Karen's Remarks:

Terri was two years old when I was born, so I have never known a moment of life without her being a part of it. She is my first and forever friend. I have spent the past few days reflecting on many childhood memories, some adolescent adventures, and other significant life events events that Terri and I have shared. I believe that Terri embodied the best traits of both her parents, my grandparents. She was kind, caring, compassionate and generous. She lived her life with a “glass half full” philosophy despite the hardships of her illness and other things she had no control over. She always focused on the bright side while accepting the negative. She had the ability to make anyone feel important, loved, and valued. Whether it was getting help for a seagull with a broken wing, protecting a lost toddler from harm, enjoying time with family and friends, or providing wise advice, Terri lived each day exemplifying her traits. As a child she was a fun play mate for me at family gatherings, summer vacations and weekend visits. She was easy to talk to, and lit up the room with her easy-going personality. As an adolescent she was my confidant and best friend. She was by my side during the most important times of my life. As an adult I came to rely on her ability to view a situation with objectivity, practicality and fairness. She could cut through the emotion and put things in perspective. She always knew the right thing to say and just how it say it. Terri made the world a better place. She lived her life with joy, and faced her illness with a courage I had not seen before. It isn’t possible for me to put into words how important Terri was to me. She positively affected my life in so many ways. She has left an impression on my heart and I will miss her always.

The English translation of the word Sayonara is “good-bye”. I have read that the Japanese translation of their word Sayonara is not simply “Good-Bye”, but rather is literally translated as “if that is the way it must be”.

 

I feel that rather than saying good-bye to Terri that bidding her Sayonara is far more appropriate, because her leaving us “is (just) the way it must be”.

 

Carol's Remarks:

I just wanted to say a little about my best friend, Terri.

I met Terri about 13 years ago. She was hired as a medical transcriptionist , and was assigned the work space right behind me. We would hear a patient or someone say something funny or “quirky” (as we called Terri), and we would laugh immediately. Then all the other girls would get it and laugh. We bonded quickly with this.

Terri was quirky, generous and caring beyond any person I knew. When I told her I was going to be a grandmother she said “great”. Little did I know that a couple months later my future grandchild would have 6 sweater, hat & bootie sets, and a bear rug (blanket) all crocheted by Terri. She said “I love to do this” and gave them to me. She would not accept any gift or payment from me. She just “wanted to do it”!

Terri loved getting her fingernails done. We would stay late after work and discuss colors and designs. Terri was a gifted artist too. She would paint designs on my nails. However, I think her best art is the mural that she painted on the entryway to her and Bill’s home. It is a beautiful beach, sunset and palm tree scene.

Anyone here today knows Terri was a special person beyond words. She never once said “why me”? She would just instead use her talents making earrings, bracelets, angels, etc and give them away or donate them to make other people happy. She would give these things to Moffitt Cancer Center oncology nurses, staff, etc and also to the walkers from the breast cancer walk.

We had many sleepovers together in Florida when she moved. They would be at her house in Fl when she first moved, and then at my Fl home when we bought it.

When she got sick her biggest accomplishment was to finish chemo and get a dog which was one of her dreams. She waited patiently to finish treatment, and after searching for the right dog that would not bother Bill or Terri’s allergies, temperament, etc, they decided on their Yorkie, Kaylie. This little fur baby was her child. Terri would dress Kaylie in the cutest outfits (especially on Halloween). One Halloween wasn’t even over and Terri was thinking and making the next year’s outfit.

We bought a retirement home in Fl. Which we thought we would retire to and have Terri and Bill to do “retirement things” with. Terri did spend many hours with me shopping and helping me decorate. We had the same taste, (seashells, teal blues, water, beach and lighthouses).

Towards the end Terri would e mail me she was setting goals and dates to live to, and she fought to do that. She really wanted to make it to May 10th so she could celebrate their 36th anniversary. She told me it was a special number to Bill’s dad, and Bill. She needed to make it. SHE DID!

Terri often talked about her love for Bill and how worried she was about him. She would say that her cancer was harder on him than it was on her. He had to do everything for her, which he did with total love and devotion. She would say to me “make sure Bill is happy after I’m gone”. (It won’t be easy, but I promise I will try)!

I could write forever things we’ve said and done together, but I will spare you.

If I would have known in June that it would be the last time I saw her, I would have given her a longer hug and a bigger kiss.

There really is no one else quite like you Terri Yavit, and the world is a sadder place since Nov. 7th when you left us.

RIP. I Love you.

Carol
 

Lynn's Remarks:

Dear Terri,

 

I opened a magazine shortly after hearing of your passing and there it was..

 

An Angel sitting on a bench with this saying on it.

 

ON ANGEL'S WINGS YOU WERE TAKEN
BUT IN MY HEART YOU'LL STAY
AND IN GOD'S LIGHT YOU WILL REST
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN SOME DAY.

 

I will miss you my dear friend.

 

Love,

Lynn

Finally:

I would like to thank everyone that gave us support and love throughout Terri's long illness.  The list of names is too numerous to add, so please understand that if I didn't list you, it is not because my appreciation or your contribution was less than those that are listed.

 

Karen and Jim - for your generosity and loving support when we needed it most

 

Lynn and Moy, Jorge, Joe, Todd - thank you all for the support, both in helping out or just being there for moral support

 

Carol - for being there for both Terri and me, and understanding in the end

 

Roger and Pat - After knowing us for a very short time, Roger and Pat have become good friends.  Roger, thank you for doing the services for Terri's funeral.  Your words were both inspiring and inspired!

 

Again, if you weren't listed, it doesn't mean that your support was any less appreciated!  I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

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Animal bucket list pictures are in the archives, starting 7/2013. One archive back ending 6/2013 are puppy pages, including Kaylie, my Yorkie.