My fondest memories of Kris are the many afternoons we spent sitting on her front porch, sipping her homemade lemonade and talking about everything from gardening to our grandchildren. She truly was a ray of sunshine. Her sweet, unmistakable laugh always brought a smile to my face.
We shared a deep love of gardening and birds—two topics we never seemed to tire of. She would often call just to thank me for planting flowers she could see from her home, telling me how much joy they brought her. Coming from a master gardener and dear friend, those words meant so much to me.
Kris also shared my love of bluebirds. From time to time, she would call and say, “I just saw a bluebird flying your way—go check it out!” Those little moments were so very special.
Kris was an important part of what made Bethany Beach feel like home to me. Our houses faced each other, and her presence was woven into my everyday life. I returned to Bethany for the first time since her passing on February 12th—my birthday—and it felt different. Bethany will never quite be the same without her.
I will miss my dear friend deeply, but I will think of her often—especially when I am in my garden or watching the bluebirds build their nests.
I serve on the landscape committee for my condominium in McLean, Virginia, and this past week we refreshed our courtyard with new boxwoods and flowering plants. As I looked over the new plantings, I noticed a bed of hellebores—one of Kris’s favorites. I smiled, realizing in that moment that she is still with me.
Chris Shernit
