Reflections Of Sherry

The events of the past week point out a few things about our community. “Life in Sidney,” several people have told me, “will never be the same.” The worst possible thing has happened. One of our favorite citizens (teacher, daughter, sister, wife and mother) has been missing – and has reportedly been abducted and murdered. We mourn her loss, and commiserate with her family for what they are going through.

Everyone knows we are in the middle of a major upheaval in our economy. Sidney and surrounding areas have had oil booms in the past, but those booms pale in comparison to what has been happening recently. This has given many people an opportunity to profit from our natural resources, and workers from all over the country have flocked to this area to find good jobs with good pay. The national media (CNBC and others) has been extolling the virtues of our economy.

When Sherry went missing there was an unprecedented amount of public concern for her welfare. Over 1,000 people participated in search activity to find her. And virtually everyone participated in one form of prayer or another to support her husband and family. Every church in town prayed for her welfare. Every gathering discussed “the latest news” about Sherry, and wondered what – if anything – could be done to help her.

Sherry is loved. We hoped the best for her, but now fear the worst. We hear that two men have admitted to abducting and killing her. Rumors have been flying, however, so we haven’t known what to believe. Sherry has not been found. Law enforcement agencies from around the area and nation are working together to find Sherry, and once again the public has been asked to “keep their eyes open” to assist in locating Sherry’s murdered body.

Sidney has been in the national news in a way it would never have imagined. Most of the nation, I believe, has identified with our plight – and has sympathized with the family for what they have had to go through. Many parts of our nation have had to deal with similar problems in the past. They have had to accept the fact that violent crime is a part of life on this planet.

Although Sherry is reportedly dead, we know that she is alive in the hearts and minds of everyone who knows her. The public reaction to her disappearance is proof of her existence. She was, as they say, one of the best teachers in our community. And that is saying a lot in a community that greatly values its educational system. My three sons describe her as being “their favorite teacher of all time.”

Sherry was more than a great teacher and a great citizen. She was also more than a great wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. She was a child of God. Her pain and suffering has come to an end. And her oppressors, we have been assured, will be held accountable.

The town of Sidney will spend months and years analyzing why this happened to our small town. Big city violence has entered into our consciousness. We will never leave our houses unlocked again. We will never again be able to go out into the darkness without wondering what evil is lurking in the bushes. We will forever be worried about the safety of our wives and children.

It is ironic that in the very week that Sherry was abducted by strangers the town of Sidney was initiating an effort to feed “newcomers” in town. Daily meals have been offered (and continue to be offered) at our local churches. Sidney is the kind of town that does things like that. It is my hope, moreover, that we don’t lose our innocence, our sense of charity, and our willingness to reach out to our neighbors. We should try not to harden our hearts. This experience could destroy us. It would be a far better testimonial to Sherry, however, if we follow her example . . .