Selina Hudson

Some people live long lives, scattered here and there with triumphs and achievements. Others, like Selina Hudson, are granted a short time on earth, but are able to fill every day of their lives with energy, life and love. Selina had a positive outlook on life and always looked for the fun in the everyday trials of living. Almost from her first breath, she took charge of herself, refusing to let Cystic Fibrosis keep her from exploring her dreams.

In 1986, the United States was under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan, who enacted a law in this year to help fund the “War on Drugs” right in our country. It was also in this year that Americans everywhere watched in horror as the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take off, killing all seven astronauts. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Yolanda Hudson wasn’t focusing on the headlines in the news, but rather she was concentrating on a precious new blessing in her life. On October 5, 1986, Yolanda welcomed the birth of her daughter, Selina Candice. She was later joined in the Hudson household by her brother, Adrien, and sister, Molly.

Selina grew up facing the challenges of Cystic Fibrosis, a disease she was diagnosed with shortly after birth. According to the doctors, Selina had only a few years to live, but she was sure to prove them wrong many times over. Selina was a happy, strong-willed and fun-loving young lady who blessed all those who knew her for 21 years!

Despite her limitations and being in and out of the hospital every two weeks, Selina refused to let her condition consume her life. She had a very bubbly personality that endeared everyone to her, especially the staff at the hospital. Selina also had a couple good friends named Donald and Jeremy, and they often spent time together while in the hospital. More recently, she became good friend with Gabby, who lived in her neighborhood. Although the hospital was like her second home, Selina preferred to be in the comfort of her own home among her own things. Here she enjoyed listening to music of all kinds, watch some of her favorite animated movies and chat online with other kids with Cystic Fibrosis. Her mom didn’t cook much at home, so hospital food was the closest thing to “home cooked” that Selina got. And when it came to snacking, Selina loved Cheetos and tacos!

Selina was a good student in school, but it also gave her the best socializing opportunity, which she loved. She was known for her lively and effervescent spirit, yet she could be pretty opinionated too. When Selina got an idea in her head, she was determined to stick with it and did not hesitate to let others know about it. She went on to graduate from Comstock Park High School in 2005. Selina enjoyed getting out whenever possible, and possibly even traveling out of state. As a youngster, she was granted a wish by the Make a Wish Foundation for a fabulous trip to Disney World. There were lots of great things to do and see here, though Selina didn’t much like the hot weather. More recently, she enjoyed the serenity of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, located right in her hometown of Grand Rapids. Like many young adults, Selina had a boyfriend named Ryan McDaniel, who tragically died in a car accident on December 3, 2007. It was said that Selina seemed to lose her hope in life after this heartbreaking loss.

Selina was a young lady who did not have an easy life, yet through it all she never asked, “Why me?” She was content to live in the moment, appreciating the family, friends and events that brought her life incredible joy. She was a true gift, which her family will never forget.

Selina Candice Hudson, age 21, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2007. She is survived by her mother, Yolanda Hudson; brother, Adrian; sister, Molly; niece, Marcella; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her mother would like to give special thanks to Sharon Miller who has always been there for them and to “Pat”, her special friend, and the rest of the hospital staff for being not only her caregivers but her friend; it meant a lot to Selina. Friends may meet her family on Saturday, December 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 1 p.m. Please visit Selina’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home.