Shirley Basset

Oh my gosh, where to start. I remember when I was a little girl, I just loved Dorothy! I wanted to be with her every second. I remember one time in particular when I was at your mom and dad’s apartment I wanted to watch Dorothy put on makeup or wanted to know what she was doing in the bathroom. I guess she was in the shower and I walked in on her. She got a little upset with me, but it didn’t last long. I think I just surprised her. I don’t know, I just know that she loved me and it was okay. She didn’t care! J

I also remember how she used to call me “Ann”. It was never “Hi Shirley”, it was always “Hi Ann” or “Hello Ann”. (Which is my middle name.) I didn’t like it, but really I did! J

I remember how much she loved her little kids. I especially remember how she would pat Adam’s back really hard. She knew how much he loved that! Lu, you were her little princess. Nick, I remember how when she was expecting you, I guess the other kids wanted you to be called Santa Claus because you were due in December. It was no surprise that you were named Nicolas. Oh my gosh how she loves you guys!

I loved your mother’s smile and her attitude in life. She truly didn’t let things bother her too much, at least not on the surface. Not what I saw and not the person I knew. I loved her sense of humor, her laugh, and the love she always showed me. She always made me feel special. Even when she was so very sick, she surprised me and came to my bridal shower. That was pretty neat! I didn’t think she would be able to come.

I remember she had great faith and great courage in adversity. I know this is crazy, but I remember when she got her breast reduction surgery…she was so proud! She just lifted up her shirt and showed me her new boobies and was so proud of them! She was so dang funny! I was so not prepared for that! But, it was pretty funny.

It was you three kids and Aunt Dorothy who introduced me to a bowl of ice cream with popcorn and chocolate chips on the top. I honestly had never had that before or since! But I have thought about it! Yummy!

Oh…whenever she’d see a “DIP” sign and your dad was in the car it meant “Daddy is Perfect’. She said, “No, Dorothy is Precious!” Or, “Dorothy is Pretty”! And she was right! Sorry Wayne!

My memories of your mom are fading too. I will update you when I think of things. I want you each to know that she is a very special lady. She loves you still and I am sure she is proud of you. I know that if she had the choice to stay, she would have stayed here with you/us much longer. I can’t help but think that her spirit was such a valiant one that she was desperately needed on the other side of the veil. The Lord’s work continues on the other side of the veil; I know this to be true.

Though her time with us was short, I appreciate the times that I had to be with her and feel of her love for me and for you and your family. I was not able to attend her funeral service and still have not ever been able to identify where she is buried, but hope someday I will know. I look forward to seeing her again someday and giving her a great big huge hug. I miss her! I love her! And I know you do too.

I love you guys!

-Shirley