I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra once. It was in the summer of 1999. Catherine, my wife, works with Sandra's husband Shannon. Catherine has long held a tradition of inviting her coworkers along with their spouses to a summer Bar-B-Q at our home. As she had just started working with Shannon the fall before, that summer I realized that there was a distinct possibility (There was no guarantee that they would accept the invitation.) that I could meet Sandra Schmirler. At that time I had no idea what a pleasant lady she was. I knew only that she had won an Olympic gold medal. That was enough to put me in awe.

At the same time I was in the planning stages of the "Saskatchewan" chess set. Some of the positions I knew who to render, others I hadn't figured out yet. One of the positions I couldn't fill was the queen on the good side. I couldn't think of a female that could really really represent the whole province, not just my home town of Regina. Sometimes it is very hard to see things that are staring you in the face. The solution hit me on my bike ride home. The passing motorists must have wondered what was up with that crazy cyclist, shrieking and waving his hands in the air, shouting YES! YES! YES!

I found out that Shannon and Sandra had indeed accepted the invitation, and I would soon be meeting her. I was as giddy as a school girl. Normally I am quite reserved and completely unimpressed by inconsequential things like fame and status. But, that all went out the window when I heard she would be visiting my home. I wanted to ask her If I could take her picture, as reference. But I knew I could never pluck up the courage. I knew I would blush if I had to explain my chess set to her, and her role in it. So I just tried to appear as cool and charming as I possibly could. I believe I was able to masquerade my excitement and appear normal. She left knowing nothing of the set.

I remember 3 things very distinctly that afternoon. Due to the weather we had to congregate inside, there was not enough seats for everybody I guess, because, I remember a very pregnant Sandra, and her little girl, and Shannon sitting down on the kitchen floor to eat their meal. Everybody offered their seats, but that family were enjoying their picnic on the floor. I also remember scoring brownie points when I offered decaffeinated coffee.

My biggest thrill however, was when I found myself sitting at the kitchen table with her. There were others there, but I was playing strictly to her. She was complementing me on my artwork (Our house is littered with the stuff). Especially my latest watercolour that I did especially for Catherine. (Otherwise I would have probably taken it off the wall and given to her there and then, and blown all attempts to appear cool.) She told me that if I ever made prints from it, she would buy one. My heart soared and didn't come down for a week.

The third thing I remember about that afternoon was her little girl, and another little toddler running laps around our kitchen and living room. Captivating the attention, and hearts of all the adults in the place.

Over all, I will never forget my encounter with Sandra Schmirler. She was warm, and friendly, and most unassuming for a lady who has accomplished so much. I know why I was deeply affected by her death. And, I am pleased that the rest of the nation had the fortitude to see her as the blessed soul she was too.









© Mark Sexton