I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge; myth is more potent than history; dreams are more powerful than facts; hope always triumphs over experience; laughter is the cure for grief and love is stronger than death. - Robert Fulghum

I recently learned that my friend Cherry Phillips died. Although Cherry had been ill for a long time, I was sad to hear this news. Cherry was a friend and mentor. I shall miss her.

Cherry was the original designer of our website. We met through her sister Faye whose website I admired. Since Faye lived in Ontario I assumed Cherry did as well. When Faye suggested I contact Cherry I was hesitant because I was hoping to find a local web designer. Ultimately design won out over proximity.

I knew at once I was going to like working with Cherry. She was patient and caring as she guided me through building the website. As we became more comfortable with one another Cherry began to be more direct about what needed to be done. She kept careful track of all the required updates and modifications.

Both Gary and I have always felt very close to Cherry despite the irony of having never met her in person. Her e-mail messages were always so expressive of her personality that we could imagine ourselves sitting and talking with her over a cup of tea. We have often laughed about how we had no idea that she lived in Australia (never mind Ontario) until she gave us her address for payment of services sometime during the first year we knew her. By then we adored her and would have traveled to the ends of the earth to work with her.

She was so skillful in helping us gently and sensitively through the complex process of putting ourselves out in the world. She was always encouraging and appreciative of our work. She often said that she learned from us as well and we are grateful for that.

When the time came for her to step down she was once again generous in her support of our new person, Cindy Obuck. She guided Cindy through the intricacies of our unique set up. After she stepped aside, Cherry remained an enthusiastic supporter often sending notes about our essays or my art work.

We missed our regular contact with Cherry, but she always remained in our thoughts and in our hearts. We often speak about her and the wonderful experience of knowing her and working with her. We are grateful to have had her as a friend and mentor.

Recently I once again had more contact with Cherry. She sent more notes often telling me about her children and grandchildren. Although I often asked about her health she never gave any indication that she was so gravely ill. She remained thoughtful, cheerful and supportive.

When Cherry’s son Jason contacted us to say she had died we truly felt that we had lost a dear friend. Our lives were enriched by knowing her. She meant more to us than we can possibly say. She will always have a special place in our hearts.

Our thoughts are with her family.

© C O P Y R I G H T   2 0 0 9.  Mary Sullivan Holdgrafer ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.