Firstly, my condolences to her children and grandchildren on their great loss.
Dorothy was my first cousin who I will remember as being one of good heart to all she encountered in life.  
As we all grew in life, we all seem to go our separate ways, journeying different paths. Our family paths seem to only connect in death or illness sadly to say.   I was fortunate Dorothy called me during her mother’s illness in the early part of 2000, I then traveled to Massachusetts’ to spend time with Dotty, as I called her, her mom as well and I met unexpectedly her sister Connie who I had not seen since my youth. All have now passed over to the other side of eternity.
I had the privilege of talking to Dotty during her illness about life, God and forgiveness. She knew the Lord and expressed she prays.  Sadly, I got busy in my own life and had not called her in over four months, in the last 2 weeks I left several messages for her with no response. I felt something was wrong.
Today I looked on line to find her obituary, I first felt sadness then shame for not keeping in touch when she so needed consistency of just that touch.  Regrets are painful, there is no re-do in life when someone has passed over. Forgive me Dotty, you will not be forgotten in love and Spirit.
These are the attributes I will hold on to when I think of my cousin Dotty.
Dotty, was a kind, caring, loving gentle soul who would help anyone in need.  She was a strong-minded woman with a joyous strong laughter.  Her voice was penetrating in strength ‘yes a strong woman, could be fierce when needed ‘but the gentleness of the Spirit always remained the force within her even during her harshness conversations about situation in life, in the end her gentle Spirit, emerged. I believe Dotty is now with our heavenly Father at peace in her new home.
“In my Father’s house there are many mansions; if it were not so I would of told you, I am going there to prepare a place for you,
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back” and take you to be with me ‘that you also may be where I am,”
John: 14: 1-3


At the end of our conversations, my cousin Dotty would always say, I Love You Sharon before saying good-bye.  
I love you too Dotty!  good bye for now
Love Cousin
Sharon Lee Grace