Shaniel's Story: February 2015

I can't believe it's been two years since Shaniel's been gone. On February 10, 2013, our daughter and sister was tragically killed by her husband.

Last year, on her death date, my children and I decided we were not going to dwell on her death. Rather, we chose to make it a day of celebration. We wanted to celebrate Shaniel's life. And so we did! We made a promise that we would do this every single year together from here on after.

And so the name... Angelversary... was born! February 10 will continue to be a special day of celebration. A day full of fun. A day full of memories. A day to laugh and be together. A day to reflect. A day to bring honor and remembrance to a beautiful life lived. Shaniel would want it this way. I can just see her big beautiful smile. I know she is pleased.

SHOP

First thing in the morning, oldest daughter and I headed to Ogden. STAPLES, JOANN'S (notice the ghirardelli chocolate!), ZURCHERS (party heaven!), and COSCO.

EAT

Youngest daughter met us at Bella's for a Fiesta! Strawberry, Peach Mango, and Fresh Lime Margaritas (non-alcoholic) and chips and salsa got us warmed up for the meal. Fiesta salad, fajitas, and burritos filled our tummies... yummy! We reminisced about all the clever ways of Shaniel. How she made us laugh and memories that made us reflect on her witty and attractive personality. Walking down memory lane with Shaniel filled us up with joy and peace as we sat around the table together as family. The grandkids made it extra fun today.

Our waitress was so kind and sweet. She listened to our story of how we lost Shaniel. She was genuinely interested in her, in us. She shared the story of how the owners of Bella lost their daughter and how the name Bella's was born from her passing.

When we were finished with lunch, Jessica (our waitress), brought out the bill with a beautiful message. Of course, that's when the tears began to flow! The world really is full of beautiful, compassionate people who care!

And... at looking closer to the bill, we got two margaritas for free! I can't recommend Bella's enough. The food is delicious, the service is superb, and the atmosphere is super family friendly.

CELEBRATE

After lunch, an employee of Bella's went outside with us and took pictures of us releasing purple (Shaniel's favorite color) balloons into the sky. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching balloons ascend to the heavens. I could picture in my mind Shaniel playfully hitching a ride on one of them!

Another daughter and son joined up in their hometown to celebrate, as well. We kept in touch throughout the day. It was a good day for all of us!

The picture in the upper right hand corner is the balloon release after a "Walk for Shaniel." A walk held in 2013, in honor of Shaniel. Proceeds from the walk were donated to a local women's shelter.

Pinkie Promise

Our pledge:

#purplepinkiepromise

Purple is the color for Domestic Violence Awareness. And it is Shaniel's favorite color. We painted our fingernails purple to show our support and love.