Julia Sheppard
To Monty, Mark and Michelle. There are no words to express this loss that Shep and I feel in our hearts. How special was she to us - more than you will ever know. As I reflect back over the years and think of the impact she had in my life and family. When Mom and Dad separated and we came there to Nashville for about 6 months, who loved us more than all of the rest but your Mom and Dad. The fun Pat and I had just knowing that we were close to cousins and had a lil toddler Michelle running round. They held us in their arms and told us all was going to be ok. The months passed and we came back to NC. Then I got married and had a baby and brought my hubby to meet the Ellis clan. Needless to say he was very nervous and as Daddy and Mom assured him - you have nothing to worry about. The first moment, through the door, Uncle Herman embraced him like he was his own and Aunt Jessie put a Tennessee southern hug on him like he has NEVER forgotten to this day. Uncle Herman crawling around on the floor with Pam and him filming. Shep has never quit talking about that first visit and he finally understood the meaning of true family heartfelt love. He didn't know it and never had it. He did when we headed back to NC. Time passed and as we came back and revisited the times only got more special and we have all of those memories in our hearts and share with our children and grandchildren. Like I said, Aunt Jessie to write a book, Your parents wrote their own books in our hearts. The table has its own history, keep it and make your memories and add to it. That could have been the name of her book. The awesome cook she was and I will never forget getting in there that Thanksgiving and helping her prepare that awesome Thanksgiving dinner. What a thrill that was for me to share that special time and conversation with the best Aunt ever!! She instilled a love into us all as well as your Dad. Keep that love flowing. Like I said, we may be 500 miles, or 375 or more apart but Shep and I will never forget and always will be grateful for the love of the Ellis family. The stories - oh the stories, we could listen to for hours and hours and never get tired of listening. The poems that was put together - so from the heart of one beautiful lady. She and Uncle Herman were truly the best and the words to express all of this is hard. Know in our hearts how much they were both loved. We love you all!!! Lisa, Bob, Lauren, Brian Dalton, Carson, Ava. the list goes on - oh how she loved each of you as well. She is one happy lady and the homecoming that she got - can you imagine. THE TABLE is talking up there big time!!!
