There is not a second of the day I dont miss you but some days are even harder than others.  I wake up each morning reaching for you only to find emptiness.  I listen carefully in case you woke up before me but the sound of silence greets me as my feet hit the floor.  No need to make toast since you aren't here to eat it.  I still make a whole pot of coffee and pour half of it out each day.  The sound of silence surrounds me.  No laughter, no conversation about the days plans.  Where did my joy go?

— with Roger and Shelby

II had almost forgotten how emotional writing can be.  I guess I better keep the tissues nearby.  Oh wait a minute.  I remember no more tears Shelby.  I vividly remember you telling me that if you went home first, you'd walk with me every step that I take.  "Just keep walking" you say.  Some days its hard enough just to get out of bed much less walk but I do ... one step a time steadily carrying your love with me.  Remember the love never went away.  It lives in these wall where I can feel you every day.  I'd love to hear you tell me how beautiful heaven is.  Have you seen Andrew?  My dad?  I know you all must love it there!!  Alas, my day awaits me so I must go now but remember every day that I am here is one step closer to you and our eternity!  Ill keep the home fires burning and you give everyone my love.  I love you more!!

I've been pondering for days what my next story would be and yet I know its time again.  I used to often take pen to paper and write and then our lives got so busy, I no longer took the time.  You often told me how much you missed me writing and I always thought I had nothing but time.  Unfortunately, time ran out too fast and I'm left with nothing but time and memories.  So what do you want to hear tonight dear?  Another love story?  Oh, I have a million or maybe two.  Well we all know the bug story and where it all started.  I remember my first tiny apartment and your not so enthusiastic reaction to it but I cooked a lot of dinners for two and maybe even a dessert or two!  We'd stretch out and watch movies on the tv and DVD player since it was our only form of entertainment but the talks, oh the talks!  We seemed to relish each story the other would tell.  We quickly learned all the wonderful aspects of each others lives - the good, the bad and the ugly.  As I listened to you talk, I'd memorize your beautiful face and I realized I was falling harder and harder for you and you reminded me you loved me even more.  Then eventually my fears did try to take hold and you reminded me of the promises we had made to move forward by leaving our pasts in the past where they belonged.  We ended the evenings by sending you home to Harbor House and I'd begin missing you again until the sun rose on the next day.  I dont remember what day it was when you got your first apartment but I do remember you telling me to meet you there cause you wanted my name on that lease!  Do you remember moving everything I owned there trip by trip in a rolling buggy?  Let the adventures begin!  Did I forget to remind you that we don't even own a bed?  Those first few nights sleeping on the hard floor were memorable but not in a good way!  We did have a fantastic view from the living room window.  I think we made a million more promises which in fourteen years we have always managed to keep cause once again you never made a promise you didn't keep.  Did I mention we fell a little more in love?  Yes, I said it I love you!  Yes, I know you love me too!!  We met our neighbors; adopted a dog named Angel, spent quality time with our beautiful grandchildren and cherished every day we had.  My story is getting away with itself so be on the lookout for my continuation on this same page.  As always I love you til eternity and beyond!

Every beautiful day reminds me of him.  He never took anything for granted.  We enjoyed being outside on warm days under a blue sky.   I can almost feel a slight breeze blowing by as we held hands and headed off on whatever adventure we had decided on.

We were so fortunate to have each other and we found it easy to bask in the everyday moments. We were always so happy! We enjoyed quiet times at home; long road trips; visits with family; dancing in our kitchen together; cooking great meals; celebrating holidays; thrift shopping and going out to eat. Every day was fun!

The very worst day of my life started out so normal. Laying in bed wrapped up until we both were awake. Morning coffee and Rogers buttered toast got us motivated enough to take off to Hurricane, WV for my doctors appointment. Being the gentleman he always was, he accompanied me inside to sit with me until the nurse called me back. After a brief visit and the required bloodwork, I checked out and as I stepped out he caught my eye and pulled around to pick me up. We very shortly arrived home and before we got to our door we were greeted by our friend Mary who had returned home from Tennessee. She let us know she had brought a bench home for us so as we entered the house Roger said run down and let her know Ill be down in a second to get the bench. I made my trip down and after a brief visit, he hadn't appeared. I came back up and entered the door with our familiar "honey I'm home" on my lips. There was no response and I wandered back to our bedroom only to see the worst nightmare of my life.

He was a man of so many talents! I remember him taking a soon to be discarded headboard and making the most beautiful bench from it that now reside at his grand daughter Sierra's house. I'd find him whittling a piece of wood he'd find and by the time he was done it would look like a museum artifact. I'd often stare at his hands and wonder how did so much talent reside there?
Those same hands could strum a familiar tune on a guitar. He often talked about the songs he would play for Alisha and Bubby when they were little. It always reminded me of the love every family member got from him.
Did I tell you about the things he would grow in his garden? Tomatoes just perfect for a sandwich; squash that produced far more than our little household and all the neighbors could eat; cucumbers, beans and the rest all tasted so good knowing he worked to provide it.
Last but not least, he had such an abundance of love. He'd cradle the new babies in his hands as if they were made of the finest china. He'd teach Emma to do the hokey pokey or the boys how to construct a birdhouse. I fondly remember many weekends spent keeping Seth or Brandon. Then of course there's me. This amazing man showed me what love really was with his tender words, huge hugs and guiding hands. I was truly cherished and made to feel important. We all love you baby!!

I feel like I could write a book. From the moment we met, he was the kindest, most respectful, caring, loving person I had ever met. There was never a moment when I regretted devoting my life to him. He never made a promise he didn't keep. He didn't make me shed tears. What he did offer was to always make me happy and he always fulfilled that. I might just be the luckiest woman on the planet. I never expected that God would take him home so soon. I miss and love him every single day.

What didn't I learn? This amazing man changed my life. He was the one who taught me to love again; to trust; to form a bond that could not be broken and to walk each day with him like there was no end in sight. My Roger; my forever love.

It was July 16, 2012 on a warm evening in Charleston, WV when Roger approached me with a cup.  He asked me if I liked jelly beans and hoping to lose his attention, I said "only the black ones".  He laughed and said "that's exactly what I have left" and he handed me his cup.   Shockingly what was inside was the biggest, blackest beetle I had ever seen!  Fighting back laughter, I asked him "what poccessed him to give me that bug.". Laughing out loud he said " to get your attention".  He certainly had my attention!  From that night forward we exchanged the war stories that was our past lives; made each other laugh when we thought we never would again and slowly forged an unbreakable friendship that before our very eyes turned into the most beautiful love story ever written.  I think we both thought the story would never end but sadly on December 1, 2025 it did and my life will never be the same.  I love you Roger until I meet you in heaven and we get our eternity that was promised to us.

Roger and his grandparents

— with Shelby Bagby and Roger Adams

I'm so so sorry Shelby.  He was a great guy.  He will be missed by many.  Don't ever forget how much he loved you 🥺💔

I am sorry for your loss. Please know you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Emily

Im really sorry for your loss prayers 🙏 for you and your family