Through the Years Birthday pictures

My family takes a lot of photographs, but we don't often look at them. I decided to pull a few of Shelley and our family from their hiding places and put them on this blog.

Shelley has always been a hugger, a smiler, and a happy person. 

Shelley 2 years

Shelley and Christy 3 and 2 years

Shelley at 18 years

1990s

Early 20s. Shelley expects a baby. (Courtney)

September 1999

Shelley, Christy, and Lanissa

Shelley was on her way to meet her future hubby, Don. They married in December.

Don, Courtney, Richard and Shelley

Birthday 2010

The family. Gay, Paul, Christy, Shelley, Lanissa

2013

 

2014

Shelley and her nephew, Daylon

Don, her husband, and Shelley

2015

He died a few months later.

2016

2017

2018

2018

Dressed for Halloween, not a birthday picture,

but Shelley loved dressing for a party.

2018

2019

Christy and Shelley

We celebrated her birthday at a Mexican Restaurant.

2020

During Covid

2021

A Few days after her birthday.

2021

Her birthday, March 6, 2021.

The facility made special arrangements for us to enter during COVID.

I was happy to see Shelley had gained a few pounds. In December of 2020, she 

weighed 88 pounds.

Shelley and daughter, Courtney

Another picture from 2021. Shelley was so happy to see us.

2022

She wasn't having a good day. Some days are better than others.

2023

Shelley and Christy

She was having a good day. She saw us gather items, and asked, ""Are y'all leaving?"

On days she understands, she gets sad to see us go.

2024

A few days before her birthday.

She kept wanting to hug and kiss.

When I miss a few days in a row to see her, I'm always hesitant to go inside. I park my car and then the thoughts and prayers begin.

Will I see with more decline? Will she know me at all? Are they treating her well? Seeing your child decline like this is heartbreaking. It's difficult to see anyone we love with these conditions.

A few relatives can't cope with this scenerio, and they don't visit these sweet people. It takes stamina, but God is good. I ask Him for grace before I go into the facility. He gives it.

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