Cheryl   The below is my first and probably only attempt at poetry. However, it was all I could focus on for two beautiful January days several years after her passing.

I keep on trucking with no direction. Standing here leaning against my place the winter sun in my face. I wonder why I'm still here, alive, even sometimes I think I'm fine. I lost the love that was my life. We were alone together when she left. Does it help that I was at her side at the moment she died? A little, maybe a lot. My life was good, never any real problems then my wife, my best friend, was no more. Nothing but memories so it seems. Although nothing is new now, I just keep hoping somehow. I've filled my emptiness with things but never really filled it with anything. Today is nearly perfect but it's actually just another day then maybe another day will follow. No future...just now. I believe there may be a connection. January 16, 2013

I am eternally thankful for the nearly 30 years I was privileged to be Cheryl's husband.  Cheryl always tried to make the best of any situation and rarely if ever focused on a personal bias when presented with a problem.  She was a leader and teacher primarily through example.  Regardless of her own circumstances, it seemed that Cheryl was always available for others.  She truly listened without judging or trying to control the conversation.  All who knew Cheryl have been blessed by her unselfish compassion . . . Jim