Shirley Evelyn Lochridge left us 2-9-16
In the darkened room, the sounds of Shirley's beloved Moonlight Sonata mixed with her labored breathing. She appeared peaceful. At peace? Finally resting. Just before she fell into a deep slumber I got to tell her "I love you" and hear her say it back. "I love you, too." What a gift! Throughout my life, especially as a child, I got privileges my brothers did not as I was the only girl out of six children. So when it became obvious Shirley needed extra care, it fell on me. I wanted it. With that, came the privilege of sharing her death with my immediate family. I held my mother, my children and husband held me. A steady stream of love poured in before her passing from children and grandchildren living out of state and out of country. Shirley had lived in Texas a short five months. The plan is to reunite Shirley and Frank to spread their ashes at Flathead Lake, Montana.
Shirley did not fear death. She accepted it as part of life. From her living will:
I ... do fully recognize that death is as much a reality as birth, growth, maturity and old age -- it is the one certainty of life.
Rest in peace momma.
