Grief and Gratitude: Honoring the Friend Who Changed My World

Isabella Maria Gianna Shinn was more than just a best friend to me. Izzy was a sister. A sister that I nearly spent every day with. Whether it was in person, on facetime, or through text or snapchats, Izzy never failed to keep a connection with the people she cared about. I met Izzy several summers ago, at Somerton Spring Day Camp. I was very nervous about attending camp that year because I was moving up to the next group and I didn't know anyone. Although we contemplated it multiple times if we knew each other before that. We instantly clicked when we sat down at the picnic table. The way I would describe it now is that our souls were intertwined. Izzy never failed to make me laugh, and she always seemed to include my brother Joe, who is affected by autism. Izzy didn’t let Joe’s diagnosis affect her love and compassion towards my brother. My favorite memories with Izzy and Joe are definitely when we would play Wii, and the time Izzy came over for Joe’s birthday.

Spending time with Izzy was what made my life feel whole. Hanging in each other's rooms, annoying each other's parents, or simply failing to bake something, brought a new feeling that I didn't know existed. Her presence — whether through a phone call, a random text, or a shared snapchat memory — made my world a little better. Whether it was Izzy’s love for Chick-fil-A, frozen hot chocolates from Dunkin, tiramisu, or pierogis, she made each of those foods feel like a piece of her heart. She makes her love known. Today, as we remember her, it’s not just the dishes she adored that come to mind, but the way she made every moment feel special. Izzy had a way of sharing her love for life through the simple pleasures—her laughter over a good meal, the stories she told about her favorite foods, and the way she made every meal shared with her a cherished memory. Her love for those things, big or small, will stay with us, a reminder of how she found joy in the little things.

I am so grateful that I had several years to get to know Isabella. While our relationship did not end the way we expected, my love for Izzy has and never will leave. The earth is still warm from you. It been very rare to have known you, and you truly changed my life for the better. I love you the most.