My very best friend has moved on to a better existence and given that she is in a much better place and free of all the suffering, I am grateful.  I only pray that I gave to her as much as she gave to me during her life. We should ask ourselves that question every night – “What did I give to others today?” This should be followed by “Was it enough? What can I do better tomorrow?” I am going to put these quotes up all around my house and make sure I ask myself every night.

Why do we wait to write tributes to people until after they are gone? We should write tributes to the ones we love or know whenever we think about it.

My friend was phenomenal. She endured two years of treatment for her cancer and never missed a day of work or a day as a pastor. Right up until the end, she was caring for others and thinking only of the people she served every day. I wish I were that devoted to others as she was. It’s still so hard to believe that she’s gone (it’s been a few hours) and that I’ll never hear her voice again.

Memories are good but they are also painful. Almost everything I hear, everywhere I look, and everything I think about reminds me of her and the times we shared. Even though we were 1500 miles apart, we talked all the time and shared everything. She was always there. Now there is just empty space and a pang in my heart.

She is with her family and other friends while many of her friends remain here on earth mourning her passing. I don’t want to have to mourn her. I want to embrace her greatness and if I could, I would shout it from the rooftops. I have been so blessed to have her in my life.

I have to also praise another amazing woman – her business partner. This woman has been by her side every step of the way and has pent hours in the hospital with her. She has had courage and strength that I’ve never seen before. She has remained calm and has always been there for my friend and for me too – communicating with me all the time about what was happening. As a friend and business partner her loss is double ours. My heart goes out to her.

Rest in peace, my friend. You are missed so much already. Thank you for being in my life.

Terrie