The Shoes Which Left Footprints on Souls Part 1

While others are skiing at Chalets or ice skating on the Natrel, my swollen joints remind me of the inherited blight of arthritis I have acquired. 
Walking in the cold towards the bus that I always seem to just miss, my steps cross in the same direction as another woman. I notice her long tresses that shine like obsidian under the loyal companion of the moon. Adorning her head is a felted, coal, hat that cups her features in its brim. The outline of the woman conjures up a vision of Diana Gabaldon. 

Our smiles lock onto one another and as I tip my hat towards the woman and compliment her, she makes contact. Words spill forth of an upcoming birthday. In my mind, I wonder maybe her 50^th? Then her reply astonishes me and I react as if she verbally has shocked me. “I will be turning 80 years in a few days!” The crescent of her blue eyes commands my attention. “Oh my! You look so…” 
Before I can say anymore, she relishes the secret of youth. 
“Always be kind to others then you don’t wear bitterness on you.” 

For eighty years young, the lady shared how she was a collector of hats and whimsical tales. Mulling over her presence, she carried on with a confident walk of living those words. 

Later in the evening, I smiled when I saw her approaching. “We meet again my friend,” she rejoiced. This time I asked her name? “Trish,” she declared. I introduced myself and after we had chatted, she commented:  “Our paths will cross again someday and when they do, we will go for a Christmas cocktail!” Then she was off into the night... like a black panther who had lived a hundred lives and seen many battles…Miss Trish had stories to tell.

Once on the transit that carries me to my current place of residence, my thoughts skipped back and forth over my chance encounter – twice, of meeting this effervescent woman. 

I thought of all the people who have been spun into the quilt of my life and the colourful threads of acquaintances…some whose hearts are still aligned with mine and others whose ships sailed when the tempest came. 

As often what happens when the humming of the bus lulls me into reflecting, I let the crevices of my heart open to memories of my babygirl. 

If still alive, Shayla would be turning 28 years old. 

Her love for Christmas was only matched with the giving of her golden heart she carried within. 

A smile crept across my lips when I recalled how earlier in the week, I had opened some music files on my computer that is ten years old. The playlists I decided to listen to were not mine, but a compilation of Shayla’s favourite tunes, as the laptop I compose on, once belonged to her.    

Plugging in my earphones, I sat and tuned into the world that she once existed within. Suddenly, Beastie Boy’s Brass Monkey was thumping away and then Whisky Lullaby came into my airwaves. The lyrics of Swing Life Away trailed off onto Free Falling…soon followed by Buffalo Soldier. 
 One of the songs that I know would be on her mp3 player now would be Imagine Dragons ~Thunder. Every time I listen to it, I smile and think of her. 

I decided while listening to the playlist of her life, to step back in time to the special vault Shayla and I still have, despite our separated realms. Accessing the messages her and I shared over the years on Facebook, I was able to read between mother and daughter, the unbreakable bond that leaps off the many pages. 

I closed my eyes and imagined what one day it will be like… to be side by side with her again. 

I was doing well until I came across a message I had posted to Shayla in 2009. I spoke of our tradition to go and place ornaments on the Tree of Memories, in remembrance of loved ones. A single sentence took hold of me… “My sweet babygirl…momma Never wants you be an ornament on the tree we visit every Christmas.” Two years later, I was joined by others as we took an assortment of colourful, sparkling, décor to hang in her memory. 

Now six years later, I ‘prepare’ for December 12^th. 

I decided to reach out to those who either knew Shayla or through my endless stream of blog posts, grew to be touched by my sweet angel. I asked for a simple text or more if they felt compelled to. With the sharing of their words… they let me know of a young lady, whose dancing shoes left imprints on their souls.

By TL Alton 

This response is worthy of an email not a text xo

The first memory that came to mind was a video you presented me with Shayla on a swing enjoying the moment with a friend and a song amongst her voice.

I also remember the radiant smile that lit up her face the single and monumental time I was fortunate enough to meet her in person at the pharmacy. I remember that she was far more than the word beautiful could ever explain.  She was epic!

I think mostly I value her ability to completely love and embrace adversity.  She offers me a daily and sometimes even momentary reminder that we must love all and every one /thing.  

I hold very dearly to my heart the rock lover that she was.  Had it not been for her love of stones/rocks I may never have nurtured this fellow trait in myself.  

Mostly I am so happy that she chose you as a momma for our paths may never had crossed.

Thank you Shayla, thank you.

Sarah Kube

 

“My memory comes from you, as I never had the opportunity to meet Shae, though I wish dearly that I had. I like the story of her going into social work & pursuing the program at TRU. She would have been brilliant in the field and it sadly compounds the loss even more. I just like that she was compelled to help others. I wish I had known her.” ~ Amanda Swoboda

There are so many…but one that stands out was when you told me about your naked bungy jump for charity, story. Haha I just thought that was so awesome. Just shows both of your free spirited adventurous natures. But so do many of your other stories together. It never seemed like a dull moment when you 2 were together.  ~Alicia Guzauskas

I remember Shayla coming to visit me in Penticton and staying a couple of nights. She was always great company and would make me laugh. ~ Love from Auntie Sherry Brown 

Michelle Wells wrote:  Since I never had the pleasure of getting to know Shayla when she was older, the one memory that sticks in my mind, is when I came to visit you in Victoria and you shared with me your trip to Disneyworld with her. The airlines lost your luggage and yet you had all those laughs in the hotel room, as you waited for your luggage to show up…how you made the best of everything. I really just envy the friendship you shared as mother and daughter…my heart aches that was taken away from you.

I also love the story of Shayla’s graduation and her beautiful Belle dress!!

“I don’t know how you have managed to live without her? Shayla was one of the good ones…” ~ Uncle Brad Murphy 

 

I have fondest memories of us on the beach, collecting rocks and seashells. We did special things together and shared the same silly humour. 

~ Grandma Dee