I can't believe that it has been 14 years today since my beautiful, wonderful, sister Sherri left this earth to join Jesus in Heaven. She has been riding (not walking) the streets of Heaven on her white horse for 14 years and it still seems like just yesterday that we got the news she had died. Sherri was a wonderful person. As an EMT, she cared for so many people when they were at their worst. She would have to set aside all her emotions and care for people that were seriously hurt or maybe even about to die. I loved the fact that she enjoyed being an EMT - it showed me the side of her that cared for others.
Sherri also loved the outdoors. It didn't matter if it was hunting, haying, working in a barn, whatever - she loved to be outside. I remember so well that she always wanted me to come with her to "do" whatever she was doing outside. She helped me with my 4-H animals when really she should have made me do it myself! However - even if she was a little "gruff" about it - she would help me out.
Sherri and I used to fight alot and you know - now I really don't remember what all we fought over (I am sure my parents do!) but I do know that she loved me and I loved her. She was really a unique person. So many times we care too much about what others think (myself included) but Sherri was content to just be herself. Didn't really matter to her that she may not be like everyone else. She had few people that she truly loved and cared about but those few people were never more loved by anyone! Whatever she did, even loving, she did with all she had.
Sherri only met my husband Joel once. However in an odd sort of way, I think she knew that he was the one before I knew! I remember one Sunday afternoon I was in my dorm doing homework and Sherri called me (big deal because she hated the phone). We were chatting and she said "Where's that boy?" (referring to Joel) I replied "I don't know he is in his room I guess" her reply was "Well he should be there taking care of you." If only Sherri knew how much Joel would have to and continues to take care of me on the days I cry for her. You see, through Sherri's death - is how I knew that Joel was the one. Everyone told him not to come with me to the funeral, it was a "family" deal and he didn't need to be there. Yet - Joel dropped everything he was doing and not only came to Colorado for the funeral - he drove me to it. 8 hours he drove the car and I think I cried most of that time. He never said much - just was there for me. So you know Sherri, "that boy" is still taking care of me.
I may not cry as much anymore (although I still do at times) but everyday there is some reminder to me of my wonderful sister Sherri and how much I miss her. My last and fondest memory of her was one time when I was home from college. She had a newspaper route that she would do at like 3:30 in the morning! She asked me to come along with her - I was like "WHAT" but you know I did. I don't remember saying much (think I was half asleep) but I remember just being with her and loving it.
Sherri never got to know my kids here on Earth but I know she will be waiting for them in Heaven. She loved kids (never would have admitted it) but she really enjoyed them. I look at my children and am so sorry that they didn't know her but then again - I have introduced them to her in all sorts of ways. I try to tell them things she enjoyed, people she knew, and of course show them pictures of her beautiful face.
Sherri - I know you probably can't look on Earth from Heaven but I hope you know that I am looking forward to joining you and Jesus one day. Will you get me a horse too so I can ride with you? Will you give Grandad A, Granny A and Grandad H a hug from me? WE LOVE YOU and MISS YOU. It may be 14 years on a calendar but it is just like yesterday in my heart....
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