My daughter, Sharyl Anyssa is not able to tell her story of Heroism. And those I’ve told have forgtten about the great sacrifice she made.
Sharyl, 34 year old and mother of two, Aaron Cain Nelsen and Matilyn Jade Perry, and the wife of Chad Nelsen. Never have I seen two people so much in love.
This is part of the tragedy. Sharyl was working at AT&T when the Tornado veered its ugly head. She and the rest of her coworkers ran to the men’s room in the back of the building, but as Sharyl spoke to her husand Chad on the phone, she yelled that there was an elderly couple banging at the door, seeking shelter.
She took it upon herself to run to the front door and open it for the couple whom, I’ve been told are the Finns. They all ran to the back room in terror, the Finns made it back, they were seriously injured, but lived.
We were not so lucky because my daughter did no make it back in time. Her chest was crushed and she was the ONLY ONE that died at AT&T.
My wish for this year is that the Finns would try to contact Sharyl’s family and thank them for the gift of life she gave them. My daughter’s death caused not only heartache that cannot ever been healed, but also a ripple effect that changed our lives.
Mattie and Aaron have been separated, my husband and I left our home and belongings behind, and struggle to do the right thing by what Shayl would want.
With such a great loss, the only thing that makes sense to the children is that their mother is a hero. The Governor of Missouri has called my daughter “Courageous” and this is what Sharyl’s life was all about.
Submitted by Yolanda Y. Reed of Lamar, Missouri