This is about the love and impact of a human. The effect she had on so many. I can’t tell the story of Shirley without including Dennis. I won’t make this long. Just long enough for you to understand who this person was, and what she meant to so many. Dennis and Shirley Jones raised five kids full starting in 1986. Dennis’ sister Lenora chose her boyfriend Paul Amado over her children and disappeared one day when her son Michael was in 5th grade, son Danny in 4th grade, and daughter Michelle in 1st grade. They got a call that Dennis’ sister no longer wanted the children she brought into this world. Dennis and Shirley must have had a conversation about what they should do. Shortly after Dennis, Shirley, Tina, and Joe picked Danny and Michelle up at Uncle Ken and Aunt Debbie’s house. They all drove to that apartment in Whittier. It was the first time I (Danny) had to watched a movie on a vcr (beta). Soon after we moved to Pomona, and then Phelan. Dennis and Shirley went from living well and having two kids to having to feed five kids and three that were badly damaged. I continued to have troubles in school. One time in 5th grade I even threw a chair in class. Dennis beat my ass with the principals paddle and stood there while I apologized to my class and teacher. It was that day when I realized there are consequences foe your actions, and I’m eternally grateful foe that day.
I continued to have troubles and anger issues for years after that. Things I’m not proud of and that I wish I could change. But Dennis and Shirley’s love for me never quit. Just like their love for each other. Dennis and Shirley loved. Nobody loved anyone the way Dennis loved Shirley. It’s that love that I remember today. It makes me hurt in my heart today, because I don’t know many that have that love. When Dennis died part of Shirley died too. Oh, she went on to create a legacy even after Dennis was gone. She never moved on from Dennis. Yes, men tried. She told me about it. Because, I would be happy for her if it happened. But, no matter who it was. It would never be Dennis. Of course they raised more kids, because that’s what they did for others. Instilled values and principals that would make society better to have them. She was the only person that could raise a special needs child in August. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Instead of taking care of herself she still took care of others at her own expense. I thank my mom Shirley for taking us in that March or April in the 80s. I was rescued from a life of regrets and misery. It was painful at times.
But, just the other day when I spoke to Shirley I told her that I could never repay her or thank her enough. That I loved her and I texted her the song Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson. That song and others remind me of Dennis and Shirley’s love and my love for them. A love that taught me how to love. But, only after I eliminated the hate in my heart. I’m going ti fucking miss you Shirley, just like I still miss Dennis every day. I think of him when I look in the mirror, sit in a chair, and love my family. I’ll remember you when I remember him. I’ll also remember you when I wake up each day a happy person. I’ll remember you when I look down at my hands and I realize these hands are used for good and not bad. Part of me died when Dennis died, and another part of me died with Shirley. I loved hearing your voice and your laugh. The way you loved me even though I was not yours. It’s because of you that I love others that I have no reason to. You’ll live with me always and I hope you and Dennis are out on the highway just you two enjoying each other. Whether it be Roll on 18 Wheeler, Beatles, Judds, Hank Williams. I would be the happiest if it was just you too, to eternity laughing and loving. Not looking back, but celebrating all of the lives you impacted. This guy right here will always have a fire for life because I know the magic that is possible. I would not have that if not for you. Thank you and I will love you every moment of every day and be thankful to and for you, always.
