It was suppose to be someone else’s news story

…. not ours. In the middle of a cold winter night, on February 10, 2013, the phone rang. “I’m sorry… Shaniel is gone.” “No, No, No… not my daughter!” I was stunned with the news. Disbelief engulfed my whole being. I fell to my knees overcome with a sense of helplessness and overwhelming grief. Oh… my heart! I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want to believe it. The truth was… she REALLY was gone. Shaniel was tragically taken from us from a senseless act of domestic violence. How could this happen… to us? This is not just another news story.

This is Shaniel’s story.

Shaniel was just 32 years old. She was in the middle of a beautiful life. She had everything going for her. First and foremost, she was a mother and adored her children. She spent countless hours supporting ball games and school activities. She had a successful career in nursing. She took complete care of her young family. She was very responsible and dedicated to improving her circumstances. She loved the outdoors, especially gardening, hiking, and exploring. She loved family! She was the life of any party. She worked hard. She played hard. Shaniel’s laughter was so contagious. You couldn’t help but laugh with her. She made everything fun. She was everyone’s best friend. She was loved by all who knew her and came in contact with her. Who would have thought our Shaniel would be taken from us… all of us! Our daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend. The effects of her loss have been heartfelt and far reaching.
Domestic violence has many faces. It comes in many forms… physical, emotional, verbal, and mental. It is our hope that telling Shaniel’s story will give hope and provide help to someone else’s daughter, mother, sister, friend… and a senseless tragedy will be avoided.

Beautiful Shaniel

Written by Shaniel's mother, Carol
September 17, 2013