Filed under: Friends of Shery | Tags: accident, Amanda Self, cross stitch, Emily, framing, Gene Self, Rob
She was here such a short time. We hardly knew her. Shery was the most creative person I ever met. Truly, she was an artist.
I first met her in Dianne Roper’s quaint little shop in Pierremont Common, In Stitches, she had displayed some needlework in frames–Shery’s framing–and Shery was passing out her business cards.
It didn’t take long. Women were buying materials, thread, fabric at In Stitches, then home to begin our “therapy” (house, meals, laundry, children, activities; it could be overwhelming) and all spare moments were used in our needlework. And when the project was completed, it was off to Shery’s frame shop. So often, many of us didn’t know what we wanted, and Shery would take our project and present the many options of frames, borders (or not) and if we couldn’t make up our mind, we would ask her which one SHE liked. Shery’s pick was invariably the one we went with and really liked.
Her framework graces my walls and, to this day, people still ask who does my framing.
Her children were beautiful; they looked like they stepped out of a storybook, only a year apart, Emily and Rob.
Opening day of school, South Highlands Elementary on August 29, 1983: I am seated in a kindergartner’s chair, my little girl standing next to me, hovering close, the room is crowded with other mommies and their five-year-olds and across from me is Shery Reeves. We smile in acknowledgment, our children’s eyes meet, Emily, with dog ears, peering out from her mother’s side, spots Amanda and they stare at each other, recognizing one another from the frame shop but not saying anything, not smiling. I lean over and tell Amanda “you remember Miss Shery, we have been to her frame shop and that’s Emily, her little girl, you remember Emily.” She does not acknowledge anything, just keeps her eyes fixed on Emily. I notice that Shery does the same thing: “you recognize Miss Gene and her daughter, Amanda, they were by the frame shop just last week.” Emily’s eyes stayed glued to Amanda’s.
Funny the things we never forget.
After the accident, Shery was in the hospital for several days, perhaps weeks and the children were farmed out to neighbors, but one evening I received a call from Jim.
He needed Emily and Rob to stay at a neighbor’s for two nights, maybe three–work, hospital, home–he only had two hands. He had found a place for Rob, but Emily would only stay with us. I told him Emily could stay as long as she liked.
Amanda was thrilled–a sister for two, maybe three nights! Emily was always a joy.
With much love and fond remembrances, Gene Self.
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.
