Deputy Sheriff Dana Denise Shaw

Mom, you've been gone 22 years today. Yet you are more present than ever in my life and your daughters. I know that you would be proud of us. The people we have become. The people we needed to be. You wanted us to be.

You have literally never left. From the moment I got the news, I knew you were still here. With us. Present. Guiding us and keeping us safe and on path as much as possible.

I know how much family meant to you. I feel it now as a grown man with children of my own, nephews, a niece.. I never understood a lot of what you did for everyone. I still don't but I recognize the importance of it and am thankful so many people recognize it through you as well.

I never got to tell you before you died but I love you so much. You are still the inspiration, the influence, the ignition for my imagination and all things I do as a grown man. Thank you for staying with us all and constantly reminding us to do better. To be better. To feel better. To be OK with you being gone. To be as whole as we can be with such a large piece missing.

You were and are a great woman. Mother. Friend. Inspiration.. you are missed but you are more loved and appreciated than you'd believe.

Jeremy Wayne Dean
Son

August 9, 2021