Well it's been a long rough year.
The phone started ringing early this morning with family and friends checking in on us as they have done all year. We are so thankful and appreciate all of you.

I can see and feel how the family is getting stronger just in how we smile and laugh when we're sharing our memories. I know when I start to feel sad and get teary eyed Sherm gets right in my ear and says, "really Juan" and then we laugh just like we always did. 
Many times I have been thinking about a situation that we had talked about and he'll get in my face and tell me to stick to the plan. I do and it happens the way he said it would..
 
My big brother is still looking out for me. 

A picture of Mom and Sherms grandson AJ. 

The date at the top says 21 but I wrote it on the 20th. 

Sherm -

We girls had a wonderful time at LaJuanda's celebrating your birthday.  The food was outstanding.  We miss you so much in the physical but you are so very close in our hearts and thoughts.  All things considered, Marilyn continues to hang-in there.  She's missing you terribly though.  I've been trying to keep her occupied.

Bro, this is not goodbye, 'cus we'll be seeing you down the road!

We were all here at the house on your BD, Tori cooked some greens, mac&cheese and I fixed a couple of your favorites, mixed beans and fried cat fish.
Marilyn sent up a balloon to you with messages from all of us, we watched the balloon go higher and higher, going straight to you.
I love and miss you Big Brother

My wife (Carol Mendoza) attended Redlands' Lincoln Elementary School with Sherman. (She is centered in the third row, two up from Sherman. Carol remembers him as a fun classmate, always ready with a smile.  This photo clearly shows that quality.  (I think Sherman got all of the students laughing for this shot. )

I took this photgraph in 1968 during practice for Redlands High School graduation.  Sherman and Freda were friends of mine.

Sherman was a "rock star" on campus.  He was funny and gregarious, well-liked by everyone.  I felt honored that he even knew me, and especially so when he called me by name.  He was a great guy who made my years at RHS so enjoyable. 

How satisfying to discover this photo in my collection of well-worn 35mm slides! The image makes me wistful, though, evoking memories of good times and a good man.