Music: Salt Lake City Rain by Ryan Tanner
Monday, June 24, 2013
Slide Show
For those of you unable to attend Hannah's memorial services, here is a slide show of the photos I took.
Hannah's Life Sketch
Hannah Belle Shaw was born in Moses Lake Washington on July 6th 1999 . She is the 11th of 12 children born to Mark and Cindy Shaw. Her brothers and sisters are: Brigham, Camilla, Levi, Dallin, Sterling, Emma, Rebekah, Hyrum, Isaac, Ammon and of course her darling little sister Holly. At the time of her birth the family home was in Othello.
Hannah’s arrival brought untold joy and happiness to the family. She was an angel child. Her disposition was calm and sweet. She was completely undemanding, so much so that her feedings had to be scheduled as she wouldn’t cry when she was hungry. She was just content and pleasant. The whole family very quickly became overwhelmed with attachment to her. Even as an infant it seemed as though her spirit filled the room. Her heavenly influence was always there.
She went to preschool at Lutagaga Elementary in Othello and had two very special teachers; Heidi Wagner and Charity Michael. Hannah loved school, and she especially loved riding the school bus. When her dad retired from the Postal Service he took a job as a bus driver, which was so exciting for Hannah. She was elated to ride his bus. On one occasion as she was sitting in the back of daddy’s bus, it bounced over a bump, from the back of the bus a little voice loudly exclaimed “nice DAD”.
Everyone that worked with Hannah couldn’t help but fall completely in love with her, which at times could be frustrating because she was quite guarded, and rarely showed open affection (a trait she no doubt inherited from her father). If you got a snuggle or a high five or a fist pump you knew you had accomplished something special.
Hannah was brutally honest in her communication with you. If she liked something she responded with open pleasure and unabashed excitement. We loved to give Hannah gifts and she LOVED to receive them! However, the giver was as, or more important, than the gift. For example, not too long before Hyrum left on the mission he and Hannah had had a little tiff you might say, a rough spot in the relationship. Well, this was at Christmastime and he had wrapped up a little train whistle for her. When she opened it she was delighted, until she found out it was from Hyrum- when he told her HE was the giver of the gift she immediately chucked it across the room. We all burst into laughter. But let’s make it known that the tiff was just a little temporary ripple in their relationship. Just days later, as Hyrum boarded the plane for the missionfield in far away Brazil, Hannah sat down on the floor of the airport terminal and wept and could hardly be consoled. She loved her brother. She loves her brothers and sisters.
Just recently and shortly before her passing while she lay in a semi sedated condition and struggling to breath, her siblings came to her bedside. When she became aware of their presence, as they came into the room and she heard their voices, she rose up in her bed to a sitting positon and we could not get her to lay down. Her neck was so weak that she could hardly hold up her head, but she was determined to engage with the family. As she struggled we all became heartsick; to allow her to “come to” would be excruciating for her physically, yet to deny her was to be excruciating for her emotionally. The nurses gave her additional pain medications and sedatives to help her to lie back, but she continued to struggle. Rebekah had made her a beautiful family album to enjoy while she layed in her bed. They brought the album on this occasion and when she saw it she reached out her hands and clutched onto it. We had to literally pry it out of her arms. How she loved her family. We were her whole world.
As a small child Hannah continued to be the centerpiece of the Shaw home. As her personality emerged we began to see her for who she was and she quickly gained absolute seniority in the family. Although her language skills were inadequate by normal standards she had the ability to communicate with absolute clarity. We found ourselves often asking “who is this child”?
Having 7 older brothers was no challenge for this little sergeant. It was clear she had led brigades in the life before. She was fearless, which was an attribute she called upon later as she faced her battle with cancer.
How we enjoyed her. And she found her joy in us.
In 2008, just after she turned nine years old, the family moved to Richland.
Late in September of 2009 Hannah became very ill, and on October 1st 2009 she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was sent to Seattle Children’s Hospital where she underwent chemotherapy. She also underwent radiation therapy at University of Washington during that time. Hannah’s treatment at the hospital lasted one year and two weeks, and then she had additional daily treatments at home for another 15 months. Throughout this time she remained the light of our lives. As we watched her unflinchingly take the assault of the harsh drugs, we were all amazed at her resilience and submissive spirit. Bearing in mind that she didn’t fully comprehend just why she was so sick, she just continued on to endure almost routinely the onslaught of drugs. She never once complained. We felt that her limited capacity to understand the severity of her disease was a blessing to her. She loved the kindness and attention she got from the loving staff at the Hospital. The Dr.s and nurses adored her, and at her passing there was a barrage of hospital professionals who filled the room in tears. Each expressing how “special” Hannah was and how she had blessed their lives.
