They were probably as close to one another as a mother and daughter could be. I don't know how old Shayla was when her parents divorced, but I am guessing that she was pretty young. Even though her father lived close and they maintained a good relationship, it didn't compare to the relationship that Shayla had with her mother.
A few years ago Shayla graduated from high school and moved away to attend college. I don't know the details at all, but I am sure that Shayla missed her mother and that it was awfully hard for Millie (Shayla's mom) to be without her daughter for the first time in eighteen years. Right around this time Shayla's best friend got married. I am imagining that those transitions were tricky for Shayla.
She didn't stay away all that long. Before I knew it Shayla had moved back home and was working in the local pizza parlor. That's where I would usually see her. We also traded a few messages through Facebook.
The last time I saw Millie in person she was with Shayla. I didn't recognize Millie at first --- she had lost a LOT of weight. She looked great and seemed really proud and happy and confident.
Sheepishly, I approached Shayla and asked about Millie's weight-loss. I wanted to know if it was a topic she'd be okay with discussing… this led to some great email exchanges between me and Millie. She really was proud of herself and feeling good about how she'd changed her life. She wanted to help me and was more supportive than I ever could've imagined.
On April 28th Millie died. I don't know a lot of the details. I do know that she was young. She was kind and sweet and generous. She was loved by so many in this tiny little town and beyond. She'll remain to be loved.
I heard that cancer is what killed Millie. I don't know how true that is… our town is often rife with rumors. The story states that recently Millie had some stomach issues and was quickly diagnosed and then died. I hope that she didn't have much pain. If the story is true I am glad that she didn't suffer with the cancer for any length of time.
Shayla has a nice network of friends, she has a boyfriend, and (I think) an extended family. She'll be okay and she'll be taken care of. She'll never stop missing her mom. That sucks.
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