Sheila

Sheila
Ever wonder why you meet the people you do, or if these connections are fated or whimsical? Back in 1999, my life took an entirely different course, and jump started the still present volunteer service frenzy that catapults my soul. It was an enthusiastic joyride that culminated in many awards and honors, the privilege of motivating and mentoring children, and fashioning friendships that would transcend typical worldly boundaries. Her name was Sheila, and the warmth and goodness that flowed throughout her being shined abundantly via her well-coiffed dazzling red hair. My personal relationship began when I telephoned her for some information regarding a Girl Scout event. What should have been a three minute conversation lapsed into almost two hours, and became our norm. Ironically, she shared the same birth date as my mother, and my youngest child. This sprinkling of foreshadowing was the very essence of our friendship - congenial, nurturing, helpful, enlightening, and a heartfelt dose of mothering. I do not know if Sheila was aware of the many facets she supplied, and at a time when my own reserve was very low or devoid of these precious features. Thankfully, God always knows what we need, and He delivers it in obvious and not so apparent ways. Sheila was uplifting and inspirational, giving and unstoppable. She was a pint sized burst of energy that could have only been truly ignited and fueled by The Lord. She did His work on earth for and with those of us who somehow needed and yearned for her presence and exuberance. The incalculable number of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award girls that she encouraged and ushered along the path is mind boggling. As a Girl Scout Big Wig, leader, religious award coordinator, and service team personnel to the end, she exemplified a busy life, well lived, and in sanctimonious harmony for the good of all. When I met her she was sixty nine years old, but one would not have guessed a day over fifty. Her beauty was luminous and youthful just like her dancing spirit, which taught me and my Girl Scout troop how to Irish Step dance. Even at eighty three years old in the Funeral Home, poised in her Girl Scout uniform surrounded by all who loved and admired her, time and age could not strip her of her fair maiden loveliness. She could have easily been mistaken as having momentarily closed her eyes, while contemplating her next grand adventure. 

God must be thrilled to have her back in Heaven with Him.
Thank you for the memories, chats, inspiration, adventures, training, and love. You helped give me flight at a time when I did not know I had wings, and showed me that integrity and determination definitely get the job done. May the sun always shine on you, Sheila – as if it would be anywhere else. 

“I thank my God everytime I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 

St. Patrick taught that the shamrock represented The Holy Trinity. Sheila embraced her Irish roots.


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