RIP Terri

Do you like heaven

Is it everything you hoped

Do you like your wings

Did your sister welcome you

Did you hug your mother tight

©2018 Annette Rochelle Aben

My most precious cousin, Terri, earned  her wings Sunday, December 9th, following a brief but intense battle with cancer. Her life was one of many intense battles, not the least of which was being a special needs person. Yet, her enthusiasm for everything from The Detroit Red Wings to Hello Kitty, reminded those of us who knew her, that passion is something that equalizes all of us. To Terri, nothing was more important than family and everyone in the family from cousins, to siblings, Aunts and Uncles, KNEW that Terri loved them. She was her happiest when spending time with them.

When her mother passed a few years ago, Terri became the ward of another cousin. During the past few years, she experienced life like never before. She learned to cook meals and bake goodies. She made crafts and learned to crochet. She fell in love with camping and got a few tattoos. Every chance she got, she traveled the country and spent time with as much family as possible. You could hear it in her voice that she was having the time of her life!

The last time I heard her voice, was on Thanksgiving, when she called as many cousins as she could, to tell them she loved them. I shall cherish that call forever.

In her “forever life” now, I believe Terri will watch out over her beloved family with the dedication of the most sincere Guardian. This will bring her much pleasure! I know she will laugh with us, cry with us; being that ever supportive energy we felt when she was here.

See, I believe the special need she was born with, was the need to always give and receive love. I love you, Terri. Always have and always will.