My beloved rests in peace
My precious and beautiful wife, Allie, passed away during the night. I found her lifeless body on the floor of the bathroom at 3:30 a.m. The paramedics did everything they could, but she was already gone. We have no idea what happened. She was young (41). She was fit. She was so full of life that it’s, frankly, very hard to believe she is gone.
I’m in shock and obviously grieving, but I wanted to let you know and write a few words about what she meant to me. It’s my way.
She was my life, folks. She was my inspiration, the one who reached in and brought out all my essays. With her unrelenting encouragement, I’ve written 65 or so essays about broadcasting, postmodernism and new media. None of that would’ve been possible without my Alicia Faith.
She was everything to me, and I worked hard to let her know that. I’d been married a couple of times before she came back into my life a few years ago, and I wasn’t very good at it. She was different, so very different, and with her, I honestly felt the love, respect and support that the experts talk about when describing good marriages. She was my rock, too, and I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.
I’ll likely not be blogging for awhile. We don’t know about funeral arrangements and all that just yet, but I’ll try to let you know the when and where. Meanwhile, I could sure use your prayers right now. No man ever expects to bury his bride, especially one so young and healthy.
She knew I loved her, and I knew she loved me. We were fortunate and blessed for that. We just talked about it yesterday, about how our love had actually grown since our wedding 18 months ago. I’m so very lucky to have had those months with such a precious and pure soul. Words cannot express how much I miss her.
May God hold her safely in His arms now and forever.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 25th, 2006 at 6:00 am and is filed under Allie. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:41 am
terry,
i thought i was imagining things when i read this post. my deepest sympathy to you and your family. i just spoke with allie on the phone a few weeks ago. as always, she was incredibly kind, helpful and pleasant. she spoke so highly of you and your work. words can not express my sorrow for your loss. god bless you through this difficult time.
mel taylor
April 25th, 2006 at 6:55 am
That’s very sad, Terry. I am so, so sorry.
God Bless and Prayers,
Hugh
April 25th, 2006 at 7:06 am
Terry,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tish
April 25th, 2006 at 7:13 am
Terry,
What a terrible shock and a greater loss.
We all hang by such a slender thread
My heart goes out to you
April 25th, 2006 at 7:20 am
oh man, Terry, I am so sorry. May the God of peace sustain you and give you the grace to grieve fully and honestly.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:44 am
Hello Terry,
My heartfelt sympathies to you. Knowing the Lord as you do, you know that He will comfort you and give you peace. I will keep you in my prayers.
Tom
April 25th, 2006 at 7:46 am
Terry, I’m so sorry this happened. Much love and support.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Terry, I’m so sorry for your loss. My sympathies and thoughts are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:55 am
Terry,
So shocked and saddened and so, so sorry to hear about your loss. All my best wishes in this difficult time.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:58 am
Terry,
Please know that all of us in the family are greiving with you. Kenneth and I will be praying for you as you deal with this tremendous loss. God bless you and please let us know what we can do for you.
Sally Hughes Coultas
April 25th, 2006 at 8:00 am
Terry, you are definitely in our prayers. May you find comfort in the arms of our Lord.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:18 am
.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:20 am
Terry, I can’t tell you how sorry I am to learn of this sad news. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:57 am
Terry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:01 am
Terry,
My prayers are with you in these days. I’m so sorry. Since she was your inspiration, we have all benefitted from her life.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:03 am
Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:11 am
I really don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry you lost her so soon.
Please know you are in my thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:14 am
Terry: There are just no words at a time like this. Please know that all of us are praying for you.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:20 am
Terry, Our prayers are with you. She was so very special and will be missed.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Terry, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:24 am
My partner died two months ago. I know how you feed and I still feel it. I chose to podcast my experiences and feelings through the event. Ithelped the on line community to empathize and grief with me. I’m so sorry.
Richard Bluestein
April 25th, 2006 at 9:26 am
Terry, I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:33 am
Terry, please accept my deepest sympathies. -jf.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:35 am
Terry, it sounds like you got more out of that 18 months than a lot of marriages give in a lifetime.
