For Annette.....

Written by Shannon, here is what was said for her: As I sit down to write this at my computer, how appropriate that I am at the computer, and how ironic that I am at a loss for words. Annette will laugh at this, as will the other people of our group, Trisomy 21 Online Support Group, who have asked me to convey our love for Annette. As an advocate and a mother, friend, mentor, I am rarely short on words. Never short on abbreviations, (LOL , laugh out loud for those of you that aren’t into the computer chat thing). We need new abbreviations today; for weeping out loud, for my heart is aching, for I am feeling the pain of men and women around the world that are grieving. Yes, I mean around the globe. That is how far Annette’s love, spirit, and kindness have reached. We have known Annette through this online support group for years. As a group, we have shared joys, hugs, milestones, and challenges great and small together. We being, Annette and I, but also our online community, a community so close we would call ourselves sisters. We number in the hundreds. The core of this sisterhood, and sometimes brotherhood, is that each of us received an incredible gift of parenting a child with Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome. This bond brought Annette and her family all the way down from Canada to a little town in Indiana. Here, many of our group strengthened our friendship, watched our kids run and play, shared the love of our families and the passion for our faith. This was not the only time we were to be blessed with a visit from Annette. Many from our board could share stories just as poignant. She went to great lengths to have fellowship with her kindred spirits. She even pressed through her pain to take one last visit to see many of us in Indianapolis. That visit will remain in our hearts as one of highest highs and most bittersweet goodbyes. I am sure those of you sitting here, celebrating Annette’s life are not surprised to hear these words of Annette’s strength and perseverance through adversity. Annette, this is our last post to you. The rest of our correspondance will have to be during our moments of prayer and meditation, until we meet again and dance the tootey ta all together. You have fought the good fight. You have cherished the gifts God has bestowed on you. You have lived a well lived life. Rest our friend Annette, we will continue the fight for you. We will use the light of your spirit to guide us. Thank you for sharing your life, passion, family and faith with us. Your friendship has changed our lives. Your gift will not be forgotten. Godspeed on your journey Home Sister Annette. And Annette asked that we sing this song, In Christ Alone, "and don't sing it whimpy" So let's sing along for her now shall we? I miss you Annette, lots of love.