Goodbye, Teri. I’ll see you one day.
A dear friend, former co-Mad Scientist and co-servant in Christ, Teri Tolosa has gone with the Lord last night after losing her battle with cancer for 2 years. Anyone who has known Teri will see her tremendous passion for the Lord and His Kingdom, serving him through the Singles Ministry and ACTS Theatre Ministry in CCF. A single mom, Teri was a wonderful parent to Karen, a loving sister to Kathy and Gerald and a faithful daughter to her mom.
Teri was well-loved by her family and friends in CCF St. Francis. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her friends rushed to organize fund-raising concerts called "We Love You, Teri" at Merk’s in Greenbelt 3. She went on remission for a short while where she got even more involved in theater and the singles ministry. She also ministered to other people who were battling the same disease. Her life is characterized by her great love for the Lord which shone through her faithfulness in ministry, pouring out her life to others. She experienced the Father’s tender mercies and so she was able to give to others what she received immensely even though she was going through her own difficulties in life.
Teri was a deeply creative person. She loved theater and music. After one Mad Science show in Enchanted Kingdom, Teri and I would talk a lot about Christian artists and her dreams of creating a musical. This almost came to fruition last year through a play she co-produced with another CCFer called "The Shepherd King" but unfortunately did not push through despite plans already well along the way. She was part of Genesis Entertainment having managed a number of Christian recording artists like Roxanne Barcelo under her helm and has taught in children’s workshops for theater. She was part of the cast of "Why Women Wash Dishes" in her own benefit show last year.
Teri truly enjoyed life. She traveled a lot, dived a lot, laughed a lot. Even when she was in pain, she was still pleasant. When I visited her last Friday in Cardinal, she met my Raffy (my boyfriend for a year now) for the 1st time. She managed a "Hi, Raffy" and a smile although her voice was barely a whisper. Touching her arm even lightly was so painful for her since her lymph nodes were already removed. Many people from CCF visited and had kept themselves from breaking down in tears. She looked so frail, so far from the vibrant, energetic, funny Teri that we know. We stayed for only ten minutes because she needed to rest. As I left, I told her "I love you. ". She said "I love you, too". I’ll see you soon, I thought.
Yesterday morning, I got a text that the doctors increased their morphine dosage and that her family had decided that she would not be resuscitated should her body fail. I prayed for her whenever I could the whole day. I did not pray that she would get healed but that she would feel the peace of God during the most painful moments. I knew that it would be a miracle if she overcame this in 24 hours. My sister who visits her at least once a week, went to the hospital one last time after work but was not allowed to go in anymore. Around 10 pm, Dad took her home.
Teri’s lived a good, abundant life as promised by Jesus to those who have come to believe in him. Being a single mom and raising a daughter, she had many challenges, especially financial ones. Nevertheless, the Lord came through for her every single time. She never wavered in her faith. Even in the end, God was still glorified in her life. Her sister Kathy said that never once did Teri complain to God when the cancer was getting to her. She knew that the Lord did not promise a pain-free life. He himself endured much pain. What He promised was He will be with her no matter what happens. "Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning", sings the Psalmist.
The morning has now come for Teri. And the Father will wipe every tear in her eye.
I will see you soon, dear sister. Say HI to Dad for me.
