Sally's Smile

Sally's smile goes as far back in my memory as such things can -- way back to the beginnings of childhood. That smile of Sally's made people feel clever and at ease. Even when I was a very young child, when Sally smiled at me I felt included in some sort of delightful secret. In fact, I think Sally really was eager to share an open secret. I'm presuming a little here, but not much, I don't believe. Sally's secret was that the world is a pleasant and amusing place, and God wants us to enjoy it. With her smile, Sally made us feel confident that we were in on that open secret, and through our common humanity and our bonds of family and affection, privileged to be pleased and amused with her.

-David Edgerton (nephew)

It's a funny thing about some memories. You remember the occasion in detail, but you can't remember what year it happened. In fact, it really seems as if it was only yesterday.....It was Thanksgiving at the Whitleys and I remember this so vividly because I was there having accepted an invitation, Sally Whitley was there and Dan's sister, Ann as well. What I still recall are a clear picture of us all laughing around the dinner table, the sense of feeling at home and most of all Sally Whitley's smile. Later when Dan brought out his guitar and Ann, her violin, we had a nostalgic evening of old music melodies and some rousing Cajun tunes as well. Though I have always felt welcome at the Whitleys, somehow Sally made it seem all the more special. It was her smile, her smile, her smile, her warm, down to earth sense of humor, her tapping foot to the music and the way she just naturally included you. I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of well being and the sense of love that flowed through that house that night. I will always remember a mother sitting in a chair, hands folded, legs crossed, foot tapping in the air, a smile on her face as she gazed at her son and daughter and the rest of the Whitley clan seated around enjoying each other, the music and the season. I am blessed to have been a part of that and am thankful I met Sally Whitley.

-Cheryl Andersen, The Quaking Post, August, 1999

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