Happy Birthday, to My Terry. June 21, 2020
Today is Father’s Day, and Terry ’s birthday. Terry doesn’t celebrate Father’s Day, but he has been a father of sorts to many young people. It began when he carried the children of our friends on his shoulders and played in the pool. Some, without a father to fill that position. It may not sound like much, but he was present (burned up a few hot dogs on the grill while playing, ha). We loved and took care of a youngster, who needed a father and a mother. Her grandmother was present, and so were we.
Mentoring became important when Terry joined 100 Black Men of Orange County. He was present and committed. When it came time to help a struggling young entrepreneur (one of many) build his business through online video projects, he was present. Some money was made, but not enough to cover Terry’s gentle voice, steering the young man through the fears of facing a camera, and being patient enough to wait. Yes, wait. The phrase, Time is Money, is not important. Slow, calming breaths, sips of water, lunch in the Wall kitchen, encouraging words of wisdom, and more… patience…that’s Terry’s purpose. He has the same value when volunteering numerous hours at church, and, has become the ‘computer/TV guy’, helping our elderly neighbor across the street, who lost his wife, and daughter. Terry is always just a phone call away or knock on the door. He is not distracted or too bothered to help. Well, maybe a deep sigh once and awhile.
You probably know that twenty-six years ago Terry married a Norskie (half, that is, the rest is questionable), from Orange County. We met while working for Norwegian Cruise Lines and haven’t stopped traveling since. One of my greatest joys is filling my wanderlust with this man.
Did you know that Terry has a lady on the side? Her name is Lucy, and she’s absolutely in love with him. I’m okay with it. She likes to sunbathe and hang out with Terry in the office. Our last cat, Dexter, loved him too, even though we had a ‘no cat on the dining room table’ rule, he managed to hoodwink Terry into sharing his sandwich on a few occasions.
It sounds like I’m writing about a boy scout, but in reality, we’re all imperfect (thank goodness). I don’t thank my former Marine enough. I forget to be ‘present’ sometimes. He makes me feel safe and wanted and loved, unconditionally. Terry is patriotic and loves our country. He’s so proud of his heritage, and never forgets where his roots began, even before Rockingham, North Carolina. He knows who he is.
So, Terry, happy birthday. You are loved by amazing, loyal, and beautiful friends, a loving wife, and two, cool cats. Laurie
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