies what a wonderful person she was and how much love she had for them. You CAN get through this and will become a stronger person and mother. My thoughts have and will be with you.
Bianca and Sarah
June 14, 2011 at 1:09 pmI am incredibly sorry for your loss and can’t imagine the hurt you are going through. Count on my prayers for all. Her life IS leaving a huge legacy. I know she has touched my heart and brought me to a different point with love of people. Blessings, Bianca
Megan
June 14, 2011 at 2:46 pmShannon has been on my mind since that fateful sunday night at 7pm when I got a call about her from a friend. When I think about it all I feel ill. Still…
Shannon and I went to St Mikes Life teen together for a few years. She was a friend and I dated Justin. We weren’t entirely close but I always liked her. She had what I call a “hospitable heart”. You always felt welcomed in her presence. She laughed and smiled all the time and never seemed to get caught up in negativity.
We fell out of touch when I left St Mikes and I moved to Arizona. When I moved back I put my daughter, Nora, in preschool at St Mikes. That December, at a class Christmas party, I found out Nora and Emma were in the same preschool class. I reconnected with Shannon and was amazed at all we had in common. She was the same beautiful heart, but a little mature and now had children–both about the same ages as my children! We had to get together! I was so excited! I’ve been needing mommy-friends, and apparently she did too. We talked on Facebook about how difficult motherhood can be and we wanted to share the journey as fellow mommies, helping each other out and building each other up. We tried 3 or 4 times since we reconnected to arrange a play date, but each time one of us had to cancel due to sick babies. The most recent one was thursday, May 20th, only 2 1/2 weeks before her death. She called the night before and left me a voicemail saying that both of her kids were throwing up and joked that it was “going to be a looong night”. I was amazed at how good her attitude was in the voicemail. Well, I should have called her back the next morning to ask how they were doing. Or the day after that. or…at all…but I never did get back to Shannon. In fact I was thinking I would call her to schedule a play date for last week. Of course she wouldn’t have answered. It was too late. I have felt intensely bad about this. She was a gift that I totally neglected. I didn’t mean to, but I just got so caught up in my daily life, I never got around to being a gift to her. I was thrilled that I might have found a great mommy friend. And silly as it sounds, I keep thinking I might have talked her out of letting him take the kids if I had only spent some time with her…I know that’s probably ridiculous, and it doesn’t matter now. More that any other emotion, however, the one I feel most is inspiration.
I am currently looking for career or possibly even volunteer opportunities at battered women services. I want to do everything I can to prevent Shannon’s story from repeating. Her life and death need to be used as a beacon of hope to women who are afraid. I know she would have wanted that. And it sounds like she is already having that influence.
I wish I could have been a better friend to her, but I am so happy that she IS blessed to have a friend like you. Thank you for keeping her light burning. She will NOT be forgotten. She has changed me. I don’t look at life the same anymore.
Megan (Wilhelm) Mayer
Cajun Cowgirl
June 14, 2011 at 4:06 pmYou don’t know me, and these words might not mean much, but that is such a beautiful tribute and you can just tell that her life brought beauty wherever it went. Prayers for you, her, and all that know/love her.
Kim
June 14, 2011 at 4:28 pmThis was truly a beautiful tribute to Shannon’s life and the wonderful friendship you both shared. Sending prayers your way. God Bless.
CJ
June 14, 2011 at 4:54 pmI am in tears here. Natalie, my heart breaks for you, for those two little babies, and for all of Shannon’s family and loved ones. Your video was a beautiful tribute to your lovely friendship.
-Lauren
June 14, 2011 at 6:44 pmNatalie- My computer has been broken so I have only been checking my blogs from my phone. Please know that I have been praying for you during this most difficult time. I hope that the prayers, memories of Shannon, and faith in your heart helps you through this time. My thoughts, prayers, and love will continue to be with you!
michelle
June 14, 2011 at 7:30 pmI saw Shannon’s story on Bella’s blog and I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am and that you and her family are in my prayers. I can not even imagine and I pray that He holds all that knew Shannon close to Him and keeps her little ones safe in His embrace.
Christine
June 15, 2011 at 12:09 amI found this story through another blog. What a terrible tragedy. I’m so sorry for your loss.
alli/hooray
June 15, 2011 at 5:00 pmNatalie, this is heartbreaking. It brought me to tears and I can only imagine what you and her family are going through right now. Praying for you and the family, and for real changes to be made in the system to protect against domestic violence.
OverMom
June 15, 2011 at 9:45 pmSo very sorry for the loss of your best friend. You, your family, her family are in my prayers. Hugs.
peek-a-boo's mom
June 16, 2011 at 1:07 amMy heart is sad for the loss of your friend…your videos revealed a very special relationship you had with Shannon. You will be able to give a great honor to Shannon when her children are older by sharing your memories, pictures and videos with them. Young children lose the essence of their missing mother as they grow up and it also leaves an empty place in their heart to not know who they truly are. I lost my mama when I was 18 months old and I was almost 30 before I met someone who was important in my mothers life and by sharing her memories, it brought her personality to life for me. Remember the children for Shannon. God bless you. Barbara
Amanda
June 16, 2011 at 10:22 amThis story hits so close to home for me. I have watched your video on repeat several times and I just can’t stop crying. What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing woman, friend, and mother. My heart breaks for you and her children and family. I can only hope justice will be served and that this brings awareness to other women living in domestic violence situations like Shannon. I will be praying for her children and family.
