In Memoriam

A note from J.B.: On Thursday, November 8, 2018, my dear friend Terry Canfield passed from her earthly home into the presence of our Lord. Her health – both physical and mental – had been declining for quite some time, and the woman we all knew and loved had ceased to exist a very long time ago. Though it saddens me that she is no longer with us, my grief is for the loss of the vibrant and life-loving person she once was. Her smile could brighten the darkest room, and her laugh was infectious. She had an amazing work ethic and encouraged others to hold themselves to the same standards. She was a strong, faithful woman who did a darn good job of raising two terrific girls as a single mother. When life handed her lemons, she didn’t just make lemonade, she made lemon tarts, lemon custard, and lemon meringue pie. She took great pride in her abilities but was humbled by her ability to help people. And oh, did she love to read. Her dad used to say she didn’t read books, she devoured them. This was the root of our friendship, our mutual love of all things literature.

I set this blog up for Terry back in 2010, after the Lord laid the calling on her heart to partner with ZOE Ministry, a nonprofit organization devoted to providing financial, educational and spiritual support for children in Africa orphaned by AIDS. The mission trip to Rwanda in July of that year was one of the most meaningful and cherished experiences of Terry's life. I hope you'll take the time to read the posts she wrote; there are only a handful, but the joy that poured from her soul is abundant and clear, especially in her final post, written shortly after her return home from the trip. It warms my heart to know this ministry is still going strong, and I have a feeling Terry's smile is beaming just as brightly as in her profile picture to know it too.

Eight years ago this blog was dedicated to the Lord's plan for Terry. Now I'd like to dedicate it to her, and invite all of you who knew her, friends and family alike, to participate in a sort of "virtual memorial service." Terry had a great gift for making people laugh, and I feel sure she would want us to celebrate her life rather than mourning her loss.

Administrative note: I think giving everyone the opportunity to contribute a full post, rather than adding comments, will allow more flexibility with length and content. In invite you to share your favorite anecdotes, stories, and memories of Terry - anything that will convey how she touched your life as only she could. Feel free to include condolences to her family and I would be honored to pass those along. Please email me with whatever you'd like to share, and I will post your contributions as soon as I possibly can. Thank you.