Teri and I have been friends for 10 years. She's probably the best friend I've ever had. Some people like to divide the world into two kinds: the takers, and the givers. Teri is definitely a giver. I remember when I visited Teri in the hospital a few hours after she gave birth to Elizabeth via c-section. My daughter had been suffering with an ear infection and I had a backache. Teri was there recuperating after major surgery to deliver an 11 lb, 4 oz baby girl. The first thing out of her mouth was to ask how my daughter and I were feeling - and she really wanted to know! Teri always cares about me, and that's part of why I love her so much.

Her brother Tom said that Teri must be very special to God because he wanted to take her home so soon. Special she is. For those of us who are Teri's friends and family, her grace and love have become part of us.

Tom and Teri were both disappointed that their parents could not share the joy of watching their children take their wedding vows. God had already taken those people home. When the minister asked "who gives this woman, " her brother Tom presented Teri and said, "Her family does." At that point, I'm sure the couples parents had an extra jolt of pride and love in heaven.

One of God's greatest gifts to us is love. When we have to face the pain and waste caused by disease and fear, we must remember that cancer cannot harm love. Our love for Teri and Teri's love for us remains. It's the gift from God that will nurture us until he is ready to bring us home too.

As I continue to ask God to relieve my sorrow over loosing Teri, I also tell him thank you. Thank you for your gift of love. Thank you for putting Teri in my life.

Jola Peil
Marshall, Va.