Sad news

Many of you may remember my post a couple of months ago about Kim Shaw, my friend from the mother's forum with cervical cancer. She was a young, single mother battling for her life in the hopes she could watch her son Barrett grow. I arrived home this weekend from an internet-free week on Cape Cod to learn that Kim passed away on Friday.

To those of you who contributed to the card drive, I would like to pass along Kim's words of thanks. Tori, the girl who collected the cards and sent out the package, received this message on her Facebook page just a week before Kim's passing:

"I got the package this week!! You are such a sweet selfless woman!!!!!!!! All the others are pretty awesome too! I am shocked and blessed at who all from the BZ Club joined in! Y'all are thought of and xoxox-ed so much, Mr. Barrett appreciates this so much too ladies! God Bless and love to all you sweethearts!! Thank you for the prayers and thoughts and appreciate many more! XOXOxoxo"

As you can see, she had a very positive attitude and was grateful for the kindness of so many people, even those she had never met. I am sure those who were lucky enough to know her will miss her greatly.

While there is comfort in knowing Kim's pain is over, her 18-month old son Barrett is now left to live his life without that special love only a mother can give. I do not know details about who will receive custody of this sweet little boy, though I am sure Kim had something arranged ahead of time knowing that this was always a possible outcome. According to her obituary, an educational fund has been set up for him. If anyone is interested in making a donation, you can send it to the educational fund for Barrett Cantu at:

Wells Fargo Bank
1101 Buchanan Drive
Burnet, TX 78611

Thank you all again for the generosity and kindness you shared with Kim and Barrett.




"Because I could not stop for death, He kindly stopped for me; The carriage held but just ourselves and immortality." --Emily Dickinson

In other news, the Fall semester starts tomorrow. Believe it or not, it may mean more frequent updates from me, since I'll be glued to a computer at almost all times. Many apologies for the lack of posts this summer, but I chose to spend the time playing with Eily as much as possible. You'll be hearing all about it soon.