RIP Cheryl

As I anticipated, this has been quite an emotional and long day. Hubby and I got to the hospital around 10:15. I had time to “chat” privately with Cheryl and said a rosary “with” her. Her daughter, SIL, daughter’s best friend and our pastor arrived around 11:00. We prayed, reminisced and mourned. She passed about an hour after the ventilator was removed. Our pastor somehow knew exactly what was needed and when. We left the hospital after 5:00 pm when her daughter was finally convinced we were not abandoning her mom. Hubby and I went over to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception that is near the hospital to say a few prayers for Cheryl and her family. Construction began on this magnificent shrine in September 1920. The Great Depression interrupted its completion. Finally, the shrine was dedicated on 20 November 1959. It contains over 80 chapels and oratories that honor the Mother of God. The 329 ft (at the pinnacle) bell tower, a gift from the Knights of Columbus, was completed and dedicated in 1959 and the bells were finally ready and dedicated in September 1963. Since we’d had nothing since breakfast, hubby took me to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Thanks for your visit and kind words. Be safe. “A true friend is never truly gone. Their spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved them.” - Amy Hoover