It was a long hard process for Shay and surrounding family and friends, we knew the day was coming we just was not prepared to deal with another classmates death. As we helped raise money and go on random visits to Riley Children’s Hospital we continued to grow closer as a class because the last classmate was taken without any warning, Rebecca Arnold-Ellis.
Shay was a fighter that was not willing to give up until the last couple months before her death. Shay was diagnosed with leukemia in the spring of 2007. She was missed greatly during the months she was gone from school, lucky her in a way to be able to miss school and not deal with the senior year drama. She unfortunately had to miss our senior year prom but the people that meant the most to her decided to take a little mini prom the day after to visit her. Her date Daniel Worford went and took her beautiful flowers, the nurses even set up a special room with decorations and music for the fellow friends to dance around and enjoy the atmosphere. Shay was blessed she got to wear her beautiful prom dress, got her hair done and even took professional pictures to remember the day. Shay got to walk through graduation ceremony with us as a class. It was such a happy time as a class to sit down and remember the times we shared together the good and the bad. As I sit here to write this blog entry my heart hurts.
My heart hurts for many reasons, one I never told Shay how much of an inspiration she was to me or others, I would randomly text her and she would be so full of life and joy even in the pain her cancer was causing. What a blessing it was to have her in my life for the short time she was allowed. Another reason no one but God knew when her final day was going to be and for that I am blessed but in a way sadden because no one got to say their good byes but maybe that was what God thought Shay could handle and the people around her. Personally saying good bye for the last time is a difficult thing to do whereas the person being taken is very difficult but you don’t have the time where you know she/he is not going to make it to live the next couple hours.
Over the last year a lot of smiles, a lot of laughs and a lot of tears have been shed in the moments when Shay is brought up into conversation. Shay truly was an inspiration to have in your life; she inspired those that met her just once or the ones who weren’t so lucky to ever meet her.
Her mom had set up a sight for people to read kind of like BlogSpot but CaringBridge it was the neatest things, we could write comments, look at pictures, read what Shay was doing that day. Shelley kept us updated on every possible way or the frequent text messages we would get saying what she had accomplished that particular day. Shelley is a wonderful person and realizes now why Shay was the way she was- beautiful, kind, loving and most important God loving.
Shay you are greatly missed by many and loved by all. You were a blessing and I am so glad I can say I will see you again!
Shay Elyssa Fischer
Blessings do occur in the lives of many on a day-to-day basis and I am so glad they do. The Senior Class of 2007 has three wonderful students that will never be forgotten. Who would have thought by the age of 20 you would have lost one classmate let alone three. It has been a hard couple years for us but in many ways it has helped us realize we need to live for the day because who knows when our last is coming. Thank you Jesus for showing our class you are real and you do know our futures and when it will end.
Another important person in the life of so many people is little Andon Knepp. As I was walking through the cemetery at Berea I noticed his grave and my heart went out to Ryan Chelsa and Brycen and for the family around them. I pray God is with you and take care of your family. I pray that through this difficult time you can find healing and love through the people around you. I love you!
Andon Joseph Knepp
