Another blisteringly fast year of transitions, milestones and family gatherings, oh my. It’s less frequent that we can all get together so every opportunity to gather is precious and eagerly savored, and we share here with you...
• Twelve- # of events at which Sherman kept improving his pro audio gear to help at church (at the annual Sunday School Christmas play), local theater events, fundraiser trivia nights, his Hawaiian band and also at the annual International Crossings (where Sherman is a Co-Executive Director) Conference. And can you believe that Sherman was cajoled into performing a song and dance number during one of those shows, even though he's only ever had one dance lesson?
• Eleven- days at the annual destination family reunion, this time in Kaneohe/Oahu/Hawaii, and had a great time visiting new sites and revisiting places where Sherman and his brother Michael had spent two summers as children.
• Ten- or October, when Amy and Drew bought a house… in the St. Louis area! One of our high points of the year is that after stints in Idaho and Denver, they decided to relocate and find jobs here.
• Nine- semesters of duration before graduation. Although he needs just a few more credits to finish his degree, Noah will be working at a co-operative at a STL area company this spring, acquiring industry experience in mechanical engineering. Graduation is slated for December 2020.
• Eight- As in at least eight camping trips that Denise took with the Boy Scouts. Sherman visited summer camp on Family Night (July 4th) with Ted Drewes vanilla frozen custard, fresh strawberries and blueberries for a red/white/blue dessert for all the scouts. Whereas Denise loves camping, Sherman has never gone, although he is researching special external battery packs for his CPAP machine and it might happen in 2020.
• Seven– or July, when Denise completed her Certified Senior Advisors credentialing, meaning she's an educational and support specialist in aging dedicated to improving lives of older adults. This is an extension of work as a professional organizing consultant. That her final exam took place during tornado warnings and flinching electrical power is probably an omen of her own steadfastness in helping her clients weather any storm.
• Six– or so miles on the Ka`au Crater Hike where Noah, Drew and step-brother-in-law (is that even a term?) Jordan faced their most technically challenging hike (mud, drizzle and steep pitches) and returned with all limbs intact.
• Five- or May, when we visited KC with Amy and Drew to see her receive her Master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Kansas
• Four– nights (& five days) during which Denise & I visited relatives in Southern Cal, especially during a cousin's cancer treatment. Warm weather in late winter, great food including In-N-Out burger, and spending time with relatives – what's not to love?
• Three– or March, when Denise was a featured subject matter expert in the cover article on hoarding in the March 2019 issue of St. Louis magazine. Check it out at https://www.stlmag.com/longform/hoarding/
• Two- # of retirements of close friends, and combining here with also more funerals than usual. It's not so much the number of events as it is remembering the lives and love of close ones, including personal mentor and Crossings co-founder, Ed Schroeder. Regarding retirements it's about staying in touch and celebrating with parties. This year ended with a great party: while the office chorus was at their last performance, co-workers snuck into and decorated the chorus room for an epic retirement party (80 people in a room suited for 50) and completely surprised dear friend Tom. Denise and I will continue to double-date with Tom and his wife Cathy... and stay in touch as we try to do with all of you.
• One- as in the One who we celebrate this time of year...
Health, happiness and humor to you in 2020!
Sherman, Denise, Noah, Amy and Drew
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