Shirley’s Story

Site created on September 20, 2018

On Saturday, September 15, 2018 Shirley came down to Lancaster to set up a church yard sale along with her sister Jean.  Immediately Jean noticed that she wasn't well and needed medical care.  An ambulance was called and took her to LGH (Lancaster General Hospital) where initially she was diagnosed with pneumonia.  During the nite she was transferred to the IMC for oxygen and seemed to be doing better.  On Monday nite she took a turn for the worse and was taken to the ICU and placed on a breathing machine and kidney dialysis.  She has been medically sedated since Tuesday and critically ill.   Your prayers on her behalf are very much appreciated!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jean Krause

Shirley writing:

My niece Melody wrote this post on Facebook on October 28. I've been wanting to copy it here on Caring Bridge so I don't lose it and am only getting around to it now.  It's part of my story.  And you might not have seen it on Facebook.  It's too rich not to share.

 

Have you ever uncontrollably sobbed out of joy? I never had until 3 days ago. My aunt, who you may know or read about in my previous post, who had been unexpectedly placed on life-support that we withdrew and remained by her side until she passed away, did not pass away. She resurrected. It’s been quite the journey for my family, all within a time span of only a month. It’s been heavy, confusing and incredible. But I’ve sorta been in this limbo of disbelief, not able to fully except this miracle out of protection for myself- until her independent phone call to me 3 days ago, where she was 100% herself, my very special aunt. A ghostly feeling yet it was fully real. She was fully back. And when we got off the phone, I was brought to my knees in a sort of sobbing that wouldn’t let up because what I was feeling was the deepest joy and gratitude that I’ve ever experienced feeling- it was like I had tapped into something supernatural, something I did not know as a person I could feel or witness.

I record voice memos on my phone often so I don’t forget experiences. The last three on my phone I replayed to myself last night, all labeled Shirley. Two are from moments just being with her by her bed in the hospital when death felt palpable and the last recording is the moment I just shared with you, getting off the phone with her and feeling a swell of joy and overwhelming gratitude-something I never ever want to forget. 

Life is so incredible in this sense. 

(photo of the bouquet she made me on my wedding day)

 
 
 
 
 
 
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