My cousin passed away yesterday from ALS -

[yellerpup]

I wrote the following remembrance for my cousin's family (all deeply religious Christians). She was the sole caretaker of her elderly mother and father before she was hooked up to a feeding tube. I actually fictionalized her back in 1997 in this piece posted in my DU journal, the first entry I ever made under "In Memory of..." at the bottom of the page.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/yellerpup
Thanks for being here in this forum.


Doris Ray – Remembrance / March 1, 2007

Everyone who knew Doris Ray loved her. There was no way a person couldn’t love Doris Ray. She lived her life with true fidelity to God and with abundant love for her family. She enjoyed herself no matter what -- even when times were tough, even when there wasn’t quite enough – Doris Ray made it so that somehow, what we did have seemed like plenty.

Her soft heart brimmed with forgiveness. She never forgot to be sweet. She remembered people with loving kindness and charity, and I never had a conversation with her where she didn’t make me laugh. She wasn’t stingy with that wonderful laugh of hers, either, and I could always count on her when I needed to hear a chuckle. I just sent her a dumb joke yesterday…I miss her so much already.

Around Christmas she sent photos of Alisha and of her beautiful baby granddaughters. She was so proud of them. It breaks my heart that she won’t be around to share her warmth, wisdom and her unique way of looking at the world with the ones she loved and who loved her most.

I loved my little redheaded cousin, Dodie all my life. I want her grandbabies to know that she was a very fast runner when she was a little girl. That she had grit and determination, she never snitched, and she wasn’t the least bit afraid of crawdads. When our families got together, she and I would hide and scheme on how to prank our little brothers. When the boys caught on, (never in time—the girl was a master of strategy) they would chase us. I’d get caught and I’d get thumped, but Doris Ray could outrun them all. I remember how everything changed for her when she got diabetes. I was afraid that she’d be different after that, but the next time I saw her, her eyes still twinkled, she was still just as quick with a sassy comeback, and she still had that grin that said “pure mischief.”

My dear Dodie was all about love. Heaven is bound to be more fun now that she is there.

[flamingyouth]

1. I'm so sorry for your loss, yellerpup

You wrote such a wonderful tribute to Dodie, and I really enjoyed the piece from your journal as well. She sounds like a truly wonderful person who lived a fulfilling life. You're in my thoughts. :hug:

[yellerpup]

2. Thank you, flamingyouth.

I needed a hug. :hug:

[pecwae]

3. ((yellerpup))

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved Dodie. Your love shines through the words you write of her.

I hope the precious memories of Dodie bring some peace to you in your grief.

:hug:

[yellerpup]

4. Thank you, pecwae, they do.

And so do your condolences. :hug:

[auntAgonist]

5. yellerpup, I'm so sorry for your loss.

"My dear Dodie was all about love. Heaven is bound to be more fun now that she is there."

What a lovely tribute you've penned!

I think YOU experienced a bit of heaven while she was here with you. :hug:


May she rest in peace and may your memories of your "dear Dodie" warm your heart and soul when you need it most.

aA
kesha
:hug:

[yellerpup]

6. Thank you, AuntAgonist.

I was lucky to have her in life and I will always have her in my memory. Thank you for reminding me of that, and for your compassion.:hug: