Pop passed away early Thursday afternoon.
Those words are so hard to type; I couldn't do it here before today.
Thank you for all of the prayers and light sent his way, and ours. We believe his passing, and the way he passed, was an answer to prayers, probably even his own… so peaceful, his sons and beloved wife of 60 years by his side, holding his hands, whispering their love, letting him go to the next life, painfree and joyful.
These fragile bodies of ours aren't meant to last forever – what more could we ask?
I have heard about the Angels of Hospice, but this was my first experience with the loving care, consideration and respect they pour upon patients and their families. If you ever doubt there is goodness in the world, spend a day in a hospice center and your faith will be restored. I believe every member of the staff of Covenant Hospice in West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, from the doctor to the woman who mopped the floors, is an angel.
This week has been a blur, but moments of sweetness still swirled through the sorrow…
…..arriving in time to whisper your love and say goodbye to your dear father-in-law; listening to childhood stories of your husband and brothers that trigger a laugh from their dad; supporting your husband, his brothers, and your mother-in-law when their hearts are breaking; the loving care of hospice workers; calls and messages of love and prayers from friends and family; the fierce love of sons for their father and mother
Thank you again for your sweet messages and prayers, and please keep them coming as Mom, Tom, and his brothers adjust to life without Pop.
Kenneth Peter Shallue, beloved husband and father, passed from this life on Thursday, August 9, 2012. Born on September 9, 1929, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Janie) Shallue and nine sons, Kenneth (Cathy), Randall (Mary Lou), Thomas (Barbara), Steven (Kim), Joseph (Erin), Russell (Laura), Michael (Lisa), Robert (Joan), and John (Yadira), as well as siblings Dorothy Place (Greg), Mary Jane Andrastik (Ron), Patrick Shallue (Judy), Larry Shallue (Cathy), Michael Shallue (Paulette), Danny Shallue (Cathy), and Charles Shallue (Mary). Twenty-seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will also miss playing cards and fishing with their Pop-Pop.
MSGT Shallue retired from the USAF in 1972. He was an active Knight of Council 7027 and a 4th Degree member of Assembly 2823 with the Knights of Columbus of Milton.
To read more about Pop, read The Leader of the Pack I wrote in honor of his birthday three years ago.
Rest in peace, Pop. I love you and I'm going to miss seeing that twinkle in your eye.
O my God, fill my soul with holy joy,
courage and strength to serve you.
Enkindle your love in me and then walk with me
along the next stretch of road before me.
I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived
where the horizon now closes down,
a new prospect will open before me,
and I shall meet it with peace. Amen.
– St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Long Hollow 
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