For those of you who don’t have me on Facebook and don’t know, I want to share some devastating news.
My husband Shawn went into full cardiac arrest on Friday at 4:20pm. He was at the hospital when it happened and was immediately surrounded by help. He has been in a medically induced coma since then, which they are now just starting to take him out of.
Everyone calls Shawn “Big Guy”. It’s not surprising, he’s 6’5″ tall and he’s a solid man. I have known Shawn since I was 14 and he was 15. We dated, broke up, and stayed friends until we reunited as a couple at 18 and 19 years old. At 19 and 20, we married. It will be our 20th anniversary in four months. He will be 40 in four weeks.
They call him Big Guy. Because he is so tall. Because he fills the room. But I know why that nickname is so much more appropriate than anyone thinks.
Shawn has big hands. He has to. He has used them gently to cradle babies and he has used them to reach out to everyone and anyone he meets. He is a helper, a guider, a teacher. He needs big hands, because they hold everything together.
Shawn has big feet. Size 14 to be exact. But he needs them. If you asked, he would walk to the ends of the earth and back for the people he loves.
Shawn has big shoulders. He has to. He carries the weight of his team at work and the woes of his teenaged daughters and sons on them every day. He lets me rest my head there every night.
Shawn has the biggest heart. No one who knows him would deny this. When he loves, he does it with every single fibre of his being, and he loves a lot. He loves so much and so hard that his heart needed a little rest before it can take us all on again.
The outpouring of love and support from friends and family alike has almost overwhelmed the children and myself. We are in awe of the messages coming in, not just locally, but all over Canada, the States, England and Scotland. He has touched many and I have no doubt that when he wakes up he will want me to thank everyone for their words. He’ll probably tell you all ‘it’s nothing, he’ll be just fine’, because that’s the kind of person he is. He’s stubborn, and that’s why I know he will come back to us.
Keep on thinking good thoughts for him. And for us. And thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Nuala and Shawn and all of your amazing kids, I am praying so hard for you right now. I have so much love in my heart for your family and I pray that God blesses him with health and you and your kids with patience and strength. ❤
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Beautifully said Nualla. I can feel your love for this incredible man. He can feel it too, I know and he will pull through. Sending positive energy and healing vibes.
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This is my favourite line….. “He loves so much and so hard that his heart needed a little rest before it can take us all on again.” It is so true, that he loves so hard and so much!! He is a fighter, he is a rock!
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Shawn is everything you said and more. Shawn has always amazed me with his inner depth and understanding for the world around him. Shawn you are my hero.
Shawn you are special and we all need you to get well. Kick ass my friend.
Sending prayers and love for your full recovery.
Nuala prayers and love to you and the kids.
With all the strength I have, I send all my love and prayers.
Marie Manning
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Thank you Marie! I wish I could give you a big hug. And likely so does Shawn
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We’re so sorry to hear about Shawn. Keeping you all In out thoughts and prayers.
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