Dear family and friends,

On September 8, 2022, the entire world learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Later that same day, only those few blessed to have known her mourned the quiet passing of our dear Burdette Shoup… and our heads hit the pillow.

After being diagnosed with congestive heart failure and enduring year after year battling failing health, it was during an ambulance ride between hospitals that her heart took its last few beats… and the Lord called Burdette home.

Just 2 1/2 weeks earlier, through the hospital isolation room glass window, she waved from her bed with a hint of a smile behind the oxygen mask… and there was that unmistakably distinct and familiar twinkle in her eye. That warmhearted twinkle that those of us blessed to be in her circle of family and friends know so very well. That twinkle that unselfishly said, Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay… take care of yourself; I love you! Infused with genuine and absolute love, her wave through the window was indeed intended for all of us whose lives she’s touched. We miss her terribly.

It must be said that blessings abound. And through the incredibly loving generosity of some very special family members, the costs associated with Burdette’s arrangements have been taken care of in their entirety. Gratitude beyond measure is certainly in order.

The untold story and blessing is that of Brooklynn… who lost her Grandma that evening. She was the one that received that dreaded phone call and single-handedly stepped up and without hesitation, shouldered the gravity of losing the one person she loved the most in this world. In that moment, Brooklynn was there… and for all of us, took care of our dear Burdette.

I realize that most of you do not know Brooklynn. And to her, most of us are the family and friends she’s never known. And although she lost her Grandma that day… I’d like her to know that she gained a huge family that day. A family that loves unconditionally, just as Burdette did.

My hope is that we may all take this opportunity to demonstrate our gratitude to Brooklynn. I cannot think of a better way to honor Burdette’s memory, than by expressing the same love she exemplified.… and directing it towards a young lady who loved her Grandma more than words can describe. With a maturity well beyond her years, Brooklynn didn’t flinch when she needed to dig deep and find that strength… and for that, we owe her our appreciation and prayers in abundance.

In the event you may feel so inclined, any, and all, heartfelt contributions to this fund will go directly to Brooklynn. She has given so much. It’s our turn to give back.

We love you, Auntie Burdette! And Brooklynn, we love you too!