Chelsea – you are my sunshine, my incredibly beautiful bright light! Shining bright like the sun, your vast beams of personality radiated and left its imprint on my heart. You are like the colors of the sunset, the beautiful vibrant shades of orange I see when I look at the horizon. And, like the sunset, your mesmerizing glow is all encompassing and lures those around you.
When you came into a room, your bountiful presence commanded attention. People would watch in awe as you spoke. Whether you were telling a great tale of being attacked by a shark, sharing the latest gossip or making fun of some unfortunate soul, your wicked sense of humor brought copious amounts of laughter to those around you. And, your infectious laugh was music to my ears.
You didn’t live life quietly! You were my red-headed wild child, fierce and ungovernable, standing up for what you believed in and teaching others to do the same. Many a teacher would describe you as ‘spirited’ at our parent-teacher conferences. And, as you grew older, your lively nature grew and spilled over touching all those that encountered you, leaving many memories in your wake.
But, what a lot of people didn’t get to see was the delicate spirit that lay beneath the hard candy shell. You were one of the most sensitive people I have ever known. As a child, I recall watching you on one of your first days at Undercroft. You didn’t know anyone and I watched as you observed two little girls holding hands while standing in line at the door before going outside. You walked over to those girls and slipped your tiny hand into theirs ~ wanting to be a part of what they shared. If any of you were ever fortunate enough to experience this side of Chelsea, you know how special it was! I am blessed to have experienced both sides of Chelsea; the untamed and the tender.
Most of all Chelsea, my life will be forever changed because of you, my bright beautiful sunshine!
Chels – today marks the fourth week since your precious soul left this earth. I search for you daily and will continue to do so until I join you on the other side. I am trying to be grateful for the 23 years I was given to make memories with you. But, it feels like we were just getting started! I had so many hopes and dreams of what the future would hold. Now, as life moves forward without your physical presence, I am trying to be mindful of the signs you leave in my path that show me that you are still with me. I love you Chelsea Rose!
It was beautiful when you spoke this at the service and still is. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing this, Kari. The final paragraph is really just the first of a new relationship with Chelsea. Her golden light will always shine down on you.
I have known you for over 30 years but been absent from your life or that of your kids since your son was a baby. Stacy used to babysit for you and Park. Other than the occasional passing at random places like the fair or walmart lol of all places….we lost touch. Which is sad in itself. You and Gina were the best of friends for so many years, so it seems like I should know more about you and your life with the kids. I have honestly struggled to find any comforting words for you during this time of grief. I think mostly because I’m completely terrified at the thought of losing one of my own. Not a single day has passed that I haven’t thought about you and prayed for God to give you comfort. I love you old friend and will continue to pray for your peace of mind. Big hugs to you and Park and family!!!
I love this, Kari 🙂 Betty and I will say another prayer for you tonight.