 |
| Sara Marie Shields Priddy June 20, 1961-March 22, 2006 |
Jordan and Zach are growing into such fine young men, Sara. It's hard to believe that our little Jordan D
avid will be 16 this summer! He's taller than his dad - can you believe it? Mom and I just marvel at how much he looks and even acts like Kirk at this age. When they were here the last time I was super impressed with his maturity and level-headedness. He's a wonderful big brother to Zach, just like you taught him to be. He's still just as sweet and inquisitive as ever, and those traits just enhance his intelligence and natural born desire to learn. I still see some of the things we saw in him as a young child, but I also see this wonderfully bright and well-adjusted young man taking the place of our little boy. You can be very proud of Jordan, Sara - he's an amazing kid.
Zachary just continues to be the light of everyone's life. He's so personable and sweet! He's full of energy and life! He reminds me so of you - I don't think he's ever met a stranger. Zach has your temperament and your beautiful features. His eyes are so big and beautiful, and he has the longest lashes ever! Zach keeps everyone laughing with his funny stories and his big questions. When I look at him, I see you - what an awesome tribute he is to your sweet spirit! It seems like just yesterday we were sitting in the Neo-Natal Unit at the hospital holding our little, bitty monkey baby, wondering what life would hold for him and knowing that with his fighting spirit he would be up to any challenge he might face.
Sara, you'd be so proud of Kirk and the way he has handled the last six years. I've been simply amazed by his capacity to face the struggles that have come his way, and to not only face them, but meet them with grace and strength. I know he probably doesn't feel strong some days - maybe most days - but, Sara, he really is one of the strongest people I know. When I think back to those dark days in 1988-89, I'm still very grateful to God that He surrounded Kirk with such wonderful people as you and his other friends. But mostly, I thank God for you. Your courage and belief in him helped Kirk to not only survive that obstacle but to thrive.
He is such a good parent, carrying on all the things you and he had determined you wanted for your boys. He teaches them the values you shared, and keeps your memory alive by instilling in them a love for nature, for peace, and for the Lord. The boys adore him and he adores them. He has never once complained about the path he has to walk. He just gets up every day, takes care of your sons, and provides for them in the best way he knows how - and with every step he honors you.
Do you remember one of our last conversations? You, Kirk, and I decided that it would be so good for Mom (and for Dad) if we could have some concentrated time with her, focusing on her healthcare and helping her get the supports she needed to continue to have a positive quality of life. Well, we didn't get to do those things for her at that time. When we lost you, it took us all a long while to "right our ships." Some things just had to be put aside while we learned to live life without you in it.
I'm so happy to be able to tell you that today Mom and I completed a four-month journey toward better health for her. She had the last of a series of health tests last night, and today walked out of an office with a safe pair of walking shoes. She has been under the care of a wonderful doctor for the last few months, and with her help, Mom has had every body system checked. Her medicines are doing what they should for her, she sleeps well, she feels good, and she is happy. As we reflected today on our recent journey, I said, "Mom, what a fitting way to honor Sara's memory. This is exactly what she wanted for you!" Mom readily agreed. She has often mentioned how much you cared about her and how she knew that you wanted her to feel good and to be able to enjoy life. We go into tomorrow knowing that we have fulfilled one of your greatest wishes for her, and that makes me feel so good. Mom's current state of health is a tribute to you and your love for personal health and wholeness.
I found love, Sara, last year. How I wish you could meet Paul! You would so love him and he would love you, too! He is a lover of nature and the beauty that God has created. I can't wait to get him out to the Pacific Northwest so I can show him the places you loved. Now I know the kind of love you and Kirk shared because I have found it with Paul. You were so right when you said you wanted me to have more, to know true love, and to be happy.
The first Christmas you knew me - 1988 - you gave me a book called, "Growing Closer." It was a book about friendships and you had selected it for me because you knew I valued all of my friendships so much. I have learned many things from that book through the years. I had the privilege of being able to use it to help people in recovery learn to be true friends to others. The book's contents brought out some wonderful and honest conversations. I saw women working at their relationships with other women, and witnessed your legacy in action. I pray that today they continue to honor your memory by being the kind of friend that you were to so many others.
Tomorrow is Sara Smiles Day, my dear sister. It's the day I choose to remember you and honor your life by sharing with others a smile and a flower. Each year I choose 3-4 friends who have made an impact on me during the previous year and bless them with a flower in your memory. I can't come to Washington to visit you each March 22, so I visit your memory with flowers for my friends. I know no better way to honor you and to keep you close to my heart.
Tonight, I will shed a few tears, smile a bit at the funny memories we share, and thank God profusely for allowing me to know you and love you. I wish I could reach out right now and give you a hug, but I will store up my hugs to shower upon you when we meet in Heaven someday. Until then, I will share love with others because you shared your love with me. I still can't believe I can't just pick up the phone and call you, or see your beautiful smile. But I always feel your spirit, and I will always hold your close in my heart.
Until we meet again,
Love,
Kerry
