“Nothing improves without change.” But let history be our guide. People come and go, but life goes on. So it is with a heavy heart that I bring you sad news from Tera’s family.
Saturday afternoon, I received a phone call from Tera’s parents. She was staying at their home near Los Angeles. Tera Jean, our friend and the Divine Missy T, passed away early Saturday morning following a long bout with cancer.
Tera was 46.
We first met over 20 years ago. Tera taught a business seminar that I attended while still in college. I was attraced to her thoughtful, energetic, no nonsense approach to life and business.
Tera was a teacher, a writer, a business partner, and a kind and gifted friend to many.
Through the years of our friendship, sad times, good times, prosperous and poor times, Tera instilled in me a practical view of life, and a desire to learn, examine, and challenge.
Though severely ill for the past few years, even while dying, Tera somehow managed to teach me more about living than I would have imagined possible.
Last weekend, a number of her friends traveled to LA and visited with Tera.
She smiled and talked fondly, not of the past, but of her friends and family. Tera held Alexis Kayhill’s new baby and smiled. Then the baby smiled. Tera said it was gas. They both napped together.
At times, Tera’s voice and grasp was strong. Other times, she spoke barely more than a whisper, with only enough strength for a touch.
Regardless, for our Sunday afternoon visit, that glittering light in Tera’s eyes never left. While she was awake that day, we snacked, laughed, and talked on the phone with a few old friends.
Before we left, Tera gave me her diary—and firm instructions to continue publishing her journal, TeraTalks, with past, unpublished entries.
Tera wished the best for everyone, especially those less fortunate. We’ll miss her.
Remember, “Nothing improves without change.” Tera told me to remember it. I won’t forget.
We dedicate this song to you and yours…
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World
by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (Brudda Iz)
This song says it better than anything I could ever write.
All the best.
wms out.
My sincerest condolence to her family and her friends.
nobody ever said life was fair.
that’s why we cry when friends pass away.
rest in peace tera. I hardly knew ye.
Quite a while ago, Tera “talked” about deodorant vs anti-perspirant (the former being good and the latter being unhealthy). I couldn’t use anti-perspirant, nor could my wife. Ms. Patricks recommended Thai Crystal (aka alum or potassium salts), explaining the essentials of how it works. I found the stuff and began using it. Amazing! No problems, no irritation and it lasts close to forever, both in the dispenser and after application until the next shower. So every time I lift my arms for a dose of Thai Crystal, I always give a little thanks to the lady who passed on that little gem of personal hygiene to me. Of course, I pass it on to others. (My wife just uses mine.)
“Where on earth did you find out about Thai Crystal?” they ask. “Oh, I got it from Mac360. It’s an incredible repository of useful information.”
I miss her.
… JJ
While Tera never knew me, I have come to know Tera over the past few years. She has been a influence in many areas of my life and others around me. Her collaboration with others on Mac360 has been very informative, but it was her personalization of things that made it unique.
I will miss her views on future technologies, like MS Vista and OS X “Leopard” and teh ever changing technology landscape, but mostly I will miss her humanization of these technologies.
May we all touch as many lives as Tera has and may we all leave as many friends in our wake.
Rest in Peace, Tera. You will live on in all of our hearts and lives.
I will miss her. Knowing that she is in a better place has always allowed me to accept death. She is just beginning the real journey of life. Hopefully one day I will actually get to meet her.
Tera – wherever your spirit may roam, it will be filled with light, joy, happiness, laughter, peace and abundance.
You rocked, girl – and obviously touched the hearts of many.
I’m really glad that Mac360 will continue – imbued with the funky, cheerful, irreverent and unique style that Ms T embodied.
My condolences. I read Tera’s articles on mac360.com on occassion and I knew of her illness. I just happened to go to the site today and although a bit late, learned of her death. It is interesting that I would go there today, exactly one year to the day that my own wife would pass away at the age of 40 from cancer.
Thanks for all you did Tera…
Check out Eva Cassidy’s Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World. You’ll cry. (She, too, died much too young. But it’s her talent that’ll blow you away.) I miss Tera- and though it’s nice to see Mac 360 thriving again, it’s very quiet here and all the writers over there- new and old, cannot replace Tera’s voice. Her intelligence and wit was quite uncommon despite there being a lot of good people writing in the Mac world.
I am deeply saddened by this news. I miss her.
It’s been a month and a half with no comments here , but we haven’t forgotten Tera.
Nothing can really ease the pain of losing a loved one – the void simply cannot be filled or removed. My sympathy to her family first and to her co-workers as well.
So what’s to be done? Simply show our respect to her by carrying on Tera’s legacy and making her proud, and to live life to the fullest each and every day cause our day will come all too soon as well.
Tera, your legacy is in good hands, and thanks for everything. Sleep on – I’ll look forward to seeing and meeting you in the resurrection.
We still miss you Tera. Thanks for creating Mac360.
Hey Tera,
Still miss your wit and wisdom.
Peace.