Cindy O'Neil

Submitted by: Angela Schuler

These are the things I would like Cindy to know. I have never seen anyone so strong. Her first thought is always her children. She ignores her own grief in order to shield them from theirs. Cindy is my friend, and I always thought she and her husband, John were fantastic parents. My husband and I did everything short of taking notes when we were around them. Their children are kind, obedient, bright, fun, and love their parents immensely. Labor Day weekend, 2010, we were preparing for our annual camping trip with the O'Neil family when we received word that John was missing. He was distraught over...something, I still don't know what. They found him later that night. He had taken his life. We were all shocked, devestated, and heartbroken. Think of the last person in the world who you think would ever take their life...that was John to us. As his friends, our heartbreak has to be a fraction of what his wife and kids feel. Colby bravely played in his first high school football game the very next night...and we were all there to support him. Karli, the definition of "Daddy's girl" was days from her first day of school. Tyler flew home, having to miss his graduation from Coast Guard boot camp to attend, and speak at his Dad's funeral. John and Cindy had a trip booked to attend the graduation. I believe the funeral was held that very day. Since the horrible day of her husband's death, Cindy has made every effort to keep life normal for her kids. She took them camping, took them to concerts, and brought them to see their friends. As she's doing this, she's hugging them, wiping their tears, picking them up from school when they break down in class, and doing her best to hold it together herself. When I ask how she's doing, she says, "It's moment to moment." One minute they're all laughing, the very next, they're sobbing. After one final, bitter-sweet Christmas in the house they shared with John, Cindy purchased a new home in the same school district. It is in need of renovation, but she wants a fresh start for her children. There is enough property for them to have their horses, (Karli's therapy) and most importantly, The memory of John will not be every place they look. Cindy is beautiful, and a wonderful friend. This would be a well deserved prize for a terrific Mom.