In 2017, I met an incredible lady who raised the man of my dreams. Shirley Thurmond was an active woman who was always doing things for other people. She loved life and loved to laugh. She and her husband Mike, have been sweethearts since they were kids, and have never been apart since. They have one son, Joey and one grandson, Tyler. She was the only woman who loved her boys beyond life itself.
In 2016, she started to show signs that was similar to another family member that suffered from ALS. Shirley was officially diagnosed October 2017. She was still moving but slowly. She was still talking but quietly. After we had a very fun Christmas, they went to the go see Dr. Glass in Atlanta and he broke the news that she may have just had her last Christmas with us. We were devastated. Not long after that appointment, her mobility declined rapidly. She had a feeding tube placed just 2 months later and not long after that her medications had to be administered through the feeding tube because her ability to swallow became nonexistent.
The summer arrived, and her health was getting worse. I sat with her on the back porch one afternoon and she said "Meghan I'm getting worse. I'm so sorry. I wish I knew you before I got sick, because we would have had so much fun together." I wanted to cry, but I had to stay strong for her. It didn't really hit me right away, but I soon realized that I will not be able to enjoy having her as a mother in law one day, and that just broke my heart.
June 20, 2018, I got the phone call that I should try to come home soon because the nurse said that it won’t be long. Joey ended up staying at their house that night. I ended up being able to go to work the next morning, but I was only there for an hour. Shirley Thurmond passed away June 21, 2018. She is no longer in pain and with our Lord whom she loved dearly. We will see her again one day and until then, the family and myself will dedicate time to raising awareness and funds to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
Thank you so much for your love and support!
Meghan-Team Captain for Shirley's Angels
