A poem for my best friend Shannan who lived
We used to laugh
Until the tears ran down our cheeks
The hilarity of our own minds
So in tune, so unique “I only laugh like this with you, you know”
We would make up the most outrageous scenarios, share them with each other
Just to laugh We used to dance.
Unable to be still in spaces of sensuality, culture, joy New York was alive for us
The night-a time to feel and be free in the beautiful sinuousness of our bodies
In the rhythm that resides in our spirits
We used to dance until we sweat.
Sometimes exuding aloof confidence portrayed to the outside world
Many times just focused on each other
Vibing in a mutual love of music
Blasting from the dj booths
Surrounding us, invading our senses
The beat vibrating in our bodies
We used to talk On the phone every day
At sleepovers -spending days at a time together
Wanting to know every detail of the other’s lives
Wanting to share every moment
Connecting over shared beliefs in each others greatness
Feeling safe with each other
The first person we called when we were hurt, angry, happy, sad, or just here.
Confiding relationship ups and downs
Job goals and dreams Inner thoughts and worries
You calmed me down I hyped you up.
You helped me see reason I listened without judgement
We Were Honest We never fought
Not once We so often just agreed
We apologized before the other person could get mad Or stay mad
When we disappointed each other we knew it
And we felt it But we readily forgave
Because we knew In the voices filled with sincere regret that we couldn’t stand to disappoint the other
So we never fought
We loved Each other
Unreservedly Unconditionally With joy and ease Aware of faults and foibles
But NEVER wavering And ALWAYS loyal As sisters do
You didn’t die of cancer
That is not how I’ll remember you
You lived a beautiful life And I must now somehow live without you.
ABOUT SHANN’S LOVE AND LIGHT
Shann’s Love and Light is dedicated to honoring the memory of a remarkable individual, Shannan Dyana McCray, who touched the lives of many before succumbing to ovarian cancer in 2022. Shannan’s love and light continue to resonate, inspiring hope and resilience in the hearts of those who face similar battles.
Throughout her courageous and arduous fight against cancer, Shannan exemplified strength and resilience. Her unwavering spirit served as a beacon of hope for others, reminding them to live their lives not defeated by the disease, but instead surrounded by love and light. It is in this spirit that her mother, deeply affected by Shannan’s journey, embarked on a quest to channel her own grief and creativity into something meaningful.
Shannan’s mother Janine Lisette McCray-Booker discovered solace and healing through art. With pencil in hand, she began to pour her emotions onto the canvas, creating beautiful and inspiring pieces that captured the essence of her daughter’s indomitable spirit. In her art, she found a way to connect with others who were going through similar battles, offering them solace and a visual representation of the strength that lies within.
And thus, the Lisette’s Designs dedicated to Shannan Dyana McCray was born. Its purpose extends far beyond simply selling products; it aims to inspire and uplift women who find themselves in the midst of their own cancer journeys, as well as their friends and loved ones. The artwork showcased in this store serves as a source of joy, hope, and encouragement, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their struggle.
Each piece of art meticulously crafted and thoughtfully designed is infused with the love and light that Shannan embodied during her time on Earth. The colors dance across the canvas, capturing the vibrancy of life, depicting the resilience and strength that lies within each and every individual. Each illustration and creation aim to uplift and inspire.
Lisette’s collection spans a variety of products, ensuring that there is something for everyone. From beautifully printed art prints that can grace the walls of a home, to inspiring t-shirts that can be worn as a reminder of strength, the options are abundant. Each purchase not only serves as a tangible reminder of the love and light that Shannan brought into the world, but also contributes to a greater cause.
LISETTE DESIGNS
Please visit Lisette Designs‘ page to see the collection of artworks, which is available on Zazzle. If you come across a piece of wall art that you like, simply click on the picture and it will take you to Zazzle’s website. Additionally, we invite you to check out our Wear Teal for Shannan shop. Thank you for supporting our work and honoring the memory of Shannan.
