Monday, February 26, 2024
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Shirley was my babysitter when I was 6 months old to 4 and a half years old. She has always been “My Shirley.” She was so special and the sweetest, most generous lady I knew. I met my first ever best friend at her house. I remember when I would kick and scream and cry because I never wanted to leave her house. I always had the most fun there. I remember fooling around out back running down the neighbor’s driveway and I scraped my elbow and she gave me a bandaid I didn’t take off for 2 days (ew) because it came from her and it had a cool design on it. After I started school and was no longer able to go to her house for daycare, I’d visit multiple times a year, we would send her Christmas cards, call on holidays and each other’s birthdays, and I would make some of my school projects for her. The last time I visited her was in September of 2023, right after a volleyball game that I had in Bainbridge, and just before passing her street I asked my mom “can we stop there” because I hadn’t seen or heard from her in almost a year. And there My Shirley was, sweeping the porch. She didn’t quite remember my mom, as her name is also Tammy, so she got a little confused and at times thought it was her daughter, but once she got a closer look of me she knew me right away. And that was the most heartwarming thing ever. We went inside and I told her alllllll of my life updates. We went through the pictures she has of me, and she pointed out all of the gifts I’d given her throughout the years. She still has the paper bunny I made her for Easter in primary school! It’s sits right next to the entryway of her kitchen. And right next to it was a picture of me and her in a plastic picture holder I made in 6th grade with a personal note on the back of it. I think there was still a Christmas card or 2 on her fridge still from us. I’m in 10th grade now, and I go to Oxford. I have gained so many more accomplishments that I will tell her about one day. She’d be so proud of me. I know she will watch over me and all of you and protect us all, like she always had. I now will hold the Mickey Mouse blanket she gave me after I stopped going to her house for daycare. It will forever sit by the stuffed bunny she gave me for Easter of 2014. It will remind me of all the memories we had and I promise that they will be in my head all the time. Everytime I look at that bunny I think of My Shirley and I will never forget it or her. I love you so much My Shirley. The sky is looking gorgeous just like you. Every night. I will see you again someday.❤️ ❤️