Filed under: Friends of Shery | Tags: Anne Rogers, computer, creativity, inspiration, motivation, physical help
It is still very difficult for me to really realize your Mom and my best friend is gone even after 2 years. I have a picture of her smiling face sitting on my desktop next to my computer screen and look at her every time I sit down…which is many times a day. Specific stories or antics I cannot bring to my memory per se…I wish I could. I think it is hard for me in your mom’s case because your mom and I were together so much and talked every day, many times a day, that our lives were so enmeshed that nothing really sticks out. I can say that I was the physical help for your Mom til she died and she was my inspiration, my motivator, my source of creativity and my constant companion. I have never had such a close friend as Shery and never will again…that I am sure of.
I have a great picture of your mom on my fridge when she and Miss Martha and I gave Leslie a high school graduation party at Arts on Fire. And I still have my framed guardian angel your mom gave all the “after Christmas before New Year steak dinner group” (Martha, Melinda, Suzanne, Lettie, Anne and me) in my kitchen window. It’s nice to feel she is here with us, because of daily rememberences.
Filed under: Friends of Shery | Tags: accident, Dian, framing, friendly, hat, kitchen, smile, warmth, welcoming
Your mother was a jewel. I first met her when you and Rob were in pre-school and I taught 3, 4, & 5 year old kindergarden Sunday school at St. Marks. It was not long after that we both joined Stitch and Bitch. What a ride. Her friendship was unique. She was always available, warm, friendly and welcoming.
When I started to display a photo collection, Shery worked with me on the framing. After a few frames, I just gave her the photos and told her to do what she thought would be best. I was never disappointed. She knew her customers and their tastes. After her accident on Line Ave, I waited until the wave of well-wishers were gone, called her and asked when I could come by and visit. She said “NOW”! I grabbed my car keys and fled to the hospital, sat on her bed and we talked for what seemed like hours. It was as though the accident and discovery of cancer never happened. She could always carry her end of a conversation.
To backtrack, you and Rob were going to school at St. Marks. I elected to send my three to Stoner Hill Lab School. It was a risky, but good decision on my part although the rest of the Stitch group was not so sure. One stitch night your mother asked my opinion regarding the quality of education at SHLS. I told her what I thought, but that she should see for herself. Next thing I knew, you and Rob had joined the enrollment. As I recall, you were not too happy with that decision. I may be wrong. However, I was happy to have your mother standing with me as parents of children at SHLS. I remember the wonderful and colorful hats she wore to PTA meetings because she had lost her hair to chemo.
I remember that, to my fear, she always left the back door unlocked. Anyone could come in the house anytime and we did. There were numerous morning and afternoon chats around the breakfast table in the kitchen, which is where Stitch would love hanging out on nights Shery was the host. And, as I recall, we stitched a collage for your mother as a “get well” and “hang in there” momento from us. I hope that was passed along to you.
Although you may have experienced another side, I never saw your mother without a smile. She endured, even through the pain and frustration of losing her ability to function. God has his plan and I am so grateful that he chose to let her stay with us for as long as she did. Never doubt how proud of you and Rob she was or how much she loved you. She talked about you both whenever she could.
May this reflection and those from others comfort you and wrap you in the love she shared with all of us.
Filed under: Friends of Shery | Tags: collections, collector, crafts, creative, Marilyn, Valentine's Day
I remember several years ago when Shery called and invited me to come to her house and make valentines. Not being real artistic I was a little apprehensive. However when I arrived she had all kinds of materials she had been saving….from buttons, scraps of various paper, cord and more. Shery was a collector. We all had fun being creative.
Today, on her 62nd birthday [April 23], I remember her ardent prayer of “just let me live long enough to raise my children” after her accident/brain tumor diagnosis. From that moment on, I believe she began to cherish every living minute with you, always with the realization her life could be cut short and she would miss so much of your life. I never heard her say, “please don’t let me suffer,” “why me,” just “let me live long enough to raise my children.” She loved you so much. Once you and Rob left home, she was so thankful her prayer was answered and she had achieved her goal to be with you throughout your childhood. It gave her a great sense of happiness that she made it! I was so happy for her, too.
We miss her so much. She had a smile like no one else. It was so good to see her smile through the years. Her smile and answered prayer are my birthday thoughts of her today. She was my best friend in this life for over 40 years.