She passed away from us and into the presence of loved ones beyond the veil at 10:00 am on June 11, 2013.
How she will be missed. Our home is quiet and the silence is deafening. The sounds of her activity and enchanting personality have been replaced with quiet thoughts and contemplations as we sit and remember and consider the joy we will have when we surely will meet her again.
Hannah’s arrival brought untold joy and happiness to the family. She was an angel child. Her disposition was calm and sweet. She was completely undemanding, so much so that her feedings had to be scheduled as she wouldn’t cry when she was hungry. She was just content and pleasant. The whole family very quickly became overwhelmed with attachment to her. Even as an infant it seemed as though her spirit filled the room. Her heavenly influence was always there.
She went to preschool at Lutagaga Elementary in Othello and had two very special teachers; Heidi Wagner and Charity Michael. Hannah loved school, and she especially loved riding the school bus. When her dad retired from the Postal Service he took a job as a bus driver, which was so exciting for Hannah. She was elated to ride his bus. On one occasion as she was sitting in the back of daddy’s bus, it bounced over a bump, from the back of the bus a little voice loudly exclaimed “nice DAD”.
Everyone that worked with Hannah couldn’t help but fall completely in love with her, which at times could be frustrating because she was quite guarded, and rarely showed open affection (a trait she no doubt inherited from her father). If you got a snuggle or a high five or a fist pump you knew you had accomplished something special.
Hannah was brutally honest in her communication with you. If she liked something she responded with open pleasure and unabashed excitement. We loved to give Hannah gifts and she LOVED to receive them! However, the giver was as, or more important, than the gift. For example, not too long before Hyrum left on the mission he and Hannah had had a little tiff you might say, a rough spot in the relationship. Well, this was at Christmastime and he had wrapped up a little train whistle for her. When she opened it she was delighted, until she found out it was from Hyrum- when he told her HE was the giver of the gift she immediately chucked it across the room. We all burst into laughter. But let’s make it known that the tiff was just a little temporary ripple in their relationship. Just days later, as Hyrum boarded the plane for the missionfield in far away Brazil, Hannah sat down on the floor of the airport terminal and wept and could hardly be consoled. She loved her brother. She loves her brothers and sisters.
Just recently and shortly before her passing while she lay in a semi sedated condition and struggling to breath, her siblings came to her bedside. When she became aware of their presence, as they came into the room and she heard their voices, she rose up in her bed to a sitting positon and we could not get her to lay down. Her neck was so weak that she could hardly hold up her head, but she was determined to engage with the family. As she struggled we all became heartsick; to allow her to “come to” would be excruciating for her physically, yet to deny her was to be excruciating for her emotionally. The nurses gave her additional pain medications and sedatives to help her to lie back, but she continued to struggle. Rebekah had made her a beautiful family album to enjoy while she layed in her bed. They brought the album on this occasion and when she saw it she reached out her hands and clutched onto it. We had to literally pry it out of her arms. How she loved her family. We were her whole world.
As a small child Hannah continued to be the centerpiece of the Shaw home. As her personality emerged we began to see her for who she was and she quickly gained absolute seniority in the family. Although her language skills were inadequate by normal standards she had the ability to communicate with absolute clarity. We found ourselves often asking “who is this child”?
Having 7 older brothers was no challenge for this little sergeant. It was clear she had led brigades in the life before. She was fearless, which was an attribute she called upon later as she faced her battle with cancer.
How we enjoyed her. And she found her joy in us.
In 2008, just after she turned nine years old, the family moved to Richland.
