I am sorry that I never met Terry in person. I had thought that eventually our paths would cross at a wash-in or smaller gathering, and at that time I could meet the man whom several people have told me was such a great guy, and whom I had seen countless times in photographs. I always thought he looked like such a happy, warm, and caring soul and there is certainly proof of that here.
Two things profoundly strike me as I read this amazingly well-read and replied to post. First, Terry made a mark on the world and in the lives of many people. I am sure that he achieved more than we probably realize even amongst all these touching testimonials. To earn the caliber of acolades he did is truly special in this day, and we should all be so fortunate, and we stand to learn from his example.
Also, this is the third reminder in just a few days that I have had that life is brief, and should be embraced when we have the chance. Terry clearly knew that and practiced this each day. Earlier this week my Mom informed me that two neighbor ladies in Michigan, where I spent half my childhood, had died six weeks apart this past fall. We were the fourth of a four-house cul-de-sac which was built in 1967. There were kids my age in each of the other three houses and I got to know their moms very well. We were the first to move away ten years later. I always looked forward to their Christmas cards which came to my parent's house year after year after we moved, first to Denver and then to Charlotte. This year, when the cards didn't come, I feared the worst, and Mom sent some e-mails and found out that one lady died in September, and the other in October. In fact, the funeral of the first who died was the last public function the second lady had attended - they were neighbors since 1967. My Mom is now the last of four, and I can hardly fathom the logical extension one can make there.
This is just another example why we should grab life and live it while we can. We need to take at least a little bit of Terry's example on how to life a fine life for the good of ourselves and everyone else. As they say, immitation is the greatest form of flattery.
Rest in peace Terry. To all of us still here...live happy, live healthy, and live well.
Gordon
