Before his death in 1990 from AIDS-related complications, Terry wrote My Eulogy, a portion of which is shared below.
There are a few things I would like to tell you that I think are very important. Let them be my legacy.
At the doorway of death, I find myself very poor. I have only my faith in God and the love that many of you have given me. I have no idea what this new adventure of death will be like. My faith tells me it is not the end.
Death from AIDS is a long, slow process. Painful, soul-wrenching, debilitating. I hope that you, having been with me during this time, will remember and offer your care and love to others who are suffering.
The greatest part of my legacy is a thing which a very special friend described to me as "The Embracing of Souls".
It is something that many of us only experience once or twice during our lifetimes. It describes those very special people who come into our lives at odd, unpredictable times. Love flows between them like water in a stream. It is a very special gift from God. I believe this 'embracing of souls' is the spirit of God working in our lives. St. John must have known about the 'embracing of souls' when he said that God is Love.' To experience the 'embracing of souls' is to experience God.
It is this embrace of souls that will prepare you for whatever suffering you may have to experience. It will allow you to bear up and even to give thanks in the midst of suffering.
I want you all to know that I will always love you and will think of you often. If it is possible, as I believe it is, I will pray for you and keep you in my heart always.
Until I see you again, all my love...
Terry
AIDS memorials are published on CAM's web site as a free service to those who wish to remember loved ones and friends. They are personal statements by those who are bereaved and in their own words.
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