REMEMBERING ESTHER

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,

I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done,

I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days,

I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done

Send us your memories and photos of Esther

From Jim Bradford:

My wife Susan and our 2 daughters Kelly and Samantha were next door neighbors of Esther on Mason Drive.

From the day we moved into our home on Mason Drive, Esther made us feel welcome. I would often see her out in her yard working the flower gardens which she took great pride in. We would stop for a brief chat and then hurry back to our work.

Esther opened her home to my children when they were very young. She would invite them in to play with her cats and Kelly and Samantha would spend hours enjoying their company. Esther also had a dog named Dudley who was a favorite of Kelly and Samantha’s. Dudley was also a favorite of our dog, Oreo. They would play for hours running between the 2 yards, enjoying themselves until one would be too tired to continue.

What has happened is tragic in so many ways. Someday maybe we will understand why this has occurred. Until then I will look back fondly on our friendly neighbor, thankful that we lived close to her and thank her for accepting us into the neighborhood. Esther, you will be missed.

From Kaye Sukeforth:

I will always remember Esther's beautiful smile; her sense of humor and her compassionate heart.  It is difficult knowing that she will never walk through our doors again, laughing and smiling, but I know she is etched permanently in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

From Darla Lawton:

Six years ago Esther adopted three Maine Coons to us through UMCCRL.  Originally I sent her frequent up-dates about “our” kitties and she sent us little cat related gifts.  As time passed our contact became less frequent—Christmas cards and maybe a summer update.  She enjoyed knowing that “our” kitties were doing well.  Thank you Esther for loving “our’ kitties so much that they were ready to accept the love that we have for them  As Esther knew, one of the kitties, Bugle Boy, passed away the night before Thanksgiving last year, please give him our love Esther, on the other side of the rainbow bridge.  Butchie is lying on the table next to me right now purring and Carly has succumbed to the wood heat in her cat bed.  Thank you for loving "our" kitties and thank you for sharing them with us.  God Bless You.