Frank and Shirley Together Forever

Frank and Shirley Lochridge

I

Frank and Shirley are back together again.  As it should be.  Shirley died Feb. 9 and Frank followed less than two months later on April 1.  I think Shirley was getting things ready for her beloved Frank before she summoned him home.  Much like she would when they were living in the physical world. Toward the end of their lives together, Shirley would gently suggest Frank go for one of his many walks around the apartment complex while she readied a meal.  He would comply. When he got back, food was on the table.  Shirley would give him some small instruction, such as get the napkins out and he complied. After dinner, Shirley might suggest that he take the garbage out. He jumped on the task because the request had come from Shirley. 

For almost 70 years, these two were in concert. Through highpoints and heartbreaks, they stood together. You thought of them as a pair.  Frank and Shirley.  They were affectionate and loving toward one another.  Always holding hands.  Shirley laughed at his corny jokes.  Frank bragged on Shirley's everything.

We did not expect Shirley to go first, what with Frank having dementia and being placed in a nursing home with hospice care. But now thinking back, perhaps it had to be that way.  Frank was holding on for that last instruction from his Shirley.

 Time to come home, Frank.  He complied.