On Monday morning my Mom called me at 6:00 am- I knew it couldn't be good news because she would never call me at that time. She had called to inform me that Sherri Winder had passed away. Let me back up a little.
I have a dear friend named Nate and Sherri is his Mom. I met Nate through my brothers when they were all in High School together and became friends with Nate (probably because of our mutual love of Andrew Llyod Webber and classical music). As I spent more time with Nate, I also got to know Sherri. I remember going into her home and feeling welcome and comfortable. She was one of those Moms who took a genuine interest in the friends of her children. I also immediately loved her and appreciated her warmth and smiles.
As both Nate & I grew up, I still continued to have a relationship with Sherri. We would exchange Christmas greetings and when I started teaching at Valley Jr. High (where many Winder cousins were my students) she and Kent (her husband) would come and support me.
I also loved the conversations we would sometimes share. Two years ago, I visited Nate in Germany. When I came home, I visited with Sherri and shared with her stories of my trip and talked about Nate and his adventures. I stayed until 2 am and the time flew by. The last time I saw Sherri was at my production of "Bye Bye Birdie" at Hunter High School. It meant so much to me that she would support me, after all I was just one of Nate's friends.
Needless to say when I heard the news about Sherri, I was devastated. She was such a beautiful and lovely person who went home way too soon. I also immediately thought of my friend Nate and the Winder family and I felt helpless because I wanted to know how I could help, so I prayed.
As the week went on, I thought about the many times I visited with her. I thought about the many qualities I admired about her. And I thought about how I want to be like her.
She was the type of person who made EVERYONE feel important and validated. It didn't matter your socio-economic status, your beliefs, your idiosyncrasies. Everyone was valued and important. She also remembered the little things, asking about something from a previous conversation, going out of her way to say 'Thank You' or talking with a friend until 2 am. She was fiercely loyal and passionate about her family; she wanted the best for them. She valued the gospel and her membership in the church. She left the world a little bit brighter. I want to be like her.
Last night was the viewing. I waited in line for 2 hours to see the family (I have never seen that many people at a viewing) It was good to see Nate and the rest of the Winder family. I was struck by home many people came and waited to pay their respects.
Today was the funeral. I didn't really cry at the viewing, but from almost the moment I stepped into the church I started crying. I was just overwhelmed by the whole experience. Again, so many people were there, it was incredible! The service was so beautiful, personal and yet applicable to all in attendance. I know Sherri loved it. Nate composed a song for his Mom entitled, "Dances". It was so perfect. It was almost like you could hear her in the song.
I am so grateful I was able to attend. And more than that, I am so grateful that Sherri is my friend. She has touched my life.
I also have thought a lot this week about life in general. It is so precious. Loving each other is the most important thing we can do. Dedication to family, faith, commitments and community are so important. I also took some time this week to do some self-assessment. I need to be a better person. I need to be more open to the needs of others. I need to try to not be so selfish.
I want others to feel important, loved and validated.
"Let me be joy, be hope
Let my life sing!"
I will miss my friend Sherri.
