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Let's go back to the day-
Date: July 7, 2017
Time: 12:41AM
"What hospital is he in!" I screamed at his friend into the phone, "Tell me what hospital!"
For a minute, there was dead silence. Then I was given directions of where to find my son. I went around every corner looking for an ambulance. Finally, I realized I was circling the same area where he had been raised, and this is where his life had also ended. I didn't recognize the area because it was so cold and dark; everything was still and the stillness suffocated me. The more the crowd grew, the more alone I felt.
I waited forever to be sure it was my son. I finally got to hold his hand for the last time, but I thought , "This is not my son." He loved to touch, he loved to hold hands, but that night, his hand was cold and lifeless and he couldn't hold my hand back. I knew it was him because of the clothes he had on. His last words, "See you later", never came. It was only I that got to tell him goodbye when it was time to let him go.
Shawn loved the arts. He acted, modeled, was a prolific writer, and his greatest passion was to be the best he could be in the rap game. He loved telling stories. Shawn was in the neighborhood that day documenting his life story and where his journey ended mine began for him, for me and for the many other voices that have become a silent memory.
Hi my name is Cherie and this is my story, but it's also the story of other mothers, family, friends, and community. Shawn would say, "Mama, do something." and I would respond, "Son, I am, I'm Still Standing."
Still Standing The Stage Play honors mothers left behind in their grief journey and pays homage to those who never came home.
My story is not personal, but Gun Violence is. What happened to me has happened to over 260,000 mothers from 1980 to current, and we share one common thread - Immortal Pain!
Help fund Still Standing The Stage Play. Its mission is to revolutionize the way we view the value and respect of life. Gun Violence is not an act of malice, but a loss of vision! Without imagination and inspiration, there is no purpose, and the loss of lives will always be infinite.
This isn't my story, it's everyone's story. These tragedies affect us all. I chose Go Fund Me because your voices are the voices that count. Your commitment will help create a positive impact that speaks to everyone's intolerance, to violence against us the people!
These women have survived most of life's challenges with their unwavering friendship. But when Shawn, Sophia’s 24-year old handsome, very talented, charming and witty son is killed, his life and death become the talk of the small knit community of Inglewood, California. Everyone’s life was forever changed the day Shawn was taken. Now the painful memories of each of their past struggles of divorce, domestic violence, childhood abuse, abandonment and molestation find a home in Sophia’s house.
Still Standing is the tie that binds every mother. Still Standing will make you question how far you will go for the revenge of your child's death, how deep the hate you feel severs your veins, and how the love you find moves you to heal. Still Standing will make some cry, some laugh and in the end, it will make us all stand!
The characters in the stage play are very memorable, their loss, their pain, their humor, their love for each other is very real. They are your mothers, aunts, sisters, girlfriends, you will think of them long after the play is gone and wonder where they are and how they are doing. Well, just look at the faces of the mothers that have lost their children and you will see Sophia, Lorraine, Josie and Carol over and over again until we the people Stop The Clock on Violence.
Special thanks to my children, who stood in their pain. Without them, I, would not be standing. His aunt Chance, additional family Sonja, Tootie, Cheyenne and Pappy, Tara, Taylor and Rasty, it's been a long journey. Daron, Devon, Pep, Kevon, - remember the times, simply the best. Most humble thanks to Ms. Melody and her family, you kept the fire burning. His other mothers Inga and, his aunt Carolyn, his extremely loyal friends. I have never seen such loyalty. His music, and business partner Rucci for all his continued love and efforts to keep hope and the dream alive; Ali, the free-spirited giver; Dagnim, Fat Mack, Tuck, Hassan, Mimi, Treasure, Chyna Doll, Tatiana, you guys are fueled with passion! Sami, my heart continues to bleed. Cousins Brittany and Brandon, forever there; his little brother Quentin, hard to see you without Shawn, and the best for last, Brownie, the beautiful love he left behind, thanks for your mercy and kindness. Wesley Pate, hello Nusura little warrior. My team Creez and Rich. Please forgive me if I've forgotten anyone, yell at me if you must. You guys are too numerous to name. I love you all. Keem, you're so sweet you didn't even yell at me! Every time Shawn called, you were there. You're an amazing young brother and selfless in all that you do. Thank you.
DONATION INCENTIVES
WHAT YOU GET: REWARD LEVELS
A donation of any amount will be listed as a supporter on the Still Standing website. Our special thanks to you https://stillstandingthestageplay.com/
$5 - Your name will be mentioned in credits as a Special Friend.
$10 - Your name will be added in all shout-out credits and you will receive a super cool Wrist Band with a personalized Hashtag.
$25 - Still Standing Postcard, Still Standing Mug a Special Invite to the Play and all of the above.
$50 - Still Standing Postcard with Inspirational Affirmations, also a Special Hashtag Wrist Band, 2 tickets to the Play, and Gift Certificates.
$75 - A Mention in all Radio, Print and Media Advertising and all of the above.
$100 - Limited Edition Still Standing T-Shirt which is for contributors only, and all of the above.
$200 - The Memory Book in Honor Of - is a book honoring special friends, and loved ones. We ask that you contribute photos and memorable stories of friends and loved ones gone too soon.
$225 - The Giver Book is a book of memory on those that lost their lives doing something great for others or gave to a charitable cause or social movement to create a change for the betterment of all people, but never saw their dream completed. We want to keep their memory by honoring them. Please send your story on those you think should go in the book.
Any amount above $250, please contact our team at [phone redacted].
IN GREATER DETAIL:
A donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated - your name will be listed as a supporter on our website.
For those who just want to share by spreading the word, you are important to us.
I want to thank all of you for your time. The life of everyone has value. We will give continuous updates and the behind-the-scenes makings of the stage play.