You’ve got my prayers, and may God bless.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:38 am
Oh Terry, I’m so sorry, I’m praying for you. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to email/call me.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Terry,
I am so terribly sorry to hear your sad news. Keep writing. You are very very good.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:43 am
You have my deepest sympathies.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Terry,
It is difficult to find words that even make sense. I am sorry for your loss. Alicia was clearly your inspiration and you are one of the most inspiring people I know. Please know that you are in my thoughts.
Mike
April 25th, 2006 at 9:53 am
Our thoughts are with you, Terry.
What a terrible loss, and what a beautiful tribute you wrote to her.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:54 am
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sorry for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:59 am
Terry, How just awful. I am so sorry and you will be in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:07 am
Hope this gets into you heart, these entreaty of empathy. I’m so sorry deep in my soul.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:10 am
What a touching tribute you’ve written. I know neither you nor your wife, but you are in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:12 am
As a close friend of the family, I want the blogosphere to know something. Alicia and Terry had a love like I’ve never seen before. Alicia and I never had one single conversation, not even over something trivial like what I should bring to Christmas dinner, that didn’t turn into a long discussion of how much she adored him. The light in her eyes everytime he walked into a room was one of the most astonishing examples of love I’ve ever had the honor to witness.
This was the real thing, the kind of love most people can only imagine experiencing. Their wedding was small and intimate, but the love in that ceremony was so palpable and tangible that it remains a benchmark for what real love looks like. It is the standard.
Alicia was the single most joyful human being I’ve ever met. She was filled with the joy of the Lord. The loss of her is devastating beyond what words can express. And yet, in the midst of heartbreak, there is an overwhelming sense of privilege for those who knew her personally. She taught me more about love in the last two years, just by example, than any person or experience before or since. I am certain that everyone who observed their love up close would say the same.
Terry has been reading your comments and condolences, and they mean a lot to him. Thank you all for supporting him through this.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:14 am
I’m so sorry this happened, I want you to know you have my deepest support, my toughs are always with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:16 am
Very sorry to hear this, Terry.. my condolences..
April 25th, 2006 at 10:17 am
Terry, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that there are a lot of us out here praying for you. Take your time with this, do what you need to do, everything else is naught…
April 25th, 2006 at 10:17 am
Terry,
I am so sorry this had to happen to you. I’m praying for you. I hope you are able to find some peace.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:18 am
No words are adequate. Just know your friends are wrapping their arms around you. Peace.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:22 am
Mere words do fail, but you’re in many people’s thoughts today, Terry.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:25 am
Holding you in the light, as the Quakers say. I am so sorry.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:31 am
My condolences, Terry .. and a prayer for acceptance in the midst of unimaginably enormous grief.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:31 am
I am so very sorry, and nothing I can say here will help. Just know that you are in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Terry,
umnn i just dont know wut to say… am so sorry
April 25th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Terry,
Gary and I send you great love and prayers. I am so happy to have met the lovely Alicia Faith.
Pat your heart at moments you miss her most, for she’s right there with you. Love, your ol’ pal, Rosemary
April 25th, 2006 at 10:37 am
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you will be in our family’s thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort you during this time.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:47 am
I am profoundly sad for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:52 am
How terrible, Terry. Words seem so shallow at times like this. You have my deepest sympathies. … Tim
April 25th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Terry: I’m so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts …
April 25th, 2006 at 10:57 am
All of life is a dream walking, all of death is a going home. May God bless and keep you.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Terry, I am so sorry for the loss of Alicia. She was a Beautiful lady and someone that will be dearly missed. Lance and I will be praying for you.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Terry, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:00 am
words can’t express, terry. all my best.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:00 am
terry-
please accept my condolences and prayers for you and your family in the death of your wife. may God give you peace and use your family and friends to prop you up in your time of loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:06 am
Terry, I am so very sorry. I can’t imagine how horribly shocked and alone you must feel. From what you’ve written here she sounds like a beautiful spirit who will truly be missed.
