Sweet baby Thalon. The fair, red-headed boy amidst the sea of princess tiaras and Barbie dolls. The perfect representation of Gorillabuns’ Irish roots. Rich’s future partner-in-crime.
Thalon passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his adoring family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention wanting to punch the universe in the mouth right now. Really hard.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Shana in real life, you know she is quite the Mama Bear. Long before she birthed her three beautiful children, she was the kind of friend that would fight dragons tooth and nail for you. Fiercely protective. Loyal. She might even throw a Cape Cod in the face of your nemesis. You know, the kind of person you always want on your side.
However, behind that boisterous Mama Bear exterior lies the most enormous, the most feeling heart you could ever encounter. In all honesty, she’s a total sap.
I distinctly remember shortly after Moira’s birth, beached out on her couch with my own pregnant belly, talking about what an independent spirit her firstborn was. “Little Miss Thing (as she would call Celia) sure isn’t into the whole cuddling and hugging bit”. I remember nodding, thinking that Celia was a smart little girl because, well, touchy-feely people are STRANGE. Just at that moment, Celia sauntered over to Shana and gave her a huge bear hug, and as I looked over at my favorite fierce Mama Bear, I saw tears welling up in her eyes.
I remember hoping I could be a mother like that one day. One who cares so deeply about her babies that the simple act of a day-to-day hug could fill them with so much love that the tears flow.
I can’t begin to fathom what Shana, Rich and the girls are going through right now. To be honest, I won’t even allow myself to envision losing my child. What I do know is that they need all the positive thoughts and prayers that you can give them right now. Shana is so thankful for all of your love and concern – it has lifted her spirits tremendously.
I’ve been trying to think of what I can do right now, 1,400 miles away, to help before heading to Oklahoma. I’ve set up a Paypal donation button for anyone who wants to help Shana’s family with the expenses of Thalon’s hospital stay and funeral services. Please feel free to use the button on your website to help spread the word.
Donations would be greatly appreciated, but your thoughts and prayers are just as welcome.
a madhouse wife
April 13, 2009 at 8:30 amThanks for the info and the opportunity to make a donation, Whoorl. My heart is just aching for them.
sizzle
April 13, 2009 at 8:35 amI’m glad you set up the pay pal account. I have wanted to something, anything for her and the family. I’ll add this to my blog so more people can know.
Please hug her extra hard for me.
TUWABVB
April 13, 2009 at 8:35 amThis is a beautiful tribute – I just adore Shana and whatever was left of my heart is shattered even further.
Marin
April 13, 2009 at 8:37 amWhat is going on? Why are all these things happening…please take my prayers with you when you go to Oklahoma.
Cynthia
April 13, 2009 at 8:41 amIs there anyway to set up the paypal account so it will take donations form people who are not in the US? This is the first time I have not been able to send US funds to a US account from my Canadian paypal account.
You should be able to do it now. Thank you so much for your donation. :)
mp
April 13, 2009 at 8:43 amBeautiful tribute..you are a great friend.
GirlsGoneChild
April 13, 2009 at 8:44 amSo very incredibly sorry. Am sending prayers and strength to you and Shana and her family. Love.
Slouching Mom
April 13, 2009 at 8:44 amThis is just awful. Donation made.
Danielle-lee
April 13, 2009 at 8:45 amI don’t even know her and her family, but am hurting. This month sucks! They will be in my prayers.
Kerri Anne
April 13, 2009 at 8:48 amThank you again, Sar. This was so beautifully said.
I can’t even wrap my brain around all of this, it’s just so overwhelmingly heartbreaking. I wish we could all group hug around Shana and her family right now, but hopefully she’ll be able to feel all the love we’re sending from here. Big hugs to you, too.
Jenny, bloggess
April 13, 2009 at 8:50 amShocked. Too much horror this month. My love and prayers to her and her family.
Sue @ My Party of 6
April 13, 2009 at 8:54 amThere are no words. Wishing I could give Shana a real hug instead of a virtual one.
Lala
April 13, 2009 at 9:09 amThank you for that peek into their lives. I have only just found her site and was trying to understand what was going on. I am heartbroken at this tragic loss, everytime I look at my baby my heart hurts for her family.
Mysh
April 13, 2009 at 9:10 amThis news is so shocking and overwhelmingly sad. Thank you for posting the PayPal account information.
Stephanie
April 13, 2009 at 9:13 amI am so sorry to hear this awful news. Such a precious lfe lost.
My heart cries out.
Steph