Shirley A. Kuhn - Mar 6, 1936 to Dec 13, 2009

It has been many years since I lost a family member to death but I'm still not any more ready for this current death than I was then. My last loss was my Dad. In 1995, after a lifetime of poor health, my father passed peacefully. Now, fourteen years later, I still miss him and catch myself wishing we could sit together and that I could get his advice on things.

Today, as I feel the fresh loss of Diana's mother carve out another hollow place in my heart, I am filled with more feelings than I am able to process at any one moment in time. For several hours this afternoon, I will witness a multitude of friends and extended family pause in their busy lives to bid a farewell to a great lady and to offer kind condolences to us.

Tomorrow morning is Mom's funeral, when we will formally celebrate the life of a woman who spent her life in service to others and who has done much to overcome her own personal weaknesses. Mom was human, but in spite of her mortal frailties, she managed to leave a noble legacy for us to consider and hopefully to follow. For myself, I will always remember a woman who knew her mind and who wasn't afraid to encourage me to be a better man. Mom was loved by many, and I feel particular appreciation for her positive influence on my dear wife and children. Mom fiercely loved her family. Her influence will be greatly missed.

And so today, I have something to say to Shirley A. Kuhn: "Thanks Mom, for being a great mother-in-law to me, a wonderful mother to my wife, a memorable grandmother to my children & grandchildren, a loving wife to Dad and a faithful friend to all. I miss you. We miss you. Your example will help me to go forward with a renewed determination to live up to the truths and values I know. Thank you for all you have given me."

(Mom's obituary can be read at the funeral home's website. Just use Dec 13, 2009 to reference.)