Originally from Westminster, Maryland, I moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida a year ago, just after my husband (Kelly) of 54 years passed away unexpectedly. We were sweethearts from the time we were just 14 years old. Now at 72 years old, I am in a new, unexpected stage in life and with a new title, WIDOW.

My other cherished titles include:

• MOTHER to 4 children

• MIMI to 11 grandchildren

• SISTER

• NURSE

When my kids were younger, I was always creating. I wove baskets, dried flowers and made arrangements, painted ceramics, sewed, quilted- you name it, I tried it! As the children grew, I went to nursing school and earned my RN. In my down time, I still enjoyed creating. I picked up a love for crochet and needlepoint which were easy hobbies to take with me while vacationing on the beach in OC, NJ, or traveling to different tropical islands with Kelly.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and had a single mastectomy. Crocheting kept me sane. I made blankets, shawls, hats and scarves and would donate them to others going through cancer. In December of 2023 Kelly had open heart surgery to repair a thoracic aortic aneurysm. I crocheted him a special Christmas tree blanket that traveled with him through his hospital stay. I was always working on a project.

In July of 2024, my world turned upside down when my best friend went into heart failure from sepsis. Kelly went into surgery to remove the infection from his prosthetic hip and in recovery he coded time and time again. My world stopped. Nothing was the same. I could no longer pick up my crochet hook. I was angry at the world.

I had to move out of my home and away from everything I knew. My children are spread out across the country. So I moved 690 miles south to Amelia Island (in Florida) and just minutes from my oldest son and his family.

Grief is hard. One day it feels like cement blocks are holding me down and I cannot move for days. The next week I think I am great, then a song comes on the radio, and I find myself bawling.

A few months ago, I had the urge to buy some canvas and paints. I began painting. Then, I couldn’t stop. Painting became my therapy. Through painting, I found encouragement, hope, and my love for creating again.

Just one year after moving to Florida, I’ve settled just off Amelia Island into a place that truly feels like home. I’m learning to let others in and accept help, and now—here we are with a website! Welcome to the next stage of my wild and crazy journey. I’m so happy you’re here. 🌿💛

Sherry