Just to let you know...

My oldest sister, Pat - Patricia Ann Shelton, just died this past week.

She was my favorite sister, who looked out
for me as though I was her son.

This followed the very recent death of her husband.

They were my lifeline here in the pacific northwest.

If I wanted to share a laugh or ask for help, they were
there for me.

They have left behind two sons - both in their mid
40s and my sister has left behind two brothers and
two sisters who loved her very much and who will
miss her.

I lost a good friend with whom I could share the not
so occasional sick joke.

There will be a hole in my life and my heart where she
once was and a lifetime of memorable moments.

This past year was filled with pain for her, time in
and out of the hospital, and in an assisted living
facility, which required her to give up precious
freedom and independence. Her life had
degraded to better living through chemistry and
an assortment of pills and dosages which required
a chart of several pages to keep straight.

No one should have to live like that - if you can
begin to call that living.

She is now in a better place, pain free. Hopefully
reunited with her husband.

For that, I am glad.

I would not have wished her alive, if the year to
come meant a year identical to the year just past.

I do not wish that kind of, quality of life on anyone.

Take care.