In Memory of Tera

Last year I received a condolence card in the mail. I read the card puzzled since I knew no one had died. It was sent by a friend who thought she had heard that my grandpa has passed away. I smiled at the card, relieved that I was not grieving his loss. It is such a blessing to not have the sadness of lost life.
We received news this week that I dearly wish was just a misunderstanding -- we so wish this was not true. My cousin Phil’s wife was rushed to the hospital after he found her unconscious Monday morning. She died later that same night from blood clots in her lungs. Tera was young and energetic and it doesn’t make any sense that she could pass away.
I enjoyed Tera from the moment I met her 6 years ago and thought she was the perfect match for my independent cousin. She was adventurous and together they went on many travels around the world. They even spent their honeymoon in South America with only a few dollars. Talking with them was always fun and Tera had a twinkle in her eyes that lit up the room. She was truly a joyful, beautiful woman who we all loved.
I can’t imagine the grief that faces Phil. He wrote, “She was my best friend, the love of my life…. My heart is broken.”
Jeff and I hold tighter to one another as we think of Phil’s sadness and all that he lost when he lost his beloved wife. We don’t want to take any moment for granted. Each hug reminds us how special our life together is; each conversation reminds us to say, “I love you.” Why fight or say anything unkind when each day together is so precious? Yes, we are reminded that each day is a precious gift.