VALERIE ANNE PAGET: JULY 15, 1961 - MAY 3, 2013

Sometime just after midnight in the wee hours of May 3rd, Valerie Anne Paget took her last breath here on earth.  She had been consistently surrounded by family for the previous 2 weeks.  The night of May 2nd, she was breathing very irregularly and she seemed to be having to work extremely hard for each breath she took.  There were many times we would stop and watch her, waiting for the next breath to finally come.

Around 11pm, I lay down next to her and held her hand with the intention of just watching her.  I've been awake so many nights with her over the past 2 weeks, that I was surprised when I kept dozing off.  At 12:38am I woke up, jerked my head up and stared at her waiting for the next breath.... it never came.  Family and friends have pointed out that she was still taking care of me - waiting until I was asleep before she took her last step over.

There are no adequate words to describe the feelings of intense loss left behind.  Valerie was so engaged in life - sharing in her family's joys and pains -  always trying to figure out how to be better, to do better - wholeheartedly loving me - and excitedly exploring our new home (Long Beach).

There will most likely be services held in both California and in Michigan.  Details to follow.