I'll never forget the day Sharon's daughter, Laurie, was born.  I was 12 years old, and I had made my first trip alone to California to visit my very pregnant sister, Sharon.  She was getting ready to move to Spokane where her husband, Don, had started a new job.  Sharon was busily cleaning her apartment and packing boxes.  She didn't let the fact that she was pregnant slow her down.  She started having contractions, but she had to finish scrubbing the floors first, then take a bath (she always preferred a bath over a shower), put curlers in her hair and put her makeup on.  Needless to say, by the time she was finally ready to admit it was time to go, her contractions were coming very close together.  Her landlady, Mrs. McPherron and her mentally disabled son, Larry (he had the mentality of a 6 year old) had to take us to the hospital.  She got lost and was a nervous wreck by the time we reached the hospital.  We thought Sharon was going to have the baby in the car.  They didn't even have time to prep Sharon before she delivered our beautiful Laurie.  Laurie, I've been promising you this story for a long time.  I hope you enjoy it.  Love you.  Aunt Sue 

My Grandma Sharon is  such a huge part of my childhood memories and I will miss her greatly.  I can't recall specific stories to share, but I do have specific memories of her that I will never forget.

She was a really hard worker and yet she never seemed to keep anything for herself.  She was extremely generous.  Because of her, my brother and I were able to attend private school.  She also took us school clothes shopping every fall.  She always went over the top for birthdays and holidays and so much more.  

I know it seems silly, but she cooked the best rice.  Also, whenever she was preparing meals, I would recall her always sticking her fingers into a hot skillet to nimble on a bite.  

It was rare to ever see Grandma Sharon sitting and relaxing.  She always seemed to be busy preparing meals, cleaning, or taking care of her grandbabies.  She loved being busy; especially taking care of people.

A smile always comes to my face when I think of her unique wit and sense of humor.  She was one of the most selfless people I've known, and would do anything for her family.  I love her and will miss her a lot. 

I love these lyrics and find comfort thinking of mom when I hear the song:


Going Home 
(Dvořák / Fisher) 

Going home, going home
I'm jus' going home
Quiet like, some still day
I'm jus' going home

It's not far, yes close by
Through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more

Mother's there 'specting me
Father's waiting, too
Lots of folk gathered there
All the friends I knew

All the friends I knew

I'm going home

Nothing lost, all's gain
No more fret nor pain
No more stumbling on the way
No more longing for the day
Going to roam no more

Morning star lights the way
Restless dream all done
Shadows gone, break of day
Real life just begun

There's no break, aint no end
Jus' a livin' on
Wide awake with a smile
Going on and on

Going home, going home
I'm jus' going home
It's not far, yes close by
Through an open door
I'm jus' going home

Going home, going home

To all who knew Sharon – from her loving sister, Dale 

She is always in my heart!  My sister Sharon and I were separated by miles as adults but we always considered ourselves close as family and shared many very special memories.   I realize now that while many know her well as an adult, I am the only one still around who knows the Sharon of her childhood. 

We were less than two years apart in age and I always followed her lead as my big sister.   She was a delightful child and in the early years we were inseparable, often dressed identically thanks to the talented seamstress who was our Grandma “Bobbie”.    During our visits as adults, one of us might say to the other “remember when ______” and it would set off vivid memories:

Making mud pies in the back yard (peas were our specialty); playing paper dolls with the bookcase shelves beside the fireplace as our mansions or apartments (we especially loved the Gone With the Wind paper dolls and their magnificent gowns); pushing our baby sister Susie on the backyard swings; as pre-teens, playing a record (78’s at that time) over and over again in the basement rec room so that we could memorize all the words (who remembers Up a Lazy River and Slow Boat to China …. Just a couple of our favorites); our Dad teaching us how to do the Charleston and  to love good piano music and big band sounds; helping our Mom make fudge and divinity with friends just before Christmas ….. this rambling could go on and on.  A single word could bring these memories to mind for both of us.  

I share these with all of you who loved and admired her for all that she was and did as an adult, and now you will have a bit of insight to Sharon/Shar/Shari as a child - her caring, strengths,  and beautiful smile were always there.   I’ll always remember!