Filed under: Friends of Rob & Emily | Tags: crossword puzzle, garage apartment, John McConnell, kitchen
One of the funniest/embarrassing moments I remember about your Mom: We were all at your house (usual) one night and Heather Wheatley was there with me. (Stop laughing Emily.) Apparently we were getting kind of hot and heavy in the apartment above the garage and your mom saw the whole thing from the kitchen and promptly brought it to my attention when I came back into the house. I remember thinking, she’s not mad but she’s never going to let me forget it. And when I talked to her 5 years later she brought it up as if it happened yesterday.
And the other thing I give your mom credit for is me doing crossword puzzles religiously. Everytime I walked in that house there was one on the kitchen table and next to it, there was about 10 books she was using to cheat. I always used to try and help her but I wasn’t very good at them back then. Yet today, everyday I work the crossword in the Shreveport Times and usually finish it (with help from about 10 books). I can remember only one person who I would have picked all of that up from and it was definitely your mom.
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.
What I remember most about your mother is her warmth. I considered your home as kind of a second home. And I considered your mom as sort of a second mom along with Mrs. Kelsall. Every time I came over to your house, she was always glowing in the kitchen. She made me feel comfortable and at ease. What I thought was great about her was that you could just sit and talk to her about anything. There were plenty of times when no one else was in the kitchen or the back patio and she and I would talk and just hang out. It was never awkward or forced or “hurry up Rob, let’s get out of here”. It was like I’d known her my whole life. Of all the fun and memorable things I’ve done in my life, I consider the moments just hanging out in your kitchen with both of your parents as some of the best. And I think your mother was a big reason for that.
