Sheila Morris, Child Life Worker, University of Michigan Medical Center
Good morning, my name is Sheila Morris, and I am one of the Child Life Staff,
along with Lisa Engbrecht who came to know Shelly as she came to her hospital
for our care. We first met this vibrant little girl as she bounded into our
playroom and sort of stood there and wondered what we had planned for today.
Our role is to make this experience enjoyable for children. Become a place
that they look forward to coming.
Lisa and I quickly became aware, not only from Shelly, but by the looks on
her parents’ faces, that we had a challenge. That our cut and paste projects
probably would not be stimulating enough for this remarkable child.
Shelly came to view the clinic as the haven, a place where she would come to
gather with friends, young friends, and her older friends, a place of safety,
a place of enjoyment. As she continued with her illness and did not come to
the clinic as frequently, we tried to continue our relationships with her at
home. And I have to tell you that Ruti and Howard welcomed us always --
everyone -- with open arms. If you had something to share with Shelly,
please come, please enrich her life. In actuality, the enrichment was
reversed. All of us who were involved with her certainly walk away just
cherishing our moments with this child and her loving family.
What was most striking to me in this child, this very unique little girl, was
the way that she took in the life around her in her world -- and then the
avenues that she chose to express what she had taken in. Her art, her music,
even her writing, the stories that she could tell.
I remember last fall on a beautiful autumn evening, sitting on her deck with
Maia and Shelly, and we were doing some painting to pass the evening. And we
were painting on sweatshirts. And at that time Shelly had lost the use of her
right hand and had retrained herself to use her left hand. But the work, the
painting, was very tedious. She had an idea in mind that was an idea that in
actuality she had expressed to other staff previously. She painted two
clouds on her shirt, one a bright, soft, yellow cloud, the other a little
darker, shady, a little heavier. And from those clouds came tiny little
raindrops. And into those raindrops she painted a bolt of lightening.
All this took a great deal of time and ultimately I thought that we were
finished. She began to push the paints away. And then she stopped me and
wanted more. Down in the corner she proceeded to paint a beautiful little
umbrella, which she was determined needed to have a very shiny, glittery cap
on the top. That creation was so symbolic to me. I have thought about it
numerous times, and I am convinced that that umbrella, down in the little
corner, with the glittery top, represented her parents, her family, those who
helped her stay safe throughout this whole journey. And she just treasured
that safety so.
I recently came across a poem that reminded me of Shelly and also reminded me
of all that her parents had helped to shape and mold in this very beautiful
child. I would like to share it with you.
Clay in the potters hands
Words from the poets soul
Tales of the great adventure
By a storyteller told
A brush in palette by an artists hand
And music that speaks
with a heart and tale
They all say a message each its own
Of all the things the soul has known
And what treasure lies in each one’s art
Is lessons learned by each one’s heart
Each of us has been enriched by Shelly’s treasures, gifts and her lessons.
Her essence remains as a vibrant being and strength. Cherish her presence
within you and honor always the child whose beauty and courage now resides in
the viewpoint and tenderness of your heart.
To all the children who are here today: You are here because of your
friendship and your love for Shelly. Each of you must know that all the
tender deeds that you have done, the notes, the cards, the music tape, or
maybe even your kind thoughts that no one else knows about, made such a
difference, made Shelly feel happy. And for the rest of your life you will
carry Shelly with you, with happy thoughts and gratitude for knowing her.
Audio file of this eulogy