You are in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:08 am
Terry, I’m so very sorry.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:13 am
Terry: I am terribly sorry to hear that news about Alicia. I remember the two of you at the 31 Alumni Picnic and I have never seen two people so happy. I know you have had wonderful years together that should not have ended nearly so soon. I will miss that kindred "Smith" spirit.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:17 am
Terry … May God comfort you through this time with a real sense of His presence, and through the love of people around you. Grace and peace to you.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:17 am
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Don’t let the grief take over for you.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:23 am
Terry, Unbelievable, shocking and deeply sad these are the only words that could express how I feel. I loved Alicia so much as kids we had such fun playing indians and exploring. Alicia sure loved an adventure. We were really close as kids and into high school. I was lucky enough to spend a few minutes with her last week while Grannie was in the hospital she was so vibrant and happy. She spoke of what you meant to her and how happy you made her. She really deserved this happiness and from our family I would like to Thank you for giving her what I know were the happiest 18 months of her life. You are a gift to our family and always will be. There are two things from the Bible that give me strength in tough times. One the Bible says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and second in Proverbs the Bible says to Trust in the Lord and lean not to our own understanding and in ALL our ways acknowledge him and he will direct our paths. I know you have great faith so lean on God. I will be in constant prayer for you and will see you soon.. …… With so much sadness. God Bless You! Doug
April 25th, 2006 at 11:26 am
Courage, Terry.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Words are so inadequate for such a sudden and traumatic loss. As the previous comments show, there are many people holding you up in their thoughts and prayers today. Stay strong, and don’t let the grief become the center of your life.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:30 am
Terry,
So shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. Alicia was a committed reporter who served North Alabama well and I was so happy to hear of your wedding. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob
April 25th, 2006 at 11:35 am
I can’t express how sorry I am.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:35 am
Terry, this news was a punch in the stomach that brought my day to a grinding halt. I am so sorry to hear about this.
Alicia touched many lives and she was always a joy to be around as a friend and co-worker. I am so glad you two found each other and found so much joy and happiness in the time you had.
Be strong, sir, and know that God, your friends and family are here for you to lean on.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:39 am
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Alica truly had a kind and generous spirit. She was a true professional when we worked together at 31, and I always enjoyed the times we worked together. I’m glad the two of you found hapiness together. Take care Terry, and may God comfort you in your time of loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:48 am
Terry,
I am so sorry to learn of this. I am completely shocked. When I got word, I simply refused to believe it.
Alicia was very kind, sweet and understanding to me when I moved into a hard position. I will always remember her laugh, her smile and her supportive nature. She will be missed.
You will be in my prayers and I will light a candle for Alicia tonight. May God grant you strength in this difficult time and know you have friends to lean upon should you call.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:51 am
I am absolutely stunned, Terry. I knew Alicia fairly well during our heydays at WAAY-TV, and am completely shocked to hear this news. A quote from Northern Exposure comes to mind - "Be open to your dreams, people. Embrace that distant shore. Because our mortal journey is over all too soon." I’m happy to know that you and Alicia lived your dreams and embraced that distant shore in happiness and bliss, though for much too short of a time. You are in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:58 am
Terry- my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Our thoughts are with you. You wrote a very touching tribute.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. You were Alicia’s knight in shining armor on more than one occasion. I am so glad to know that she finally found love and happiness and that she let someone in!!!
April 25th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Many sympathies and spiritual blessings your way Terry. I can’t express the amount of regret I feel for you. Please take care and if we at the FRN can do anything, please let us know.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:14 pm
My friend, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you the strength…
April 25th, 2006 at 12:19 pm
Terry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Alicia was admired by many and she will be truly missed. God bless you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Terry,
Very sorry for your loss. I will say a prayer tonight for you and yours.
Michael (Ireland)
April 25th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Terry, we feel your loss and hurt with you. We know how much you loved Alicia and how much she loved you. We were so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the past few days with Alicia. She was happier during the time she spent with you than she had probably ever been; she had found the love of her life as we are sure you did also. We can’t help you with your pain but our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ can. Converse with him often and his presence will give you comfort to get through this trial and the days to come. We will be praying for you and asking God to give you peace and understanding. Our deepest condoleces, Jerry & Ann
April 25th, 2006 at 12:33 pm
Terry, I was deeply saddened to hear about Alicia’s death. When I was News Director at WAAY-TV I had the pleasure of knowing her and working with her for more than 10-years. I can say without a doubt that she was always a first rate professional who was also blessed with a kind and compassionate heart. She will be greatly missed. As have I, may you find solace in the following scripture passage that was my son’s favorite and that was read at his funeral: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isa 40:31
April 25th, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Oh Terry - I’m so so sorry. How unbearably terrible. I’m glad you had the time you had, awed by your outlook, and sending my best for now and the future.
