There are raindrops on the windows of our home this morning as if the tears that followed her passing have fallen all night, right on cue, July 3rd, 2023. Without her voice, her presence, moving on with life, has been a tepid glass half full. Sleep, address the day's assignments, and keep it moving, but without my one love, my true reason for living. She was proud of my work, so I continued, in the hope that she is watching, smiling, and sharing with me the joy of our memories together

Life is so different without my shinning light, my only true friend and the love of half of my existence. I will always consider our 36 years together the best, and most important years of our lives. From our beginning in 1985, we played and laughed and grew together but I knew of her medical history, some of the challenges of her past, and how Miranda would have to travel a rough road that would require doctors, surgeries and treatments until the end. The last doctor said "we'll have to remove her tailbone, and even that isn't guaranteed to stop the pain." "No" was her answer, and then, three times to the ER with pneumonia, once with a 104.4 temperature... COVID had overrun hospitals, the attention to her was far from normal or adequate. "Let me go", she said one day. I've had enough, was the message and one month later she left us in the middle of the night. Her choice. So hard to accept and impossible to reverse. Now, her ever present smile greets me every morning & night thanks to the wonderful honeymoon photo I took in New York City before the boat ride around Manhattan. She would want us all to carry on and make the best of life without her, so I work, and respond to the needs of clients and students. The hole in my heart will never be filled, but I am so eternally grateful for our memories, her precious smile and the photos that will always remind us all of my Miranda.

I read this poem today and it resonated with me and my feelings of Moms passing almost a year ago.

Sometimes in life there are losses. Losses that can never be replaced. Losing you has been the hardest thing I have ever had to live with. I wasn't ready to say goodbye. I wasn't ready to let you leave. I would give anything for just one more day, just one more second. But I've learned to trust in unconditional love because the one profound thing about death is that love never dies. Some bonds cannot be broken because even though you're not physically here, your heart is - it lives on within me. I carry your heart inside mine. I carry it on days when I discover something new. I carry it on days when beauty unfolds in the most unexpected places. I carry it on days I find the courage to heal and grow. I carry it with me always. Some day we will meet again and we will no longer be separated by time and space. But until that day, I will find comfort in knowing that you are still with me. Your heart safely tucked inside mine. Some hearts just belong together and nothing will ever change that.

I hope, mom, that you would have approved of my plan to lay your ashes to rest next to Grandma in the small cemetery in Kentucky with the most beautiful view. I miss telling each other our inner, most private thoughts. I was so blessed to have been able to spend so much time with you. The last thing I told you when you were saying your good byes to each of us was, "You will always be with me, I will always carry you in my heart" and you smiled and shook your head yes and completely understood me.

I remember Miranda , anytime I seen her she always had a smile on her face a twinkle in her eye it always made you feel good to be around her, she was a dear cousin , I know she's dearly missed, may she rest in peace. Our condolences to her family our hearts go out to you and our prayers

I loved my sweet cousin Miranda. She always greeted me with a smile and open arms. I wish I could have been with her more but she was and always will be in my heart.

Miranda IS -- not "was" -- a sweet and beautiful spirit whose first impression on me has been a lasting one. May her goodness live on in all she touched!

Miranda, has been like a sister to me . We had fun trips to Cancun, and Colorado. Her and Bill always spoiled me . We all went to see Luther Vandross at the Fox. She always was there for me and I am so grateful, but heartbroken that she is gone. I love you Miranda, fly high ❤

My mom was my best friend whom I told everything to and found later, I shouldn't have shared every single thing! She was the absolute strongest person that I will ever know. She would do anything to help another. I want mom to be remembered as who she wanted to be and who she was; the fun loving, strongest person, best friend, beautiful mother and to be treated like a queen by her husband. Rest In Peace "mumma". - Emily Ann Trammel

Miranda was my childhood friend. Our parents grew up together in Kentucky. Our mothers would get together and make home made popcorn balls with real caramels! Once we were on a evening ride if I remember right we had been to the drive-in with our Mom’s and siblings our Dad’s were doing their own thing we were driving home all of a sudden we had to stop at a road block! We had got on the wrong road (1-75 was just being built) but wasn’t complete!! That was scary!! So many childhood memories but one that really stands out in my thoughts, you were such a caring, loving person who made everybody feel welcome always with that beautiful smile and gorgeous hair! Rest In Peace beautiful Miranda you radiated friendship and kindness alway! Your friend Diana

My beautiful cousin Miranda, what can I say about her…she always had a smile on her face. She was so loving and was always a joy to be around! A beautiful women inside and out! She will be greatly missed! I am so glad we have the hope of the resurrection!

                                        Love you now and for ever!
                                                  Melissa Wilder Lee

Miranda: soft spoken, beautiful smile and a lovely lady. No one could ever tell that you lived with pain. I am from your first family. You did some babysitting for my son Scott many years ago. I have great memories of going 'up north' to visit Mom and Dad. We played cards and went to the beach. Thank you for giving us a beautiful niece and nephew. Bill, we know you and Em took good care of her. You tried and tried to 'fix' her. It just could not happen. She will certainly be missed.❤

So so sorry to hear of the passing of Miranda,In heaven there is no more pain and suffering Rest In Peace lovely lady,all our love to you Bill and your family,Barry ,Marie .

Miranda you will always have a place in my heart. You were always so warm and welcoming. I’m sure all of your loved ones are surrounding you now and you are happy, pain-free and at peace. God bless and Godspeed❤️

Miranda, I always felt like a close Friend even though we are cousins. Dave and I enjoyed fun times when Brad and Emily were young. We used to visit and go disco dancing, all dressed up. You always had the most beautiful smile. You were always so positive, understanding and caring. I will love you always. Hope we will meet again in a better place. ❤️

Every time I saw Miranda, she always greeted me with open arms. She would flash that warm smile that you could never forget. But what I remember most about Miranda is how much she loved Bill. Not only could you see it, but you could feel it when they were together. It was heartwarming to see that after 35 years, that love never wavered. I know she will be missed terribly, but she will forever be in our hearts.

Miranda, Thank you for all the support you gave to Bill and the Seeking Justice team. Your laughter and smiles will be greatly missed.

So sorry, Bill. Loving memories will comfort you.

Her smile, her voice, drove my desire to make her happy and keep her well.
I did all I could, but it was her strength that carried her through so much physical pain. Doctors were enemies and saviors all at once, doing what they could with what they knew. In the end, she'd had enough of them. "Let me go" she said, even as the fever of her last bought with pneumonia raged at 104.4.
 I treasure the memories of her best days, dread those times when all anybody could do was look for a treatment that would work for her. Her smile, her heart lives on in the memories we all share of Miranda.

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