Eleven days ago, my lifelong friend and sister-in-law entered into her eternal rest. She was so dear to so many … family, friends, colleagues and numerous students who sat under her excellent tutelage and received personalized instruction. Her sudden departure from this world stunned and pressed us to contemplate our own mortality.
Terri and I first met in junior high school and through the years, we forged a bond built on our love of family, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a firm dedication in creating things based in truth, goodness and beauty. Throughout our lives, she was the artist who also knew and loved literature, while I aspired to be the writer (and lover) of literature who envied her ability to draw and create images without the necessity for words.
We especially shared a mutual love for my eldest brother, Eric. Being married nearly 55 years, my brother’s loss is unimaginable but he is sustained knowing she passed directly into the arms of our Savior.
Soon after she died, I compiled a collection of tributes into a small booklet which was distributed at her funeral yesterday. (In these days of viral-isolation, burials are sometimes delayed.) If you click on the image below, the flip book of tributes will open.
At the beginning of the funeral service, the gathered mourners sang the song “It is Well With My Soul” written by Horatio Gates Spafford. I believe the words of this hymn characterize Terri’s faith and approach to life (as well as death). We didn’t mourn Terri’s transition through the pearly gates, but being gathered together to honor her, we acknowledged our loss as well as the sweet savor of her life. Today, because of our hope in Jesus Christ, we have the blessed assurance of seeing her again someday. It is well …
Renee, thanks for sharing your words with me. I guess it is no secret that family is an important part of my DNA. Now that most of the older and several of the younger relatives have gone home Bev, Caroline & I have found ourselves as matriarchs of the family. The faith of the older generation and the witnessing that went on in both the way they lived their lives and the love they shared for each and every one of us. I pray I can shine bright also.
Barb, thanks for the marvelous reminder! We are blessed with an incredible history of godly men and women and you’ve documented so much of it (for which I’m so thankful). You shine very brightly for me and our cousins. Thanks for commenting.
We will miss Terri but the joys of heaven will keep her occupied until we join her.
Shirley, thank you for your kind thoughts. You know what a treasure Terri was. Her legacy will live on. 🥰
Renee, I am so sorry for your loss. Aren’t we blessed to have had friends and family like Terri was to you. As I age I think I become more and more aware of the value of those friends retained from our younger years. What a value they are. But because of our faith we don’t really loose them. Our reunion is only a little delayed. Bless you as you grieve.
True words, my friend! Thanks for your kind comment. I have been blessed with such dear friendships, many from youngish years and you are one. I love thinking of our heavenly reunion. It will be so sweet. ❣️
Dear Aunt Renée: your tribute was a beautiful story of a wonderful friendship and my Mother’s life. You are so dear to me and such a sweet Aunt. My time with you, at your house, learning more about our family history was precious. Thank you for that time and for letting us stay there. I know this was God’s will, yet my heart still struggles to understand how fast it went and why?! We love you!!! Happy Birthday (in a few days) and Merry Christmas!!!! 🎄🎁
Oh, Nadja. You are dear to my heart — as your sweet mama was. How we all will miss her. So glad you were here and you must consider us one of your homes away from home. Much love, my dear.