SHANNON MEKI was born on February 11, 1986 in HARARE. Grew up in Harare, went to Kurai Primary School, Langham Girls high for her 'O' & 'A' levels and was now at University of Zimbabwe when diagnosed with leukaemia bone-marrow cancer. She fought the war and at the end she gave up fighting on the 4th of April 2008 and was laid to rest on the 7th of April 2008 at Warren Hills Cemetery.

Few days before her departure, I had spoken to her over the phone and she was in pain, talking was a struggle and I felt her agony. Though far I was, I could literally see her twisting, turning and suffering, the pain was unbearable for her age. I remember speaking to her that day when she said, ‘Sis, I am sick today my tummy hurts, I don’t understand.’ She was in agony and I shed a tear for I couldn't help her. I knelt down that day asking God to redeem her. Early morning the following day, she sent me a text apologising, 'Sorry sis, I couldn’t speak to you yesterday evening, I was in pain. I am still in pain, the Dr has given me an injection for it, let me sleep, speak to you later. Love u sis, bye.’ Since then I have tried calling but she wasn’t answering. The next thing I received a phone call followed by text messages telling me that she was gone. The memory of our last conversation will stay with me forever. Looking at the photos and DVDs that we did the previous summer when she was healthy without any signs of leukaemia, makes me realise how unfair life is. I will and I have already missed her beautiful eyes and her kind smile that went with her. No words could ever be enough to explain the huge loss I am left with. I asked God why that pain is directed towards my family and why do I have to be separated from my beloved ones?

Shannon Ruvimbo Meki (miss Smiley) survived by her sister ‘Linda Hilda – Lina’Andra’ who is and was devoted and committed to her, who she had respect and love for. As I lie down daily to sleep I dream looking up to heaven for comfort and all, and here she would appear like an angel touching my shoulder asking me not to mourn anymore. As a child I never thought that one day I would bury my own sister or see her suffer. When she took ill last year in August, she said ‘I hope I would be ok and I will finish my degree so don’t worry sis.‘ To her it must have been harder though she proved to a be a brave strong 21yr old girl who wanted and was still waiting for good things in her life to happen. Miss Smiley was the youngest of 3, she had a sister Linda, brother Hatitye Fortune, and a niece Eunice Tsungai II.

Shannon may be gone but they, I, and we will all have wonderful precious moments and memories to last us a lifetime. Shannon will never be forgotten as she was one of the most special influential people in lives of many. My sister wasn’t all that perfect, but one thing for sure is that she was too perfect for this world to contain. Miss smiley left a lasting impression on everyone she met and knew, an excellent counsellor she was from the age of 14 to her last day.

A cure wasn’t meant to be and God whispered to her and said ‘come home my daughter;’ as he wrapped his arms around her. She went with him, and brave to the end she was, a lesson to us all. She wasn’t only a sister to me but a friend, everything of which that’s the reason I am finding it hard to move on. She gave me special advice that I couldn’t find from any adult or counsellor in this world. I could see her smile and hear her voice telling me that ‘SIS THINGS WILL BE FINE, WE WILL BE HAPPY TOGETHER ONE DAY JUST THE 3 OF US.’ Not a day goes by without missing u, oh sis I wish you here with me, life will never be the same. I cant believe that you are gone my love my rare flower, I promise you are never forgotten, I cant stop my tears from coming coz I miss you so much; my biggest favourite beloved sister. I don’t regret the moments we spent together, thanks for everything u have done, the greatest one.  

The wound opened and the emptiness left in our lives can only be understood by people who knew and loved her. She was an inspiration to almost everyone she met. As I look up in the sky daily thinking of her, I see many stars, but just one big star shines on my face and there she appears to comfort me, then I smile knowing that she is there watching over me. You were and are the sweetest innocent truthful person I have ever met, I promise to keep your good works, passion for books and your good heart alive for as long as I live. Shannon bloomed like a rose as she grew up to become an, intelligent, beautiful, caring and bright girl. She had a short life, but to those who knew her and heard of her; all speaks of how she impacted their lives positively.

SHANNON RUVIMBO MEKI – miss Smiley, MAY YO SOUL REST IN PEACE TILL WE MEET AGAIN SIS BY GOD’S GRACE

Much Loved

Linda