Dear Friends.

While CaringBridge keeps pages open indefinitely, I wanted to offer my final journal entry to you. Yesterday was the autumnal equinox. Today is the first day of fall. A new season.

As a science teacher, Terry would’ve been sure to notice, mention, and explain it to his students. Among his friends, he would’ve likely waxed philosophical and engaged with conversation about the symbolism of seasons, rhythms, cycles and how the creation has so much to teach us about life.

This CaringBridge site has been a lifeline of communication during the dreadful season of Terry’s initial diagnosis just a few short months ago, of good-byes, last days, and his passing. I am grateful for each and every post. Picture. Offer of help. Tribute and remembrance. There is no way I can adequately express how your presence here has buoyed me and our family as we navigated these sorrowful times. The OneTreePlanted project, launched on this site, resulted in a forest of about 600 trees being sponsored in Terry’s memory. I can imagine that he would be so pleased, but also humbled by that. And quite likely a little embarrassed if given any credit for it.

As many of you know, we held final services for Terry at a beautiful gathering of beloved family, friends, students, and colleagues in Cary, North Carolina on September 15. The outpouring of love from everyone who came to honor, celebrate, and remember Terry and to offer support to me and our family was truly overwhelming. We are thankful beyond measure.

It was a warm, breezy, late summer evening. With music. Great company. Good food. A time that Terry would have savored.

And now it is autumn. A new season. And the self-proclaimed “knucklehead science teacher” reminds us that the earth keeps turning.With a full, albeit broken, heart, I wish to express my deepest thanks for every act of your love and kindness, great and small.

Signing off,
Constance