Hey y'all, I know several folks have reached out looking to express their sympathy and support. We are still working to figure out exactly how the best way is to do that but here are some notes?

1. Right now, flowers feel overwhelming and so do house plants. The name of the game (currently) is simplify.

2. The Bond Between,is  a local animal rescue. Sheryl fostered dogs for them, adopted from them, and in her illness they showed up with volunteer dog walkers on a several day a week basis. Knowing her boys (Wish and Frankie) were being loved on and getting their needs met brought Sheryl great comfort. Andy and the girls would love to support this organization in memory of Sheryl and the bond she had with all the furry faces. However, if you have a local animal shelter or pet food pantry that could benefit from some assistance please consider donating or volunteering with them.

https://www.thebondbetween.org/donate
      

3. If you'd like to send cards, letters, or photos the Cummings Address is:

          4901 Drake Rd.
          Golden Valley, MN 55422

  4. People have continued to ask how to help and it's so touching. So, I'm going to be real honest and probably a little uncouth here. The meal train is still active and I am going to leave it that way for a while. Right now Andy's Dad and Stepmom are in town and they have been making dinner and helping around the house, yard, and also with getting the girls where they need to be. I've also been here to try and help where I can but at some point Andy and the girls will be without the built in support they currently have. Their new normal has just barely began to set in. Having said that, I implore y'all to consider being ready to help and show up for them as June rolls into July and then again as the new school year starts. I absolutely believe that Andy and the girls will find their stride but I also know that part of what makes grief such an immense presence is the feeling that the rest of the world has moved on and you are stuck trying to learn how to do life all over again.

Andy and the girls are moving forward moment by moment, each in their own way and at their own pace. They are undoubtedly feeling Sheryl's absence but they are speaking her name and remembering her as they embark on this new path. They are facing so many firsts (games, illness, school performances etc) without her and while sometimes the way forward feels a little uncertain they continue to put one foot in front of the other, allowing the foundation of love Sheryl gave them to help them build this new chapter.

Spread kindness with reckless abandon y'all.