My brain hurts!!

Way too much thinking, I think. I'm still reeling from the death of Terry Mathews. People have asked me why in particular has his death affected me so strongly. He wasn't a super good friend. Just someone that if we saw at the mall we'd stop and say "HI" and make small talk. He was someone I've had the privledge of working with at church in various capacities. I've mostly worked with his wife, Keeley. They both are marvelous, gentle, kind hearted people.

The funeral was yesterday and last night I just could not get my mind off of Keeley. Here I was snuggling with my husband in bed and she wasn't able to with hers. I know how I feel just when Rob goes away for a week on business trips ~ the nights are very difficult and long for me. But Rob comes home. Terry will not be coming back to this earthly home for Keeley. My heart aches for her and her 2 children. He truly was an example to how to live life.

So everyone be a bit kinder. Be a bit more understanding. Be a bit more tolerant. Show more gratitude. Show more compassion. Show more love. Because you never know...

Terry R. Mathews

Terry R. Mathews of Bellingham, WA, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2008. He was 50, born on May 16, 1957, in Provo, UT, to Melba (Moosman) and Gerald Mathews. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1982 with a degree in Recreation Management. Terry was a Bellingham resident for 25 years. He worked for the U. S. Postal Service for over 20 years. He was an avid sportsman and especially enjoyed golfing and fishing. He loved the Mariners and all BYU sports. He also loved his nightly dish of ice cream, as did his faithful companion, Yogi. He was a gifted pianist and played the organ in church. Terry was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as a Bishop for five years and in many other leadership responsibilities. He especially loved to work with the youth. As a young man he served as a church missionary in Sapporo Japan for 2 years. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Merrill Lynn Mathews, and father-in-law Keith Miles. He is survived by Keeley, his wife of 25 years; son Devin, daughter Karly; brother Ken (Dana) Mathews; sister Diana (Don) Stuver; brother-in-law Tally (Vicki) Miles; mother-in-law LeOla Miles; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Cancer Center in honor of his mother and other loved ones who have fought or are fighting cancer.