For Shelly

I lost a friend today. I wrote about her back in 2006 although I never revealed her name.

"One person stands out to me as one of the most real and sincere people I know. She suffers from a very serious health problem but you would never know it by reading her posts or her blog. She does not complain at all! She also will rip you a "new one" if you cross her but those who do cross her have it coming. She does not mince words and I find that very refreshing. She knows I'm talking about her and she is what I consider a good "net" buddy and besides she has some really cool tattoos"

She lost her long battle with lung disease but she fought a courageous fight until the end. Shelly had classiness about her that we all could learn from and I know I did.As I wrote previously she didn't seek sympathy or pity! She was tough as nails and never minced words but if she liked you she would do anything for you.
It's a lonelier world tonight as I mourn the passing of Shelly Talent. Too many times we tend to over glorify a person after their passing but it's not the case as far as Shelly is concerned. To borrow a cliche she was the real deal in every sense of the word.

Perhaps William Shakespeare says it best

Fear no more the heat o' the sun
Nor the furious winter's rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone and ta'en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust
Fear no more the frown o' the great,
Thou art past the tyrant's stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no mote the lightning-flash
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash
Thou hast finished joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.

Goodbye Shelly I will miss you