“Death, as tragic and difficult as it is to accept, has a way of helping us put things into perspective. Relationships that have been taken for granted suddenly take on greater significance. Even our words become more meaningful. Things that were only thought before, are now said. We take more stock of our limited time and we begin to make better use of our time by connecting more consistently and in deeper ways. The challenge, of course, is to maintain this perspective beyond the days that follow our shared tragedy. At the end of life, the only thing that will really matter won’t be our material possessions or professional accolades. It will be the tender memories of family and friends that we have stored in the treasure room of our hearts and minds. Perhaps our greatest memories occur when our individual stories somehow connect and merge with another’s story to form a new path that we walk on together. I am thankful to be a part of the Terry family story, the shared paths of the past, and I look forward to new chapters being written in the future. Thank you Kopana for setting forth our shared journey in pictures and words for reflection and posterity sake. You are the best! And, as Tiny Tim would say, “God bless us all – everyone!”’ ~ Michael Terry
If you’ve followed the outhouse over time you know that I choose the daily quotes up to two weeks ahead of their publish date. Today’s quote is no different. It came from cousin Michael as a comment on a post nearly two weeks ago. I was so moved by his eloquence that I wanted to share it, because it spoke to me on so many levels, and it was positive in its message which is, of course, what I strive for. As so often happens, to me anyway, today brought more life affirming messages my way. The first came as a private facebook message from my old friend and colleague, Ann Howington. It’s been several years since we last saw one another, and many months since we last corresponded. Suddenly, there she was: “I gotta tell you, I am making a list of people who inspire me the most and you are at the top of my list. You have that “spark” that everyone else wants. You also make me laugh so much – whether in person, on FB or in the outhouse! Love you, Ko. Shine on!” My heart melted. When you think you aren’t making a difference along comes someone who says, “You make a big difference!” It was one of the finest compliments anyone has ever paid me. It was timely, too, as I’ve been pondering what I should do next for work. Then, I came home to find a rather official envelope in my mailbox from the state capital. I thought I was being audited or something horrid like that. Instead, I found this letter from State Representative Jeff Donohue. “Thank you for sharing your talent with the Commonwealth,” it said. Well, I must say, when God and the Universe want my attention, they certainly know how to get it. I’m beyond grateful that Michael, Ann, and Jeff Donohue (whom I’ve never met) chose to tell me what they thought. After all this I don’t believe I need to ponder anything. I reckon I’m on the right track. Here’s to making more art and being thankful for every moment.
Karen
You are a spunky spark, Kopana. And thanks for these timely words. We just lost a friend suddenly, before his time,from a family that’s a lot like family to us. Not to sound weird, but it was the best funeral I’ve ever been to. 500 people packed it to the rafters and several told stories of his impact and their living connection to him. The audience laughed and cheered in response. This was a theater and speech guy. The audience was a lively mix of actors and queers. We clapped, yes clapped, after each *performance,* all capped off by a beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. A big hole remains with his departure, but it has made me take a serious look at my own life, my choices, my important connections. There’s only so much life, gotta live it in kindness and curiosity. With desire, but wise choosing. With love. Thanks for your page. Keep on Rockin’
Kopana
I’m sorry to hear about your friend, but amen to the clapping and rousing goodbye. As it should be. YOU keep on rockin’!
Shirley Terry
Congratulations to our baby girl. We are so very proud of you. You are my daughter but also my friend….well, besides dad. lol
Shirley Terry
OOPS! was going to say “you are my daughter but also my best friend………”
Michael Terry
Congratulations on the special recognition from representative Donohue. Being recognized by people who represent thousands of other people is an incredible honor. It speaks to the wide impact your skill has had and continues to have on people. Thanks also for your kind and touching words regarding my thoughts on death. While death isn’t the most popular topic to talk about, it seems people want to talk about it and certainly Jesus spoke about it in a way that brought hope beyond the grave to those who have faith in His death as the final payment for sin (Romans 3:24-25). Hope is a powerful force of which God has called us to be His representatives, that is, representatives of His commonwealth. Your friend and cousin, Michael.
Kopana
Amen to that!