A Tribute to Zinré Elizabeth Stevens
10 January 2018 - 6 September 2024
This week, we remember the beautiful life of Ziné Elizabeth Stevens, the cherished granddaughter of our favourite Anna Wedderspoon. Writing this piece was particularly challenging for me, as I feared I wouldn't do justice to the depth of her story or the extraordinary spirit she embodied. Zinré’s bright spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her untimely passing after a brave battle with cancer leaves a void that words can hardly fill. Like many children fighting this terrible illness, she showed remarkable strength and resilience, reminding us of the preciousness and fragility of life.
Childhood cancer is a devastating journey for any family, and we cannot begin to imagine the depth of sorrow faced by those walking this path. It’s a reminder to us all to be compassionate and to support those around us who are silently battling alongside their children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. This is a road no one should have to travel, and we stand together as a department in offering our heartfelt condolences to Anna and her family.
In the midst of her grief, Anna graciously shared some memories and reflections on Zinré’s life. We are deeply honoured by her willingness to open up during this incredibly painful time, and we hope that through her words, Zinré’s bright light will continue to shine.
What are some of your favourite memories with your grandchild that make you smile when you think of them?
They are little amazing human beings, that are smart, wise, witty, and they know how to show and have compassion, love towards others and animals. They made me giggle. Their innocence and carefree spirits are so awesome.
How would you describe your grandchild’s personality, and what did they teach you about strength and resilience?
The light that is within. Beautiful inside and outside. They showed me how to be free, passionate about life itself. They show me the rainbow with lots of love and laughter. Never give up. Keep going.
Was there a particular activity or hobby that your grandchild enjoyed that you’ll always associate with them?
Gumboots and worms. I loved it when we put on our gumboots “to work in the garden,” but we had more fun. I just got a kick out of it to dig up earthworms to throw at the queens and to see them squeamish, combined with a lot of running and screaming. Ha-ha.
Swimsuits & creepy. We taught both our grandkids how to swim. Those little bodies with their little swimsuits, little feet kicking and screaming, jumping in and out. Wow, kids just have so much energy, actually non-stop. I love it.
Lying in bed eating chocolates, sweets, ice cream, everything nice at three or two o’clock in the morning with lots of giggles and laughter, that irritated my awesome husband. At the end of our morning sessions, Oupa would still bring us hot chocolate in bed in winter.
How did your grandchild inspire or impact the people around them, even during their toughest days?
Showing and giving lots and lots of love, hope and faith. Giving up was never an option. When others started to show emotions and have questions and started crying if they heard about the big Cancer and saw Zinré’s bald head, they both showed that it is also okay not being okay, and they comforted them with a nice big hug. Ouma, on the other hand, showed the queens if people stare, they must stick their tongues out and wave. Zinré inspired big men to go on their knees and pray for her and for life itself and for our Heavenly Father’s mercy. Wow, I still get chills and goosebumps when I think about how amazing and wonderful she and they are.
In what ways do you plan to honour or celebrate your grandchild’s life moving forward?
Well, I celebrate her every day, by just showing some love, compassion & hope. Just remember you are never alone. Sunflowers are my thing (Zinré was and will always be our little warrior sunflower). Sunflowers turn to the sun for strength; we turn to God for our strength. If the day feels dark, sunflowers turn to each other for comfort; we turn to God.
Anna’s reflections remind us of the unimaginable strength it takes to navigate the storm of childhood cancer. Zinré’s spirit lives on, not just through these cherished memories, but in the lessons she taught her family and everyone who knew her about love, faith, and resilience.
What did you learn about childhood cancers through your grandchild’s journey, and what would you want others to know?
Never think it cannot happen to you. It can. It is a shitstorm of a nightmare to tell you the truth. I do not wish it upon my worst enemy, but unfortunately, it is out there. There are so many kiddies that are so sick. There is not much understanding of the real needs of these kids, and at the end of the day, all that they really need is lots, and lots of love, caring, and many hugs. Be gentle and kind to our little human cancer warrior friends. Do more research about paediatric cancer patients (there was so little info about Zinré’s cancer).
How did your grandchild’s courage and spirit help the family cope during their battle with cancer?
We never asked, ‘Why us, O Lord?’ but we asked how to get through the storms. Yes, there were days that were more awful than others, and there were and still are some days that I do not want to get out of bed. I pray to God to hide me away. I do not wish or want to see or talk to others.
how did your grandchild’s courage and spirit help the family cope during this time ??
Zinré was and is a warrior for God and a beacon of hope for all. She faced her challenges unafraid. Head up, and she stood tall. She showed us courage and an amazing passion for life itself. Zinré would scold you if she did not agree with what you were saying or doing. Fighting till the end. She always had a smile on her face no matter the pain she went through. She taught us how to be resilient no matter what.
Were there any support systems or resources during your grandchild's treatment that were especially helpful for your family?
We were lucky to have had a village to support us. For example for me it was you And my department friends (you are like family). Some days you consoled me when I was feeling sad and some gave me a hug, and told me to hold on. Wow, you guys are the best of the best. I love You all so much.
What do you think are some misconceptions people have about childhood cancers, and how can we raise more awareness?
The misconceptions of medical people are that they forget they are working with children and not adults. Be more compassionate, work softer, be patient. Cancer kids do not always understand and know why they are hurting. In our journey, Zinré did not understand why they were hurting her so much. Why were they so angry? What had she done wrong to deserve such punishment? I also thought a lot about the unfairness of it all.
In what ways can we continue to support families who are going through similar battles with childhood cancers?
Keep on supporting those you know that are struggling with whatever illness, not just cancer. Give them love, a lot of love, sunshine, and a piece of your heart. Be open and speak the truth. Embrace every special moment with your loved ones or the ones you don’t know. At the end of the day, it is only love for all that counts.
We stand united in grief and remembrance of Zinré, and we are thankful for Anna’s strength in sharing these intimate moments with us. Zinré’s legacy lives on through the love she gave, the smiles she shared, and the lessons she left behind. Let us continue to support those who are fighting similar battles, and may we honour Zinré’s memory by embodying the compassion and hope that she so freely shared with the world.
“The storm that was sent to break you is going to be the storm that God uses to make you.”
