Just sharing some thoughts while I sit here. It seems as though when you least expect it the thoughts just come rumbling in. 

I have known Shirley for years. Since the 4th grade. This is when I got to know Cindy and became best friends forever. We spent so much time together and I got to know the whole family. Shirley was  the kind of person that didn't really talk alot so you never knew what was truely on her mind as far as her feelings. She was fun to be around and always laughing. As we grew and graduated high school our lives traveled in different directions as expected. But as the years past and circumstances changed, our family again came together. It was like nothing changed. I had the privilage of being there for Shirley the past 4 years. We spent many hours in the car at doctors appointments and shopping. She always told me that she thanked me so much for being there for her, especially at the doctor. She was getting to the point that there was too much information to remember. I really got to know her more than anyone knows. The converstations in the car in our travels were deeper than you would think. She had such love for her kids and grandkids. They were her world. But she was the kind of person that was hard on the outside and not the type to outwordly show her sensitive side. She spoke very highly of Cindy and she was so happy that she found a man that treated her the way she deserved. (thank you Dickey for that). And Frank, there are no words to express the love she felt for you. As I sit here and think of things to say about her my eyes fill with tears of love and respect. She was a strong woman and went through so much (medically) the past few years. She tried so hard but something always seemed to come up and knock her down and she became frustrated. There were many times she cried in the car because she couldn't do the things she wanted to with her grand/great grandchildren. She wanted to be able to bake cookies and junk food for them. She couldn't understand her body and why. That was a question she asked me over and over again, WHY?  I know that my thoughts don't seem to be organized but it's hard when you type and think. It doesn't always flow in a straight line. I just want her family to know that she was never a bother. Her timing wasn't always good but the pleasure was all mine. I will miss you Shirley. You have left a hole in my heart.