For Greyson
Dearest Greyson,
If you find this message, please know that you are very much loved. You always have been. Your Dad's life moved on without us but we are still here, waiting for you. Your Mom, Shelby, loved you with her whole heart and so do we. Reach out anytime. We are waiting, hoping that you will remember us. We love you more than words. More than you can ever understand. Please reach out here if you would like to reconnect. We would love to celebrate your Mom with you and get to know who you have grown to be. Above all, we wish you happiness.
With Love,
Your Family!
Shelby Lynn Hammack is the 2nd of 3 children born to Dana Gillem and Bryant Hammack in Michigan in 1992. She grew up near Addison, Michigan and moved to Lander, Wyoming in 2006 with her mom, older sister Amanda and younger brother Austin. They travelled across country in an old motorhome to find a new start near her Aunt Denise and Uncle Scrooge.
Dana bravely raised 3 kids on her own and raising Shelby was no easy task. Shelby lived a life of amazing courage. She was fun loving, funny and absolutely vibrant. Shelby avoided eating anything red, which was weird. She put Ranch dressing on everthing and her theater popcorn got covered in every flavor of topping. Together. She was quirky and sometimes loud and she loved everyone. She probably watched every episode of SpongeBob SquarePants a hundred times. Shelby graduated from Lander Valley High School in 2010
Shelby loved dogs and had a beautiful dog named Flo. Flo was named after a TV commercial character for Progessive Insurance becauser the actress resembled Shelby. Shelby loved to volunteer for the Lander Pet Connection, training and walking dogs under Syd Miller with her Aunt Denise.
At 15, Shelby was given the Gardasil vaccine against her mother's wishes. Within 2 weeks, she had her first seizure. Epilepsy did not stop Shelby from following her dreams. Her seizures were frightening but she persevered, determined to live her life to the fullest.
Shelby fell head over heals in love with Brandon Gagner. He adored her. For her, he tried to kick his bad habits and together, they worked to build a solid foundation for a marriage. They were engaged and soon found that they were expecting. They were so excited. Shelby adored her little niece, Marina, and looked forward to welcoming a little one of her own. She and her sister Amanda were excited to find they were both expecting babies in the spring of 2014.
Shelby walked a mile to and from her job at the front desk at the Inn at Lander because she couldn't drive. She loved the independence and being able to provide for her little family. Brandon, unable to work, would often walk her to and from the hotel to be sure she was safe. In turn, Shelby tried to keep Brandon from his addictions and she was so proud of him for his successes. She forgave him when he fell back into old habits and encouraged him always to try again. Together, they were determined to build a future.
Amanda welcomed a second little girl, Sariyah, into the world on March 29th, 2014. Shelby was very excited and looked forward to meeting Sariyah. She was less than two weeks away from welcoming her own baby into the family.
Greyson was born on a beautiful spring day. Shelby was overwhelmed by his perfection. He looked so much like his mother but a lot like his father too.There were 3 perfect days. She held her little boy and cradled him and wondered at all of the tiny details of that little person in her arms. She was learning how to feed him and hold him and take care of him. How to be a mom.
We lost her unexpectedly. There was no warning. Sudden Unexpected Death from EPilepsy. It was a devastating blow to the entire family. In the days that followed, Shelby's mom stepped in through incredible grief to care for Greyson until Brandon arrived 5 days later to claim his role as a father. Until then, Nana cradled and rocked and held Greyson, the last tiny piece of her beloved daughter. A special enduring bond was formed between them and that will forever remain, no matter the distance or time.
Shelby's family and friends gathered to say their farewells and this site holds her ashes but her memory lives on. For love never ends. Love endures. Love Transcends. Shelby was very loved. And so are you Greyson.
Shelby Lynn Hammack (1992-2014) - Find a Grave Memorial