horrific murder - she was 24 and her duaghter Christine was 6 and her son Troy was 3. It is still an unsolved murder and after all these years - there is no way possible for this crime to be solved. My Mother, Miss Loretta had a terrible time with all of this and never could let go properly. However, years ago - I found that to hang onto their death rather than to celebrate their life - was an injustice to the three of them - so on my sister's birthday - I try to get centered and remember all the wonderful ways that she was with us 4 younger children and how she grew up and became a mom to her two great kids - how she was a slip of a gal and how pretty she was and gentle and loving with her children. Thanks for letting me share this with you on what would have been her 65th birthday.
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Good- on-you, Shirlene : and celebrate you should: not only were you blessed for the time that you had your dear sister and her children in your life, as well as the the small miracle that the timing was such that your own son did not perish with them, but they have been blessed with a sister who truly loves and respects them - something that is missing these days from far too many "families" where adult siblings don't care about each other or in some cases are even antagonistic towards each other.
Stay strong & God Bless.
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by shirlener88
21 Feb 2011
Thank you my dear - you are so right about all you said - you don't know how many times I look back and know it was God's Grace that I picked my baby son up that afternoon. I have a powerful feeling and sense about how my family has been protected, as well as shown the way during the tough times.
3568thank you for sharing the sad story. I think it's a good thing you can celebrate her birthday in remembering the lovely sister she was. Looking at the pictures I see a great resemblance with the pictures of your mom when she was young.Your sister and your mom, in fact all our dear ones who aren't here anymore, will always hold that special place in your heart.
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743311Sorry to hear of the tragic death of you sister and children. sounds like you have the right idea to celebrate her life. I know it is hard. However, I hope 65 doesn't make us old ladies or I'm over the hill!
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by shirlener88
21 Feb 2011
Carolyn, thanks - I am sorry about the old lady remark - I just remember that when I was young - that being that age was old - I don't think it is - I am not that far off - what I meant - was it is hard to think of her as older than 24.
62461Ah how I feel for you. I lost my own sister to breast cancer many many years ago now. (I can't imagine the circumstances of your loss though). I still miss her and often think of her. I remember WHO she was, her life and our childhood. Sometime with sadness for my loss but many times with a smile. I have recently remembered the 65th anniversary of her birth. I don't say it would have been her birthday as she's no longer here. (As she was born before me I don't actually remember her birth!!). Apart from her loss the thing that hit me so hard was that I am now the oldest of my siblings. I now do not have an older sister to turn to, but I know her pain and suffering have ended. She is still lives in my memories and does my father.
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2738We also lost a beautiful funny caring sister in the year 1975.She was 22 yrs old, and I also imagine how it would be if she were here, and how my kids would love her if they had known her.
God bless you and thanks for sharing.
Hugs Bev
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by shirlener88
19 Feb 2011
Oh yes, Bev I understand - my oldest had just been with my sister - until that afternoon - had been for two weeks - I had been ill and couldn't keep him with me for fear of making him ill - he was 9 months old. So he and his sister never really knew them at all, nor some of the younger cousins. Thanks for the blessing!
7875Shirlene, What a terrible tragedy, your strength is so amazing I know the knocks you have taken along the way have given you this inner strength. Do celebrate her 65th birthday. I love the photos bring back memories of my youth. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Rick. Hugs Sally
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by shirlener88
19 Feb 2011
Sally, thank you - a soap opera has nothing on my history. We sure apprecaite the prayers and thoughts, too. *4U
24342Wow Shirlene you have had some rough knocks in your day .You must be made of great stuff !!God bless you !!Please collect one of those great hugs from rick for me ok Carolyn
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by shirlener88
18 Feb 2011
Carolyn, thanks - I got one - he was happy to do so - too. I don't know about being made of great stuff - but I sure am learning to be tough. Hehehe! *4U
360660Shirlene, how sad for you and that your mother Miss Loretta never could really get over this. She, bless her sole is with them now. You are a very strong woman too. I think of you and Rick everyday and hope that things are going well for you. Take care. Hugs to you both, Lynn
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by shirlener88
18 Feb 2011
Lynn, it has to be hard for a Mother and Grandmother to got through this - I know as a sister and aunt it was difficult - Rick and I appreciate your prayers dear - they mean so much to us. *4U
51302Dear Shirlene,
My heart goes out to you - what a dreadful tragedy. Thankfully you have your wonderful faith to hold on to and oh! what wonderful memories you must be able to recall. I admire you so much and am so happy to have met you on here. Love and blessings Chris
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Chris, thank you dear - it was a tragedy - one that took many years to let go of - but nonetheless - something we grew stronger because of. I appreciate your comments, greatly *4U
234501Shirlene, I'm sorry for such a terrible thing happening in your familes life. It's good that you are hanging onto the good times, I'm sure there were many as you all grew up.