Late in September of 2009 Hannah became very ill, and on October 1st 2009 she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was sent to Seattle Children’s Hospital where she underwent chemotherapy. She also underwent radiation therapy at University of Washington during that time. Hannah’s treatment at the hospital lasted one year and two weeks, and then she had additional daily treatments at home for another 15 months. Throughout this time she remained the light of our lives. As we watched her unflinchingly take the assault of the harsh drugs, we were all amazed at her resilience and submissive spirit. Bearing in mind that she didn’t fully comprehend just why she was so sick, she just continued on to endure almost routinely the onslaught of drugs. She never once complained. We felt that her limited capacity to understand the severity of her disease was a blessing to her. She loved the kindness and attention she got from the loving staff at the Hospital. The Dr.s and nurses adored her, and at her passing there was a barrage of hospital professionals who filled the room in tears. Each expressing how “special” Hannah was and how she had blessed their lives.
She passed away from us and into the presence of loved ones beyond the veil at 10:00 am on June 11, 2013.
How she will be missed. Our home is quiet and the silence is deafening. The sounds of her activity and enchanting personality have been replaced with quiet thoughts and contemplations as we sit and remember and consider the joy we will have when we surely will meet her again.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
06/11/2013
From De Anna:
I talked to Cindy about an hour ago, they are on their way home. Funeral arrangements are underway and the funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday at the LDS Kennewick Stake Center (895 West Gage Blvd Richland, WA). Cindy's brother is working with Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home (1401 S. Union, Kennewick, WA 99338) to handle the arrangements. Please share with those who would like to know.
After spending yesterday with Hannah, last night the older children were able to go get some sleep and were back at 9 am. Hannah passed peacefully shortly thereafter. Cindy said it was as if Hannah had waited through the night for them to return.
Cindy spoke with a beautiful, peaceful spirit as she recounted Hannah's last moments, she is comforted by the knowledge that Hannah is truly (and has always been) an angel.
Donations are still being accepted here or at any US Bank.
From De Anna:
I talked to Cindy about an hour ago, they are on their way home. Funeral arrangements are underway and the funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday at the LDS Kennewick Stake Center (895 West Gage Blvd Richland, WA). Cindy's brother is working with Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home (1401 S. Union, Kennewick, WA 99338) to handle the arrangements. Please share with those who would like to know.
After spending yesterday with Hannah, last night the older children were able to go get some sleep and were back at 9 am. Hannah passed peacefully shortly thereafter. Cindy said it was as if Hannah had waited through the night for them to return.
Cindy spoke with a beautiful, peaceful spirit as she recounted Hannah's last moments, she is comforted by the knowledge that Hannah is truly (and has always been) an angel.
Donations are still being accepted here or at any US Bank.
06/11/2013
At 10 am this morning Hannah passed away surrounded by her family. Details will be forthcoming. Please continue to pray for the Shaw family at this time.
From Camilla's Facebook: "Our Sweet Hannah went back to live with Heavenly Father this morning. We love her and miss her terribly, and can't wait to see her again. Thank you everyone, so much, for your prayers and support"
At 10 am this morning Hannah passed away surrounded by her family. Details will be forthcoming. Please continue to pray for the Shaw family at this time.
From Camilla's Facebook: "Our Sweet Hannah went back to live with Heavenly Father this morning. We love her and miss her terribly, and can't wait to see her again. Thank you everyone, so much, for your prayers and support"
Monday, June 10, 2013
06/10/2013
Hannah's condition really declined last night. It seems clear that she won't be able to make it back to her home in Richland. The children from here are all on their way over right now. Cindy said that at this time Hannah is resting peacefully and can still be roused from her sleepy state. Please pray that the family can have some meaningful time together once the children arrive. One million prayers today, please.
Hannah's condition really declined last night. It seems clear that she won't be able to make it back to her home in Richland. The children from here are all on their way over right now. Cindy said that at this time Hannah is resting peacefully and can still be roused from her sleepy state. Please pray that the family can have some meaningful time together once the children arrive. One million prayers today, please.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
06/09/2013
Well, as for Hannah, we had a rough evening but she is so strong and determined. The day was quite uneventful, just a lot of monitor watching and pondering. At around 8 pm Mark headed for the airport to pick up Emma from her flight from Boston. Just soon after he left, Hannah became agitated with the cannula and all of the sudden she had a nosebleed. I was alone in the room and she became quite panicked when she saw "Mr. Red". I hit the call button but it was a few minutes before a nurse arrived. During that time the bleeding became quite profuse. I struggled to calm Hannah (and myself!) but was, thankfully, able to find enough composure to keep things under control by speaking comforting words and dirtying A LOT of white washcloths. (Boy am I glad I don't do the laundry for this place !). So the nurses finally got to the room--a barrage of them--and they quickly took over. With me in the bed now holding Hannah securely as she protested the nurses pinching of her nose, things became manageable. Hannah continued to be very upset at all the blood and the hectic scene-and she wasn't afraid to let us know just what she thought, in her mind, was the cause of the bleeding (the "dumb/idiot tubey") She kept raising her skinny little fist and exclaiming "idiot tubey" all the time we kept pinching and wiping and calming. It went on for a good 20 to 30 minutes I suppose, till finally the bleeding stopped and we got the masks cleaned up and back into place.
