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Brittany Leigh Shaffer (1989-2004.) She was God's gift to us, her gift from God, was her beautiful smile! Leigh Ann and I dedicate this Website to our 15 year old daughter, Brittany Leigh Shaffer, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident on Oct. 5th, 2004. She was returning home from a High School Girls Golf Sectional match in Kalida, where the above picture was taken. Many of you who called the Realty office, I'm sure talked with Brittany, at one time or another. She was a sweetheart of a girl, that didn't have a bad word to say about anyone, or anything, and no matter the circumstance, always wore a smile. At an early age she accepted her Lord, and held true to him throughout the very end. She was just starting her Sophomore year at Parkway High School, and was a member of the Varsity Girl's Golf Team, a Boy's Basketball Stat., a member of the Mendon United Methodist Church, and Youth Group, and a member of the Mercer County Trailblazer's 4-H club, where she had a love like no other, of showing her Quarter Horse, (Mandy) at various Shows & Fairs throughout the State, and was just weeks away from getting her own drivers permit, something she was very much looking forward to. Her love for children was immense, and she would stop in the middle of doing schoolwork, to go out and play with young children outside, whose mom's were getting their hair done at the beauty shop. Always glad to answer the phone, and take messages for Dad, a fellow Realtor friend of mine said, (of Brittany's tape recording greeting on the answering machine), she ended the message by saying, "Have a good day", and he said "you could tell by her voice that she really meant it, too". She enjoyed her first real job the summer of 2004, when she waitressed at the Kozy Korner. She enjoyed talking & laughing with so many people, many of whom came to the viewing and expressed their feelings about Brittany. To the many people who stood in the hour long line at the viewing throughout the afternoon and evening, (over 1200 of you), and to those who filled the church at the funeral, the people who sent cards, gave monetary donations to the various youth groups, brought food, remembered us in thought and prayer, and to those who continue to show support long after, a heartfelt Thank You, from Leigh Ann and I. We were truly blessed with a beautiful daughter/sister, as well as many friends, and relatives.
We think of her every idle moment of the day, and her loss has deeply saddened us all, beyond repair. A quote from a popular poem says: "Our family chain has been broken, and nothing will ever be the same; but as God calls us one by one, our chain will link again". Her loss has changed our lives, and it will truly never be the same. Brittany, we love you!! We cherish the 15 yrs. you gave us, it was not nearly long enough, when you left, a part of us went also. We forever hold you, and your beautiful smile, in our hearts. We anxiously await the day that we can hold you in our arms, once again! All our love sweetheart, Mom, Dad, Brian, & Brad.
Special Mention goes to the Youth leaders of the Mendon United Methodist Church, Betsy Armstrong, Shiela & John Boroff, Michelle Boyer, Amy Clay, Kris Louth, and Pastor Bunnell. Your caring and devotion to the spiritual lives of our youth, and to Brittany was appreciated. Brittany's love for the Lord, and her love for life and friends, went without question. Thank's to all.
Special Mention goes to Jim & Brenda VanTilburg, Deb Wolters, Pam Ebbing, and Linda Kramer who passed on the love of horses to Brittany. They thought enough of a bunch of young girls to spend their own time, taking them to area horseshows, putting the girls first, spending countless hours, seeing that these girls worked hard, and had alot of fun doing it, and for that, we will forever be grateful. It was truly, Brittany's finest moments!!! Leigh Ann and I, Thank You all, so very much!!
With much sorrow, I end this dedication with a poem, and a verse from one of Brittany's favorite songs. Brittany, You were our second born, How proud we were of you, You were the answer to our prayers, A special dream come true, And from that moment forward, You made life so much fun, You filled our lives with happiness, And kept us on the run, And for these special memories, We have thanked the Lord above, For giving us a lovely daughter, To hold, to raise, to love, We have cherished every moment, And we want you to know, You brought real joy into our lives, And we love and miss you so. Love Mom & Dad.
And a verse from one of her favorite Spiritual songs, by a Christian group called Mercy Me, it sings, Surrounded by Your Glory, What will my heart feel, Will I dance for you Jesus, Or in awe of you be still, Will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall, Will I sing Hallelujah, Will I be able to speak at all, I can only imagine, I can only imagine. This verse is inscripted on Brittany's headstone. She sang it many times, it was one of her favorite songs.
Sweetheart, my days are spent thinking of you, and I long to see your beautful smile, to hear your laugh, to see your long, shiny blonde hair, to get a hug, and give you a peck on the cheek. I miss playing basketball, softball, and football with you outside in the yard, only to quit because the sun went down. I miss taking you fishing over at the pond, and having our own "who can catch the most fish" contests. I miss seeing you ride high on the back of Mandy, at the horseshows with a smile from ear to ear. It was your "grandest times". I will always remember the smile on your face when you would hold a little child. The smile you had when practicing driving your car around the circle drive, looking forward to the day that you got your own driver's license permit. Our days here will never be the same without you, our lives have an empty hole, one that only you can fill. We give you back to God for safekeeping until the day we see each other once again, and walk hand in hand forever. What a day that will be!! And until that day, I will forever keep you close to my heart, your smile in my eyes, and always in my thoughts. I love you Britty, always and forever. DAD!
Special Mention goes to Kendra Smith & Kirsten Eberle, Brittany's two best friends and horse riding buddies. They have never forgotten her even now, long after, and have been there for Leigh Ann and I through the tough times of losing Brittany. You two are very special, and many Thanks to you both!
A friend of our family let us know of this website, that reminded her of our memorial to Brittany. Please visit it @ http:www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html It's a beautiful song, and was Brittany's favorite. We hope you enjoy it, as much as we have.
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