Sharon

The world lost a good one yesterday.

One of my two best friends in high school, James, lost his mom Sharon to cancer yesterday. She was diagnosed and succumbed nearly instantaneously. She was my mom's age. Young.

There was a time in my life when I saw Sharon nearly as much as I saw my own mom. James, Tammy and I were inseparable in high school and the first couple of years of college. James was my prom date, best buddy, and our ride into town when we were allowed to go. We were always allowed to go when James was driving--he was responsible, and his mama had him on a short leash. :)

Invariably, after we had gone out to a movie or whatever, the 3 of us ended back at James' house to shoot the breeze with Sharon and Jim (James' dad). They were die-hard UK fans, and were quick to speak, quick to laugh, and full of love of life and each other. It was like home there, and nearly all of my best high school memories involved James and his family somehow.

Sharon had this rare ability to "cut the crap" and be real with people. She was just as likely to give me a tongue-lashing as to give me a hug, and I could be sure that whichever she chose, that's what I deserved. She treated me like a daughter. I loved her--we were so similar. When James and his daddy would go enjoy a leisurely stroll around the farm, Sharon and Tammy and I would be inside engaged in quick debate and side-splitting laughter. Sometimes she'd threaten to make her point with us on the ping-pong table. That's how we knew she was serious! When we went away to college, Sharon would make James' favorite dish, cannoloni, and send it down on Sundays with instructions to share it with us after we all finished our laundry. I have never enjoyed feeling "mothered" by anyone except my Mom. Sharon made it natural.

After I got married, Tammy moved home, and James began seeing his future wife, I didn't see Sharon and Jim much anymore. There were times when I really wanted to go visit, even though things were different. The last time I saw them was at the county fair last year, and we sat under the big tent and shot the breeze just like old times. There are some relationships in life you can't ever replicate, and the spot in my heart for James' family is one of them.

So, sometime this weekend I'll be heading home. To grieve, to reminisce, and to honor one more saint who helped make me who I am. I am so grateful for this woman, and her investment in the world around her. We've all been affected by her life. Please pray for James and his family. Thanks.