The world has gotten a bit dimmer today...
Bonny was a truly exceptional woman, who will be missed. Her heart was open to all and she made WDWMagic a home for many of us. One of the most determined, courageous individuals that I count myself blessed to have known, Bonny faced many obstacles that would make others pale, yet she handled life's curves with dignity and grace. She maintained a positive outlook and was truly grateful for the gifts that life brings, because she understood just how precious they were.
One such gift is MJ, who has blossomed so much with the love and support of that Bonny and Andrew have given her. While Bonny did not carry MJ beneath her heart, she carried her in her heart:
I didn’t give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.
For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true.
No, I didn’t give you the gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you.
Who better understood these words than Bonny? No truer model exists of love's patience and enduring strength than that of Bonnie and Andrew, who opened their hearts and home to embrace MJ. She lived each day of her life with MJ showing us all the depth of a mother's love. There was nothing that she would not do for her princess, no matter how difficult or challenging.
She treated others with respect, but didn't hesitate to set them straight and call them on their behavior. I never felt like she was talking down to me when she would explain things that I did not have much experience with. Bonny was a natural born teacher with a zest for life. Her humor and sharp wit was much appreciated, and I am saddened that I did not spend as much time with her as we both would have liked.
In closing, I just wanted to say thank you to Bonny, whose advice and friendship I will always treasure. You were the first person whom knew their stuff when it came to food allergies that our daughter had met, and you made her feel less alone and more confident in her ability to handle hers. She appreciated the fact that you spoke to her as an intelligent person capable of understanding adult conversations and complex concepts, whose ideas and opinions were just as important as ours. Meeting you and your family had a profound impact on my kids, and showed them that having a disability means being differently-abled, and taught them to tolerate differences. They still talk about how much fun they had with all of you before we moved back up north. When I've been depressed and overwhelmed by personal matters, I sometimes think of your resilience, and how you've taught me to appreciate what life has given me. I will think of you when confronted with seemingly impossible situations, and vow to approach life with the same gusto.
~Missing you~
BrendaLee