Looking back I can imagine that Hannah was quite dizzy and disoriented through all the screaming and shaking of fists, as her sats dropped down into the 70% range often and didn't rise above 80 for several minutes at a time. After all of the help left and we were there again in the bed alone it took some time for her oxygen levels to return to the mid 90% and while I just held her there, waiting for her dad to come back, I realized that we had both done a very good job in a very bad situation and I was glad. I know we have hard times ahead of a similar nature. I realize the presence of the spirit when it is needed. It seems to just quietly descend and then rest on you til the crisis is over and then you are made aware of the power outside of yourself that has enabled you to endure. I was quietly reminded (again) that Heavenly Father is ever aware and ever present. That the anxiety of the unknown is often more difficult than the unknown when it manifests itself. That I am never, never alone. That He loves me. That He weeps, and worries and also rejoices with me when the storm passes. It is powerful to know this. I rely on this knowledge from moment to moment.
So now Hannah is again sleeping, breathing is becoming more labored but she is holding her saturation levels high. One bright ray in the midst of the turmoil was that she was able to get rid of alot of junk from her lungs as she coughed and sputtered about. Her little self just puked and puffed and cleared herself right out. So the rattle in her chest is a little quieter for now. Being thankful for that.
Well, I need to get back to the room. Again, thank you for all that you are doing my friend.
Cindy
Well, as for Hannah, we had a rough evening but she is so strong and determined. The day was quite uneventful, just a lot of monitor watching and pondering. At around 8 pm Mark headed for the airport to pick up Emma from her flight from Boston. Just soon after he left, Hannah became agitated with the cannula and all of the sudden she had a nosebleed. I was alone in the room and she became quite panicked when she saw "Mr. Red". I hit the call button but it was a few minutes before a nurse arrived. During that time the bleeding became quite profuse. I struggled to calm Hannah (and myself!) but was, thankfully, able to find enough composure to keep things under control by speaking comforting words and dirtying A LOT of white washcloths. (Boy am I glad I don't do the laundry for this place !). So the nurses finally got to the room--a barrage of them--and they quickly took over. With me in the bed now holding Hannah securely as she protested the nurses pinching of her nose, things became manageable. Hannah continued to be very upset at all the blood and the hectic scene-and she wasn't afraid to let us know just what she thought, in her mind, was the cause of the bleeding (the "dumb/idiot tubey") She kept raising her skinny little fist and exclaiming "idiot tubey" all the time we kept pinching and wiping and calming. It went on for a good 20 to 30 minutes I suppose, till finally the bleeding stopped and we got the masks cleaned up and back into place.
Looking back I can imagine that Hannah was quite dizzy and disoriented through all the screaming and shaking of fists, as her sats dropped down into the 70% range often and didn't rise above 80 for several minutes at a time. After all of the help left and we were there again in the bed alone it took some time for her oxygen levels to return to the mid 90% and while I just held her there, waiting for her dad to come back, I realized that we had both done a very good job in a very bad situation and I was glad. I know we have hard times ahead of a similar nature. I realize the presence of the spirit when it is needed. It seems to just quietly descend and then rest on you til the crisis is over and then you are made aware of the power outside of yourself that has enabled you to endure. I was quietly reminded (again) that Heavenly Father is ever aware and ever present. That the anxiety of the unknown is often more difficult than the unknown when it manifests itself. That I am never, never alone. That He loves me. That He weeps, and worries and also rejoices with me when the storm passes. It is powerful to know this. I rely on this knowledge from moment to moment.
So now Hannah is again sleeping, breathing is becoming more labored but she is holding her saturation levels high. One bright ray in the midst of the turmoil was that she was able to get rid of alot of junk from her lungs as she coughed and sputtered about. Her little self just puked and puffed and cleared herself right out. So the rattle in her chest is a little quieter for now. Being thankful for that.
