An un-Orthodox route

Woman, sister enjoy trip to Oprah show

Sherrie Reimherr talks about her experience on “Oprah.” Reimherr nominated her sister, Shawn Long, for an episode honoring heroes. Following the loss of her 24-year-old daughter to domestic violence, Long took in her grandchildren, ages 5 and 1. - photo by Autumn McBride

2Oprah — Sherrie Reimherr talks about her experience on “Oprah.” Reimherr nominated her sister, Shawn Long, for an episode honoring heroes. Following the loss of her 24-year-old daughter to domestic violence, Long took in her grandchildren, ages 5 and 1. - photo by Autumn McBride

Alyssa LaRenzie

Updated: Nov 29, 2010, 5:00 PM

Published: Nov 29, 2010, 4:27 PM

The tears on Sherrie Reimherr’s face faded as a smile crept across her cheeks.Out of a family tragedy, a rare gift entered her life. Or rather, 23 gifts.The Forsyth County woman and her sister from Sugar Hill attended part one of the final Oprah’s Ultimate Favorite Things show, in which the popular talk show host gave away several presents.Reimherr said the sisters left with prizes totaling more than $21,000, many of which are in boxes on her dining room table. More gifts are expected to arrive soon.A cashmere sweater and white sapphire earrings, among other items, have brought Reimherr and her sister, Shawn Long, some happiness in a time of family pain and turmoil.In May, Reimherr lost her 24-year-old niece to a domestic violence tragedy in Suwanee.She was shot by an ex-boyfriend, who then turned the gun on himself, Reimherr said.The woman’s two daughters, ages 1 and 5, were left without a parent.

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