My cousin, Shari~
I remember as a child in Tucson, AZ when Shari & Jack lived not too far from us. Shannon was born on my birthday, July 5th; then they were blessed with Kerry & they made the most beautiful little Family!
Shari & Jack moved to Oregon, afterwhich we were able to make regular visits. Shair's mom, my Aunt Peggy, stayed close to daddy (her bro) & our Family was always close.
I moved to Oregon in 1981, where Shari & I got closer. I got to see the family regularly as I worked part-time for Jack & played "baby-sitter" to the girls. :) When I was in a hit-by-car accident in '82 Shari was so good to care for me. ... she was a God-send, helping when I really needed someone~a good Friend.
When Shari moved to PV, I was able to take my first-ever 'real' vacation to visit her & Antonio; I was in love with everything Shari showed me! The first day there, She & Antonio took me on a very thorough tour & introduced me to so many special people there, altho I still don't speak Spanish well & couldn't tell you all their names~when we got back to the house in the eve.I asked Shari what she had said when she introduced me to everyone & Antonia laughed as she said, "I told them, 'This is my cousin, Julie, if you should see her....just make sure she gets home safely."
I was able to see all the wonderful things that Shari had done wtih the time in Mexico; able to see her begin her business~handmaking clothing:dresses, shirts with a beautiful Chili Design on them. Together we went to visit her artist-friends & to visit an elderly woman in "Buenos Aires" (?)...I still can't remember her name, but I remember how everyone loved Shari. She had that kind nature & glowing inner strength about her...
I came home from the beach one day & she smiled at me & said, 'What's wrong, you're walking funny?" I replied, "I burned my chi-chi's..." & she said, "Those aren't your chi-chi's...these (as she showed me...) are your chi-chi's; THOSE are your pompas!" :)
I miss you so much! I remember the day I learned of your illness & my daddy called me directly & I just sobbed...not my Shari!!! Since then I've grown closer to Pam & Shannon & Kerry & 3 of Shari's Mexi-kitties, which I've adopted. In this way, I will always be close to you. And it is only my Faith, in God, in Eternity, that helps me through~but I Thank You, my beautiful Shari, for bringing me back onto the lives of your beautiful girls~now wonderful Women! They have your strength of Spirit. & I treasure your kitties, ... Sabado loves his new couch. :)
I'm sorry it took me so long to come visit you again; I was afraid I couldn't stand the pain of you leaving & missing you all over. But, I'm here...
Forever!
~Julie, 'with the Beautiful ears'