An unexpected trip to Wisconsin
          The Star Beacon is a little late this month for a sad reason. On April 23, my sister, Alice Schumacher Derra, lost her life partner, Sherry Chism, who battled cancer for five years. Sherry made her transition at home that Sunday evening, in the presence of Alice and other family members. I had not quite finished putting together the Beacon when I decided to fly home to Madison, Wis., and attend the services and visit with family.
          Sherry was one of a kind. We all loved her to pieces, and she was so determined to make it through this battle, but in the end the cancer attacked her brain, and within three weeks it was over. My condolences go to my beloved sister, who has a heart of gold and has endured a challenging period in her life that none of us will ever forget. Condolences also to Sherry’s many sisters and brothers from French Lick, Ind., who made many trips to Wisconsin over the past year or two, for Sherry’s sake. Their family had a vacation trip planned for Florida (which was cancelled) the week that Sherry transitioned.
          While I was at Alice’s house this past week, I learned that Sherry had always wanted to send me a photo of her beagle’s behind, because it displayed a “UFO.” Therefore, I fulfilled Sherry’s wish and snapped a picture of Bob’s tail end with my digital camera. To the right is Bob the Beagle’s UFO birthmark. Below is Alice and three of her dogs.