I met Shirley at South Carleton High School in Richmond. There were five of us who hung around together...Jean MacGregor (Mcpherson), Lyla Faulkner (Lindsay), Bonnie Smith (Niemi), Shirley and I. We were all in Mr Ward's homeroom. We were his favorites and he always had time for us. Shirley and Lyla and I were in majorettes together and had many wonderful times together in local parades and special school celebrations. Shirley was popular with the boys and she was red faced many times with the teasing they delivered. I remember going to her home. She lived on a farm which became Glen Cairn later. On that farm and in her home we had many fun times. Her father, Alf (Mr Grierson to me) was a big tease and made me feel welcome. Shirley's mom was quiet and kind. She was skilled and careful in all she did. Shirley always looked gorgeous and was always dressed beautifully. I enjoyed Shirley's sisters Carol and Faye as I didn't have sisters to play with. When Shirley came to Manotick to my house she had my three brothers to contend with. Two were older and impressionable and one younger...they all liked to tease. Good thing Shirley was used to her dad's teasing! After High School we went our separate ways to University - Shirley to Queens and me to Guelph. After that I moved to UK for 20 years...but we tried to keep in touch with each other and sometimes our paths crossed when I would come home for a visit. I know that Larry and Shirley were very proud of their two girls. I was sent pictures as each of Heather and Alison arrived and Shirley would tell me what they were doing at each stage. My last memory of her was when she came with her sisters and family to the reunion in Manotick of our school friends. I had a wonderful visit with her on the Saturday at Dickinson Day and also the next day at Faye's home in Manotick. I could see the pride in Shirley's eyes as she watched her grandchildren swimming and enjoying the company of their cousins. It was evident then that she had been through a very rough patch in her life but she was still her quiet, positive self. I could see that her family were taking excellent care of her and that she was in good hands. Each of you, Alison and Heather will have characteristics of your mom which will keep you company in the years to come. As time goes by you will recognize these characteristics and they will give you comfort. I hope that you will come and visit when you are in Manotick and I can continue to follow you and your family. Thanks Shirley for allowing me to journey with you over the years. Alison and Heather, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.