2017 Miniature Horse World April E-Magazine | Page 28

I
met Shari about twenty-five years ago when a very
young girl, my daughter Rebecca, had the foresight
to approach this elegant, lovely woman and ask if
she could drive her horse. This was the beginning
of a friendship that was to last for all these years.
Shari became like a second mom to Rebecca, and
we never had to worry when she was miles away
because that other mom was with her. I was some-
what intimidated by the Washburns at first because
here was this beautiful woman and her very digni-
fied husband. It didn’t take long to learn that they
were down to earth and loving people. The pro-
found and deep love they shared with one another
was a beautiful thing to see.
One thing I remember is a lesson that Shari taught
my daughter—how to hang a spoon from her nose!
I think she said she learned how to do that in charm
school! We had so many laughs over the years and
so much rejoicing over many little things. We once
had a silent duel over who was going to get the last
piece of yummy peach pie, knowing full well that
neither of us should really have it. A special memo-
ry I have is a rather recent one when we were all in
Texas to celebrate Betty Brewer’s birthday. What a
grand time we had.
Prince Tennessee of Monashee
I will always cherish the last phone call I had with
Shari. She knew her time was short and yet all we
did was share our good memories. We laughed a lot
and cried a little. I love Shari, and she and Phil will
always be in my thoughts and prayers.
I could write a book filled with memories of Shari
and know that she is missed every day. How I wish I
could pick up the phone and have just one more visit
with her.
Jean McMilian
Shari and Phil
26 Miniature Horse World
April 2017