13 Comments
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Jennifer Tatum's avatar

What a profoundly beautiful story of shock, despair, hope and Grace. I was moved to tears of grief and joy. Beauty is to Share your weekly Sher with us!

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thanks for your response, Jennifer. It is so great to get to the point where one appreciates the lessons…often after finally surrendering conditions of boredom, discomfort, and doubt.

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Jennifer Tatum's avatar

I just shared your story on my Facebook feed. Your experience holds profound lessons for all of us.

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thanks so much, Jennifer. I really appreciate your sharing! And as school gets going again, I think teachers and parents could benefit from some of my hearty classroom stories...referrals always welcome.

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Barbara Romick's avatar

I could write many words, but all of it would be to say that you are one of the most courageous and resilient people I know. I applaud your creativity and talent, but perhaps most of all, I love your willingness to share the struggles with such honesty. I wish we lived closer. I'm glad you're my friend.

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thanks so much for your lovely response. The feeling is mutual, and your generosity means a lot to me. There is nothing amiss in my long term memory or my sense of humor...and I consider you an early friend I'll never forget. So smart, always good energy, and fun! Yes, it would be a hoot to meet up.

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Tom Dailey's avatar

Oh, this is beautiful. The tension, the courage, the warm heart, the honesty. The overcoming of obstacles. How clearly you write about such a difficult subject. The courage, again, facing clearly if blearily. The connection with your art. The triumph. Bravo, Sherry!

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thanks so much! I couldn't be more grateful for such encouragement. Any such stories of dealing with challenges and coming out smiling are my favorites. So glad I have the time and the faculties to get these things written. We all have unique patterns that can serve us throughout 'life' if we allow...just think about a tuning fork! Muchas Gracias!

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Krista's avatar

You are in good company of artists who have dealt with vision impairment: Monet and O’Keefe are two I can think of off hand. Your positive attitude is very motivating! You have adapted and forged ahead creating beautiful art and words of inspiration for us. You are an inspiration. Thank you!

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thank You for the kind words. I learn a lot from you by watching you, not only the method in the medium, but the overall attitude of trying new things and disciplining yourself along the way. Onward with gusto!

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Deborah Ann Lucas's avatar

I feel honored to read your story. And to see your lovely art. Your optimism and gratitude are infectious. Are you writing in longer form? You have such a way for words. I particularly love your description of the Optimist, "He jots some notes and changes instruments. Repeat. Repeat. Blot. Jot." So poetic. It put me in the room with you seeing the images through the screens. And I love “OK, but what word should I write in my diary tonight with a question mark?” Fabulous!

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Sherry Killam's avatar

Thanks for your generous and welcome response…the only way I can imagine writing in ‘long form’ is to keep writing in short form and eventually line things up in some interesting order…my short term memory and distraction issues keep me surprisingly happy to ‘be in the moment’ and not goal-oriented enough to fret about, you know, finishing a big project. Let’s stay in touch.

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Deborah Ann Lucas's avatar

For sure!

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