Shyla Lynne Richardson- aged 19, August 16, 2014
Our beloved Shyla has grown her angel wings. In the last few months of her life, but especially in the last couple of weeks, she had seen significant health issues that she courageously and valiantly battled. Shyla had a wonderful life filled with love, family, play, sunbathing and good food!
She enjoyed spending time with her Daddy, Mommy, brother – Harrison, sister – Emmalyn, furry sister – Rosie, and her newest furry sister – Mia. She also enjoyed family parties and greeting the occasional visitor (but always on her terms).
Many don’t know, but her Daddy found her on the side of a road, being given away with her littermates. Daddy couldn’t decide on which kitty to adopt, so he left, only to return the next day to find wee little Shyla peering up at him. It was love at first sight! For both of them!! Within the next couple of years, Shyla would choose her Mommy. Her Mommy is so lucky to have been chosen! The love Shyla gave her family is profoundly felt and profoundly missed!!!!
Soon after making our family formal, Mommy and Daddy didn’t want Shyla to feel lonely during the work-day and they soon adopted little Rosie into the family to give Shyla a companion sibling. It wasn’t love at first sight! But they soon grew to love one another; and Rosie is missing her sister fiercely. They loved and fought like sisters do; but always appreciated the company and companionship of the other.
A few years later Harrison and Emmalyn would follow. Shyla loved them from day one and was always a gentle presence for them. She is adored by her brother and sister and missed terribly. Mommy is grateful to Shyla for teaching them love, patience, quiet solitude, grace, dignity and about the process of death and the eternal promise of being together in Heaven again someday.
Her Mommy feels like Shyla held on until Mia came into our lives this year – she may have felt like it was okay to let go since Rosie would have a companion in her absence. We all truly believe Shyla loved us all so very much that she didn’t want to let go until she knew we’d all be okay. We looked into our beautiful baby’s eyes this past week and she told us it was time to go. She spent time cuddling with Mommy and Daddy; something she didn’t do very often. She wasn’t much of a cuddler, preferring to sit close by instead. She said her goodbyes, made sure we all knew that she loved us and thanked us for making one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. We chose to take on the profound pain of her loss to end her physical pain. She was at peace, ready and full of love in the end. Her last day was celebrated with love, cuddles, and favorite foods like ice cream, tuna, and bacon.
Our memories will sustain us; your love will maintain us. Until we meet again, run, play, eat, drink and be merry with your sister – Sandy, your furry Auntie Ginger and all of our extended family. You were our tiny munchkin, but your loss in our lives is so great it can’t be measured! With eternal love and gratitude, Mommy.