Privileged to call her Friend

Employee ~ Mother~ Grandmother~ Wife~ Student~ Co-Worker~ Friend~ Mother-in –Law~ Aunt ~ Sister

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Capable~ Dependable~ Trustworthy~ Honest~ Friendly~ Giving~ Integrity~ Dedicated~ Self-sacrificing

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The greatest of these is FRIEND

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The soft cry of a second born baby is heard in Brooklyn, Maine, not far from E.B.White’s house. Sheryl Tripp enters a turbulent private world. Amid sweet blueberry, and salty air on Frye’s Point, her mother began a relatively large family. A difficult marriage choice turned to a life of violent poverty. The children slept together, 6 in one bed. The government provided staple food and the blueberries were free, the fields and the ocean their playground. The simple love of an aunt a port in the storm.

She learned to hate “hunting for things”; as an elder she was expected to hunt for the sister’s shoes, brother’s socks, the other mitten. She learned to appreciate a warm cup of tea, a crisp new outfit, a word of sincere praise. Each time she saw her Mom’s belly swell she knew that soon there would be yet another mouth to feed.

One time, the baby did not come home with Mom.  This missing brother lodged himself in her heart and years later she began “hunting for” her brother, the lost family member. A sweet reunion when the adopted baby was found a happy, healthy, successful adult having been raised as an only child by a loving couple.

At 13, Sheryl met the man who would be her husband. Several years her senior, he captured her heart. They married amid the doubts that a teenage marriage could last.  Yet, defying the odds they have celebrated many anniversaries and look forward to many more. Three children came quickly. Poverty and alcohol threatened to destroy the marriage and fulfill the prophecy when a serendipitous tragedy saved their marriage. A car accident – paralysis – life in a wheel chair for her husband.

Sheryl’s dedication and love for those close to her kept her by his side through all the pain, anger and hopelessness. Her love sustained and fed a troubled man and helped mold him into the loving and dedicated husband and father that he is.  His chair didn’t slow him down only adapted his lifestyle in very creative ways.  His fierce independence and love for his family kept him finding ways to perform tasks; mowing and raking the lawn, hunting, doing the laundry and dishes. Sheryl became the breadwinner.

Returning to high school as an adult she earned credits to obtain her high school diploma and then began college level classes. Employment began to crowd in and she chose to leave the college classes for employment.  Working several jobs at the same time she learned and became proficient and confident. Today she is the Shop Manager, Bookkeeper, and anchor for Expanding Opportunities. Her dedication and hard work keep the organization and the Artisan Support project strong.  The organization is blessed to have her.

As an adult, long after her children had grown, Sheryl decided to use one of her days off to take a painting class. Out from her soul poured beauty as a talent lying still in the fertile soil, waiting, began to bloom in to her first piece: “Outwaiting the Fog”. Since then she has produced many works that have shown and sold in galleries locally in Maine.

With all her s