Wednesday, June 13, 2018

The best laid plans of mice and men.....


WE came home prepared to make it possible for Shirl to live in her home alone, by hiring who ever was needed or adding an apartment in her basement. BUT...... 

             

 Funny that, big sisters like parents are supposed to be here forever. I am repeating myself like all old people. Shirl was the sister closest to my age. She taught me to ride a bicycle, play hop-scotch and play jack rocks. I even played paper dolls, yeah Paula, with the taps!

          

She was the only one of the family siblings to graduate from HS. She married young to a ‘craphead’.  I knew it but she didn’t. It was 1954. She married too soon after HS graduation.  She soon learned he was cheating on her in the first year of her marriage. She suspected it and asked our older sister to go to his work place to watch after work. He came out, hugged and passionately kissed his assistant and helped her into her car.  He had never helped Shirley into a car.  She divorced him, moved to Charlotte, NC and made a life of her own.

She met Jim, a great guy with two good sons. They married and had 40+ years before esophageal cancer took him from her.


Sherry and I spent a month with her, getting her ready to move from the city (Charlotte) to Belmont. It was tough on us, but tougher on her.

We had our home available to rent so she decided to move into our house. For over ten years she has rented our home, the landlord’s dream: paying by the year.

Today I said goodbye to my last sibling of BF & Grace Darnell family, a total of 9. I only remain. Shirley Maxine, who wanted to be called Shirl, passed away. 

Have you ever had the ‘experience’ of seeing a family member pass from this life with ‘hundreds’ of wires and tubes hooked up?  Sorta like a ‘spooky’ movie?

Actually I counted 20 apparatus’ hooked up, she was in the ‘Critical Care Unit (CCU)’.  However, when it is someone you love, it looks like hundreds.


Goodbye Sister Shirley Maxine Darnell Wrape, you were a good BIG SISTER! On my next blog I will tell of some of your escapades.  

We were there with her at the last heartbeat. My Sherry sang quietly to her, “You won’t have to cross Jordon alone.”

 I told her to tell the family hello, some of us know I will see them all in the MORNING! I found her written wishes where she always told me they would be. I read: No service, no obit, and no announcement. Just cremate my body and spread the ashes on Jim’s grave.

I did not promise not to put my big sister in the blog.

Nite Shipslog

17 comments:

betty said...

Oh Jack and Sherry, I am so sorry to read about Shirl's passing. Surely a wonderful woman she was and how she touched so many lives. She definitely will be missed by those who loved her. Glad you were able to be with her in this final season of her life and to be there when she departed this life and was welcomed into her new home. It is reassuring you will all see each other one day and then that will be for eternity. Again, my sincere condolences on the loss of a beautifl woman.

betty

Anonymous said...

Jack I am truly sadden but rejoice in the fact Shirl is with our Lord and Savior. So many people are waiting for her . . . family and friends. She touched so many lives . . . Shirl was very special. She will always live in our hearts. My prayers are sent to help ease the pain and I am praying that things look brighter for your soon. God Bless You.

salemslot9 said...

I pray you find comfort
that you were still close
with your Shirl
my brother was a drug addict
and a thief
who disappeared from our lives
many moons ago

TARYTERRE said...

I am so sorry to hear of your sisters passing. You have my deepest sympathy.

Mevely317 said...

Tears! More later, but just wanted to say "I love y'all."

Lisa said...

I am so sorry to hear this Jack. My heart breaks for you and tears filled my eyes reading this. I hope you find comfort, peace and understanding through this heart ache. I know you will miss her and memories will fill your mind. You can rest now and stop worrying about her. She is haveing a reunion right now. She did not leave you, she just went ahead of you. You will see her again some day.

Much love and payers
Lisa and Nick

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

That was such unexpected news it took my breath away. I'm just so sorry to hear about her death and am sending your both (((BIG HUGG))) It's never easy losing one you love and words can never seem say enough. But you've done a good job of telling about your dear sister and I could feel the love in every word.

Dar said...

Oh Jack and Sherry, My tears are full...full of sorrow for your loss of your sister you dearly loved every day. , full of joy that she's now at peace, no more pain and singing with your family of angels. There's another star in the sky. Our sincerest condolences. Find peace our dear friends.
love n' hugs from Bill and Dar way up north

Glenda said...

Have no words, maybe a trip to the mountains would help heal you, much love coming from Chobee today.

Chatty Crone said...

I am in shock/ I am so very, very sorry. I am so glad that you and Sherry were with her till the end. I think she knew that. And now she is home and won't ever have to leave. She is with your parents. Her other siblings. Her husband. It is harder on the ones here I know. I know and she knows you loved her. My heart is hurting for you though and prayers will be in my heart for you and Sherry. Love, sandie

Jean said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Shirl, I'm glad that she had you and Sherry by her side. You two are the greatest. It's been hard since Grover passed away not a day that goes by that I don't think about him and if I could have done more. Praying for you, Sherry and all your family. She was such a loving person from just reading her comments and for a while her blog. RIP Shirl.

Sheila Y said...

I don’t want to believe it. I am so sorry. I know how much you and Sherry loved her and her you two. It was evident in every word you said to each other. I will miss my snow dancing buddy and will remember her always. Rest In Peace Shirl. I love you all ❤️
Sheila

Woody said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your Sister, I have lost my Oldest Brother John, then my Brother closest to me, Donny, now have my sister in a Nursing Home, Very seldom speak to my other sister and 2 brothers but do talk with my brother in Florida ! It was good you were there with her ! I know it was hard on you ! Payers lifted for you and Family ! Gary & Anna Mae

Paula said...

Sorry I missed this but I'm thinking of you now.

Jackie said...

My heart is heavy for you, my friend.....

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