Today it has been nine months since you went to meet Jesus.  I know you're happy where you're at.  I want nothing but your happiness... and I'll just wait for the day that I get to join you and all of the loved ones who have gone on before.  But that does not mean that I do not miss you as the days go by.  Not one of those days go by without at least a thought of you.  Wish you were here to help plan the wedding, but I know that you're with me in spirit. 

Today I'm reflecting on the fact that you have been gone from this earth now for 6 months.  Six months ago today, we all stood around your bed saying our goodbyes to the shell of your broken little body. 

But I have a peace in knowing that your body is no longer broken down, but it's whole and complete.  While it's sad to say "goodbye" to those you hold dearly in your heart, I know that one day we will be together again. 

Recently, you welcomed one of your baby brothers into heaven and it was such a loss for us here on earth!  But I know that he is well taken care of on the other side. 

Please continue to watch over those of us who remain, watching and waiting.  I miss you so much.  I would have given anything to have been able to share the joy of Steve giving me a very beautiful ring.  But in my heart, I know that you DID see it. 
 

You may be gone from here, but you are never forgotten, as I carry you in my heart each and every day!

I love you mommy!

Three months... I miss you still Momma!  There isn't a day that goes by that I do not think about you!  I know you are close in my heart though. 

Love you!

Shelley

Merry Christmas From Heaven

I still hear the songs, I still see the lights

I still feel your love on cold wintry nights

I still share your hopes and all of your cares

I'll even remind you to please say your prayers

I just want tot ell you, you still make me proud

You stand head and shoulder above all the crowd

Keep trying each moment to stay in His grace

I came here before you to help set your place

You don't have to be perfect all of the time

He forgives you the slip if you continue the climb

To my family and friends please be thankful today

I'm still close beside you in a new special way

I love you all dearly, now don't shed a tear

'Cause I'm spending my Christmas

with Jesus this year!

It's hard to believe that it has been three weeks since my sweet little momma passed away.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her and wish she was still here with us... only healthy and whole.  I know that I will one day see her again, as she is in heaven.  My assurance of that has been marked by the fact that my momma loved Jesus.  She said so herself.  I can rest in that peace. 

Still, I can't help but miss her.  I pray every night before I close my eyes to go to sleep that Jesus please take care of her until I get to see her again... and then I whisper and "I love you" to her. 

I only remember the good memories of my mother.  I remember how brave and strong she was during the last 4 years of her life.  I remember how she grew to become so dependent on me and I would be there for her no matter what.  The days when she would call me from her room at the nursing home just to check in... and just so she could hear my voice.  How I will miss those phone calls!  But I will never forget! 

Missing you, Momma!

There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. 

So as she was getting her things "in order", she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. 

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. 

The woman also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible. Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. 

"There's one more thing," she said excitedly. 

"What's that?"came the pastor's reply. 

"This is very important," the woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." 

The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say. 

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. 

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor. 

The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!"

"So, I just want people to see me there in the casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder, "What's with the fork?" 

Then, I want you to tell them: 

"Keep your fork....The best is yet to come". 

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good-bye. 

He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. 

She KNEW that something better was coming. At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and her favorite Bible and the fork placed in her right hand. 

Over and over, the pastor heard the question, 
"What's with the fork?" 

And over and over he smiled. 

During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. 

He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. 

He was right. 

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you oh so gently, that the best is yet to come. May we all be blessed enough to keep our forks and know that the Best is yet to come for Lea.

Dear Lea,  I'm so sorry I didn't get to visit you more often in your last years. But know that you were never far from my heart and thoughts.  We had so much fun together at work and our gatherings after work, also.  I'll always remember our Kareoke parties.  You have a wonderful family and I can only hope my children will stay by my side if I should need them.  Please watch over us and help us, as nurses, to always make wise decisions and keep our patients safe.  God Bless You and your family.  Love, Linda Manna

Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear about Lea. I really loved and respected her. Lea was one of the best nurses I had ever worked for. She taught me alot. I will never forget her. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you all ! Gretchen Casey

Dearest Shelley and family,

 

Although I did not know your loving mother personally Shelley, I feel like I did thanks to you. The many stories and memories you have shared with me have painted a beautiful picture of a warm and loving mother. When I looked through the pictures and was able to put a sweet face with the stories I could definitely feel your loss even more. I am so sorry for your profound loss but I know, without a doubt she is home now surrounded by love. Your dear momma is free to soar, never to suffer again. I know she must be so proud of the kind and compassionate woman you are. If you were my daughter I would be busting with pride. Hold Steven, your family, and your many friends close while you go though this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing your momma wants you to live a happy healthy life and you will be reunited with her again one day, just like she has been joyously reunited with her mother. I am keeping you and your family close in my thoughts and prayers sweetie.

 

With Much Love

Your Friend,

Bella

My condolences to you and your family, Shelley.  May you be blessed with peace, strength and comfort in the coming days.