I love picture (#6). That's how I was dressed and I think it is really cute. We've got picture like that with our Easter baskets and Easter clothes on before we headed out for church. Great memories. Hugs, Judy
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Judy, thank you so much - live throws as all sorts of curves - we just need to learn to deal with them. Oh yes, those dresses were fun to wear - of coarse we mostly wore dresses back then - didn't we?
by judybell
17 Feb 2011
Yes we did. Even when in high school we had to wear dresses or skirts. (below the knees) Froze our legs off on the school bus. YUCK!
by shirlener88
18 Feb 2011
One time - in high school - Dale Jean was sent home - because her dress didn't hit the floor when she bent down on her knees - the funny thing was - her skirt was long enough - she would just roll it at the waist to make it short - Hehehe!
10530Shirlene this is a shock to me. Cant say anything to you. I do not have words. But you are right in celebrating her life
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18960Shirlene - you have been through so much already in your life. I am the same age as your sister would have been. I have looked at your photographs and see that your sister looked a lot like your mother. Thoughts and hugs coming your way. Sarah.
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Sarah, thank you dear - I really appreciate it. And you are right - she did. The two of them are together and that has to be wonderful for my Mother. *4U
255054You are amazing how you gather strength and carry on. I didn't know about your sister and her children. I am so sorry. As difficult it must of been - I cannot imagine - but you have learned to deal with it all as God would want you to. Bless you Shirlene, you are definitely a wonderful role-model. Hugs to you, Laura Happy Birthday, Dale Jean!!
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Laura, thank you dear that is so sweet of you to say - Dale Jean would love that you wished her Happy B-day, too. *4U
96283I really look up to you. Going through this and all that you have been through over the years. I am so glad that I can call you a friend. She would have been the same age as my dad.
My prayers are with you always. Devon
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Devon, dear - thank you so very much - perhaps your dad and she have met and this is their way - to get us to share more about them? My prayers are with you as well dear. Thanks!
72397Life is sometimes most unjust. I have seen you comment before about your sister and her children and their death. I am sure at times like birthdays you will remember them.
Can I ask if the picture of the children has you on it and if so which are you. AND are you in the wedding picture. Keep looking after yourself and Rick
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by shirlener88
17 Feb 2011
Thanks Caroline - I am the one on the left - in each of the pictures you asked about.
115771Awww, my heart goes out to you.From your photo's, your sister was a lovely looking lady , as was your mom too..Big Hugs from across the pond, and of course another * 4 u..
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9483I so glad you can celebrate their lives....most people don't think this happens often but my daughters husband was murdered 20 something years ago (also unsolved)...it was so hard to go through this but like you she has been able to let go and is with a wonderful man now....thanks so much for sharing, I enjoy the pictures of your beautiful sister and family.....Gods blessings to you and Rick.....Janet
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by shirlener88
16 Feb 2011
Janet, thank you for also sharing of your daughter's loss and that she has gotten past the pain and is now in a wonderful relationship. *4U
8647Dearest Shirlene - how awful that must have been! Your strength is amazing - you have gone through so much and maintain such a positive attitude. Many, many hugs and much love being sent your way, and also to Rick. Think of you often. Love, Lois
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6982Here are some pictures:
1. The women at Dale Jean's wedding.
2. Dale Jean about 19
3. Troy, Dale Jean and Christine.
4. Christine
5. Troy
6. us five kids
7. DJ in her kitchen
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