I have known Shirley since 1995. She was dating Dan when I started dating Larry. One of my favourite things about Shirley was her laugh. She had a great giggle and found the same things funny that I do. She was a creative, energetic, giving, caring and impulsive person. Her photography passion blossomed over the years and she made everyday things so beautiful. She had an artistic eye that exposed the beauty in everything. She captured unconditional love and friendship (animal and human) through her camera lenses.
Shirley and Dan’s strength over the past two years has amazed me. They faced the cancer fight with dignity and one step at a time – forward, backward, sideways – every way that the fight took a turn. They were a team throughout. Brigitte was part of the team for the past year. As Brigitte told me in November this was the ‘silver lining’ to the cancer (if there can be one)....bringing them closer.
Last March Shirley and I spent a few hours together one afternoon. I loved her this day.....a little steroid ‘hyperness’ added to the mood. It was a cold day with lots of snow around and more in the forecast. Shirley was regaining strength and balance but was using a cane and needed new boots with a low heel. It was mid March but winter 2014 was not over for a while! The last time I had seen her was at the hospital – belted into a wheelchair. I arrived at the house and there she was in a beautiful red coat, blonde wig and a hat on, slim jeans and her cane....standing tall, ready to go. We drove to the Glebe. In about thirty minutes she had purchased two new beautiful pairs of boots. Now it was time to head over to Starbucks for a drink and a treat. We enjoyed some conversation in comfy chairs by the front window. Then off to say hello to Eva at Delilah. We considered a stop for Easter cards, but decided there was lots of time before Easter, so time to head home. She had a burst of energy for shopping but a rest was needed now. That’s how I remember Shirley – do it now, don’t wait, if you like it buy it, good conversation and some laughs along the way. Beautiful, tall, (I am on the shorter side), generous, funny and impulsive. Always a good story to tell.
We’ll miss you so much but will never forget you and your stories.