Dear Reader:

There is no doubt in my mind that all Sherry’s loved ones, family and friends, certainly understand Pooh’s comment: ” If you weren’t you, then we’d all be a bit less we.”

As Rev. Dr. Frank McCracken, pastor of First Presbyterian, told example after example of Sherry’s contributions to everyone she met (along her journey) through teaching, sports, family gatherings, church and civic fundraisers of all kinds, it became evident why the scripture from John 15: 4-10 was selected to remember her life.

Many of us equate this passage with the branch and the vine metaphor to placing our whole faith in God in order to live a fruitful life. It was only when Pastor McCracken studied the verses again that he experienced a ” God Wink.” One word kept popping out at him over and over- the word abiding. It was repeated almost 10 times within the verses.

… And then he knew… Sherry was a prime example of a person who , not only abided in the Lord, but after receiving the light, passed it on to others. Even as her dementia stole more and more of her memory… Sherry held fast to her beliefs, bore it patiently, endured without yielding, kept her saving grace… in other words, not only did she continue to abide in God… she continued to abide in her love for family and close friends. Sherry chose life everyday until the end.

Sherry loved to sing and it was mentioned if someone said ” Jesus ” she automatically began singing ” Jesus loves me.” So Wednesday, during the service, all stopped so we could all sing together… ” Jesus Loves Me” in her remembrance.

So until tomorrow… For a person to be spiritually fruitful to others in their lives -they first must be connected to the Source of Life… our Creator and His Son-the True Vine.

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh