Remembering Tammy

"Almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

—Steve Jobs

Tammy Martin fought a courageous battle with cancer, at the same time as Jan did.

Tammy was a friendly face at the Oncology clinic when I would bring Jan in for treatment. She was also there for chemo, in one of those recliners, with the added difference of a laptop computer. Tammy was unusually outgoing, ebullient, and so young to be going through what she had to endure. The laptop and the smile; these are two of the things I will remember about Tammy.

Tammy lost her battle with cancer on May 13. She left a husband, two children, and a very large extended family behind.

Evan was fortunate enough to meet a lot of Tammy's relatives at her memorial service today. He is friends with Tammy's niece Stephanie. I had to work, but it was very nice listening to Evan talk about all of the interesting people he met today.

One other thing I will remember about Tammy is what she wrote in Jan's online guest book after Jan passed away:

"I didn't have the privilege of knowing Jan well. I look forward to that chance someday as we meet in Heaven, because I think she's someone I would love to have had in my life.

I pray that you will remain strong as you learn to live without Jan's physical presence. I rejoice that she is free at last from all her suffering, but that doesn't make her loss easier for the two of you. My prayers and tears are with you."

I didn't know Tammy as well as perhaps I could have. I hope that all that did know her, especially those closest to her, will keep her memory close as a loving guidepost for what the Lord has planned for all of us.

My deepest sympathy to Tammy's family.