Ami w/AliLilly
June 18, 2011 at 9:20 pmI have no words. All I can say is I’m so sorry, and I’m praying, have been praying for you, for her children, for the families.
Stephanie
June 28, 2011 at 3:24 pmNatalie,
I just stumbled on your blog today and came across this post. Although TERRIBLY heartbreaking, you have managed to make a post that not only brings awareness, but also to send a BEAUTIFUL tribute out to your friend.
I know this post has received MANY comments, and I believe it might be hard for you to read through them (I think it would be for me). I really appreciate your honesty and the depth to which you went in to the story. If there was anything that I have ever made domestic violence seem so REAL it was this. Fortunately, I have not known anyone that has had to deal with this directly, however, after reading this, I want to get the message out there and do anything I can to help. I hope you don’t mind if I repost this. If you do, please let me know.
Again, thank you for sharing this. God bless you, and I hope your days continue to get easier. I will be keeping you and Shannon’s family in my prayers.
Mrs. Edwards
July 12, 2011 at 10:24 pmI just found your blog and my heart breaks for you. I will be lifting you and your family, as well as those sweet little children, up in prayer. The Lord is always in control and he is right there to hold you through all of this.
Liz
Lace
January 9, 2012 at 2:06 amMy heart is with you. I have a friend who is much more of a sister… a soul mate, much like Shannon IS for you & i lay here in tears thinking of how my heart would break into a million pieces if I lost her. Please know your name is now in my prayers as well as those sweet babies of hers.
Tanya
March 6, 2012 at 11:07 pmThat’s just heartbreaking. Sounds like you were really blessed to have each other.
nat.
January 21, 2013 at 5:43 amI’m really sorry to read this really sad story…
She’ll be looking for you and all her loved ones from where she is now!
You need tho be strong and to remember all that she was…
Xoxo
Ps. sorry for my english…
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Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco
August 13, 2013 at 5:22 pmMy heart goes out to you and Shannon’s family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ashley @ Always Ashley
August 15, 2013 at 5:22 pmI just found your blog today. I don’t even really remember how. But this just touched me in a way that may be completely unexpected. When reading this I certainly had a lot of personal thoughts concerning relationships, but my thoughts went elsewhere as soon as I saw the casket.
It looks just like I remember my mother’s casket in July of 2011.
When we lose people we love, our hearts can’t handle it and our minds feel the need to make sense of it. But some things simply do not make any sense to us. Fortunately we serve a God who understands all things. Your family and Shannon’s are in my prayers and I feel honored to have been able to experience a piece of her beauty through this post.
xoxo,
Ashley
Tiare
August 20, 2013 at 3:58 amYour friendship astounds me and touches my heart. I just came across your blog and am completely saddened yet inspired by your dear friend Shannon’s heroic story. Your friendship and love for each other certainly knows no time or limitations. You’ll be kindred spirits forever.
I have no adequate words, but may I share a quote inspired by true friendship like your and Shannon’s:
“Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still. For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is omnipresent. In this divine glass, they see face to face; and their converse is free as well as pure. This is the comfort of friends, that though they may be said to die, yet their friendship and society are, in the best sense, ever present, because immortal.” (William Penn)
Sending heartfelt aloha to you, Shannon, and all of your loved ones.
Zakary
September 17, 2013 at 11:58 amI am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her story.
Nancy Galdamez
October 19, 2013 at 3:11 amThankyou for sharing your heart, Shannon’s heart, God’s heart, Loves heart. My heart breaks for her children and my prayer is that her legacy of love is carried on for generations thru her children.
Kari Ann
October 23, 2013 at 10:01 pmThank You for sharing Shannon’s Story with us all, I stumbled upon your blog and absolutely love it and I love how you cherish your best friend and what you are doing to spread the word about domestic violence. Keep up the great work, I know she is looking down at you and very proud.
Journey2Goal
November 19, 2013 at 8:49 pmMy heart breaks for all of you involved. This is such an incredibly sad story and your best friend is looking down on you from heaven thanking you for keeping her memory alive and bringing awareness to domestic violence. So sorry for your loss.
Jessica
August 7, 2014 at 11:28 pmI only just found your blog through Pinterest tonight and decided to stick around and read older posts. I’m really sorry about your loss. I know it’s been three years and I’m sure it hurts just as much now as it did then. I actually live in the area and attended the same university at the time of this incident. I remember seeing it on the news. I remember how it made me feel then and I can’t imagine having been close to her and going through such grief. KSU has many DVA fundraiser throughout the year as well as counseling and resources for victims and a lot of it has to do with Shannon’s death. It was NOT in vain and good will continue to come out of this tragedy. Stay strong!
natalie
August 8, 2014 at 2:30 pmthank you so much for taking the time to leave me that comment! brought so much comfort!
Jamella Simmons
October 17, 2014 at 12:14 pmI came to your page from a pinterest post and ended up on your post about the trail of your BFs murder. I am sitting at work in tears reading over the details of this story. I pray that her children find peace and comfort in knowing that their mother is in a better place and with them as they venture through life. I couldn’t imagine having this happen so close to home for you and I pray you are comforted with time. Thanks for sharing this story. Hopefully it’ll bring light to someone facing the same problems!
natalie
October 20, 2014 at 9:07 pmThank you so much for your kind words. it means so much! thank you for the prayers!