Cheryl

So, how to begin a story that has such a sad ending. I met Cheryl in 1985 when she married my brother Gord. Thru the years I watched her raise their children, work hard and build a life together. I have so many memories, Cheryl was always up for a challenge and loved to get together for family gatherings. Some of my favourite times were March break, Easter egg hunt, making maple syrup, Christmas Cookie Day and just every family gathering. We were trying to figure out how many years we had been doing the Christmas Cookies Day and decided it's been over ten and every one was a hoot. It wasn't about how many cookies we made, it was the  fun we had even when things didn't quite turn out the way they were supposed to, might have been a little wine involved. Cheryl's favourite saying if something happened was "goodness gracious Aunt Matilda". 

There was not a more generous person. Cheryl would be the first person to call if you were ill or needed help with something. She was very observant, if you commented on something nine times out of ten you would be surprised at Christmas or your birthday with that very thing. I started collecting Santas for my Christmas tree and once she knew this I would always receive a new Santa decoration usually for my birthday just before Christmas so I could add it to that tree.

We used to cross country ski almost every weekend. We would go for a couple of hours and it was so exhilarating and sometimes challenging. Some of our favourite outings were moonlight skiing or in the spring when the snow was perfect and you could go anywhere. We often ventured off the beaten track.

Sometimes life seems very unfair.  Cheryl was a beautiful person whose memories that we shared, I will remember for my forever.

One of my last visits with Cheryl was just before Xmas. The tree was up and all decorated and there were lots of presents under the tree for all the family, Gord, the kids and her very precious grandchildren. Cheryl had bought everything, so my sister Beth and the friends visiting wrapped it all and put them under the tree because one of Cheryl's favourite times is Xmas with family. At this moment I hope she will get to have this one last one with them.  As I found out when writing this, the family gathered together and celebrated Christmas and opened their presents on the 19th December 2016. She is staying strong for her grandkids.

Today is the 25th of December. Cheryl is still with us although getting weaker with each passing day. It is amazing to me how strong the will to live is. 

The very saddest day is 28th December 2016 with the passing of my sister-in-law Cheryl.

So Cheryl, sleep like a child peaceful and deep, love you to the moon and back. Thank you for  sharing your life with us.

Love Val