Rejoicing for Dawn

My friend Dawn Sheveland passed away on Friday, another victim to Pancreatic Cancer. She fought her battle well.

Dawn and I have been friends for 15 years - most of them when we didn't live in the same city. When we lived and ministered together we didn't really have a classic friendship - she was our senior pastor's wife and I was the wife of the middle school pastor. Dawn was my example of a pastor's wife - not the stereotype - but her own person, loving and serving God how she was wired. She opened her home to us other pastor's wives every month where we could vent, share, cry and pray for each other in a safe place. That foundation was the springboard to our friendship.

When she moved away and things got tough for us in ministry, I knew she would be a safe, non-judgemental counsel. Dawn always understood and always had the right things to say to encourage me to press on. She impressed me with how quick she would respond to emails - always no more than a day. Our emails then grew from just ministry issues to sharing about our families and our lives - our friendship grew. Her love for Jerry and her family was always so evident. Her sheer delight in her grandchildren was always felt - I was amazed I would have to "ask" for pictures.

Dawn's diagnosis of cancer didn't slow her down. She continued to travel as much as she could. Her emails were always hopeful. She never spoke of dying, never shared prognosis or stage of cancer. I just knew. I only sensed the progression of the disease from knowing the chemo was not working, and knowing the evilness of the disease. Her emails did not come as quickly and became only a few words. I'm glad I was able to tell her what a great friend she was before she left us.

Our last meeting, I realize now was such a God thing. We met in the San Diego airport, we were flying in, I'm not sure if they were flying in or out. Either way, there we were at an international airport and found ourselves next to each other to talk and give a hug for just a few moments.

Dawn always rejoiced in her savior. She is now pain free celebrating with Him, while we that are left mourn her passing. She always signed her e-mails "rejoicing" no matter what. I know that was not only her salutation, but they way she lived her life. I will miss her.

Rejoicing for Dawn