Well, I need to get back to the room. Again, thank you for all that you are doing my friend.
Cindy
Saturday, June 8, 2013
06/08/2013
From De Anna:
I spoke with Cindy around noon. Hannah seems a bit stronger today – more alert – and for that they are grateful! They are still at Seattle Children’s hospital. Maybe it’s for the best; Mark got stuck in Friday night traffic and arrived later than expected, Hannah was worn out from the trip to Seattle in the wee hours Friday morning and a trip back that night would have taken its toll, and the Transfer Coordinator there at Children’s will not be back till Monday morning to process Hannah out. So for now they are waiting.
Hannah has been moved from IV antibiotics to oral, from oxygen mask to cannula (which she HATES) and things there in her room have slowed down to a snail’s pace as nurses and staff are no longer rushing in and out, but awaiting her departure. One of Hannah’s big sisters is flying into Seattle tonight. They have a very special bond and Hannah is so excited to see her. Cindy says that when Hannah sees someone she loves it’s like all the excitement and surprise of opening a present – wonderful for a good five minutes! That’s all she needs to brighten her day.
Cindy says that, although she recognizes they have exhausted the available medical options, she is still full of hope. She recited just a few of the miracles our Savior performed while here on earth, and testified that she knows miracles still occur every day. Cindy’s will is aligned with our Heavenly Father’s and her heart is open and hopeful about what is to come.
Again, she does check the messages here, all you have to do is click on the “comments” tab.
From De Anna:
I spoke with Cindy around noon. Hannah seems a bit stronger today – more alert – and for that they are grateful! They are still at Seattle Children’s hospital. Maybe it’s for the best; Mark got stuck in Friday night traffic and arrived later than expected, Hannah was worn out from the trip to Seattle in the wee hours Friday morning and a trip back that night would have taken its toll, and the Transfer Coordinator there at Children’s will not be back till Monday morning to process Hannah out. So for now they are waiting.
Hannah has been moved from IV antibiotics to oral, from oxygen mask to cannula (which she HATES) and things there in her room have slowed down to a snail’s pace as nurses and staff are no longer rushing in and out, but awaiting her departure. One of Hannah’s big sisters is flying into Seattle tonight. They have a very special bond and Hannah is so excited to see her. Cindy says that when Hannah sees someone she loves it’s like all the excitement and surprise of opening a present – wonderful for a good five minutes! That’s all she needs to brighten her day.
Cindy says that, although she recognizes they have exhausted the available medical options, she is still full of hope. She recited just a few of the miracles our Savior performed while here on earth, and testified that she knows miracles still occur every day. Cindy’s will is aligned with our Heavenly Father’s and her heart is open and hopeful about what is to come.
Again, she does check the messages here, all you have to do is click on the “comments” tab.
Friday, June 7, 2013
06/07/2013
After nearly 3 weeks home with her family, Hannah was taken by ambulance to Seattle Children’s last night for pneumonia. Her pneumonia is not responding well to treatment and her bone marrow is no longer making healthy white blood cells. Mark is on his way to Seattle.
The doctors don't offer any hope but Cindy says their faith is strong. She knows that only Heavenly Father can know when it will be Hanna's time to go and believes we all still have a lot we can learn from this sweet little girl. The Shaw's plan on returning home with Hannah as soon as transportation can be arranged. Your prayers and support have been such a strength to the Shaw's, please continue to pray for them in the coming days and weeks.
Expenses have once again become a burden, please consider making generous donations. We can truly alleviate this burden if we all help out.
After nearly 3 weeks home with her family, Hannah was taken by ambulance to Seattle Children’s last night for pneumonia. Her pneumonia is not responding well to treatment and her bone marrow is no longer making healthy white blood cells. Mark is on his way to Seattle.
The doctors don't offer any hope but Cindy says their faith is strong. She knows that only Heavenly Father can know when it will be Hanna's time to go and believes we all still have a lot we can learn from this sweet little girl. The Shaw's plan on returning home with Hannah as soon as transportation can be arranged. Your prayers and support have been such a strength to the Shaw's, please continue to pray for them in the coming days and weeks.
Expenses have once again become a burden, please consider making generous donations. We can truly alleviate this burden if we all help out.
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