Donna Sundwall Shields

To our cherished, and so special, beloved Doe,

Your name, bestowed upon you so very long ago.

A unique name that encompasses so much that you have been and are,

That, when it was pronounced, young grandchildren yelled it from afar.

Today, we still use that family name, to tell you how much your love is felt,

For your smile, your caring, your love, always your willingness to give and help.

We believe that there are only a small number of people who are as perfect as you,

And we are so happy that we, both individual and collectively, were in this family and knew.

We cherish that that you are now safe in heaven and looking down upon all of us,

And we understand that it is our responsibility to go forward, together, without a fuss.

Treating everyone with respect and love as you have always taught us all to do,

That we can make a difference in this wonderful country of ours. Yes – just we few.

Oh, by the way, a therapy dog will join us soon, because we saw how one affected you,

Just last week, your smile, that sparkle in your eyes, ah yes, when they saw Shelby Lou.

And you know that pendant we have loved and you have worn for so many years,

I am wearing it now, giving me daily joy and remembering, and yes, wonderful tears.

And, of course, the Robert Sexton art sketch that I gave you, long ago, certainly not new,

“This I will remember, when the rest of life is though: the finest thing I’ve ever done is simply loving you.”