April 25th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
I’m very sorry for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Terry - What a tremendous loss. You are in our thoughts during this challenging time.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Terry, I am so sorry to hear about Alicia. I admired her when we were both students at the University of North Alabama because she was already working in the "business". I grew to love her while working with her at WAAY. I cannot imagine your pain. I pray that God grants you strength and peace.
God bless you. Lisa
April 25th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Terry, I’m just stunned.
Whenever you spoke of your wife it was easy to tell she meant everything to you.
I am sorry for your loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Terry, I am so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers and thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Terry, I am so sorry for your loss. She was far too young. You’re in my heart and thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
Terry, I’m so sorry to hear this news. Please accept my warmest condolences. This surely is a difficult time though I am sure you will find the strength to endure.
April 25th, 2006 at 1:40 pm
Dear Terry, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Alicia was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. I will miss her. I remember seeing how happy you were at the alumni picnic. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
-Karin Slayton
April 25th, 2006 at 1:56 pm
Terry, I am just…I really don’t know what to say.
Alicia and I were so tight during our days at UNA together when we had many a class together with Dr. Foote and did my first internship alongside her at WOWL-TV. Even though I was three years older than she, it was like I was the student and Alicia was the teacher. I learned so much from her…granted, the news business is a serious one, but you have to have fun with it and not take it too seriously at times. I’ll never the confidence she instilled in me when they wanted a different voice for a national news package and she asked me to read the copy. She could’ve done it herself, but she asked me…and I never forgot that or the countless laughs and fun times we shared both at UNA and when she came to work for WAAY; it was like a dream come true…and she never failed to make me smile and made me want to work harder in her presence.
Terry, my heart goes out to you more than you know. I lost my best friend back in January: My big brother Kenny under very similiar circumstances; it was a massive heart attack..so I know what you’re going thru…and it will take time to heal, but faith, friends and precious memories will carry you thru.
If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You and the Smith family are in my prayers…
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Rosado
April 25th, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Terry,
I am so sorry hear of your sadness and of your wife’s death. May God hold her safely in his arms, and may he cradle your heart, as I’m sure it is very heavy now. In this time of sadness, please know we are keeping you in our prayers and holding you in the light.
April 25th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Terry, this is such a sad loss to you and to those who knew Alicia. We came to know Alicia during her time at WSMV-TV as a smart, thoughtful, and delightful co-worker, very dedicated and professional in her work.
Alicia was rightfully proud of her years at WAAY-TV. At the 31-Alumni gathering a few years ago there were probably no two people happier in one another’s company than you and Alicia. It is clear from your moving remembrance and those of others that these past few years together were the best.
God bless you.
April 25th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Terry,
It’s hard to express my feelings of sadness and loss, for myself but mostly for you and Alicia’s family. Alicia and I spent some of the best years of our lives together. We were young, single, fearless and willing to take on the world. We "grew up" during those years in North Alabam and I will always cherish my time with her. She was an exceptional individual. All my love to you now and in the painful days ahead.
Linda
April 25th, 2006 at 2:27 pm
[speechless]
I can only echo what’s been said by so many here.
My prayers are with you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
Terry-,
Very saddened and heartbroke to hear the news. Alicia was always a wonderful human being to work with. She was always a hard working gal wheo gave her best. She handled many things for me when I was handling Sports at 31. She was always a "charm".
God Bless her, you and the rest of your family.
Bob
April 25th, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Terry,
I am so sorry to hear about Alicia.
I will never forget her words of encouragement when I first started at 31 on the morning show.
She was truly an inspiration to me.
Even though I have moved on, I still have a picture she drew for me..
And it still sits on my desk at work.
You are in my thoughts and prayers..
Julie Hoffmeyer Rockett
April 25th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Terry, I’m so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Terry…
I’m in total shock… I received the news from MD about this.
My condolences to you… Alicia was a wonderful friend and coworker. She was full of life and humor and always had funny insight to everything. Watching her work the cameras during Friday Night Football was an absolute hoot.
My prayers are with you, my friend.
–Jason Miller
April 25th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
I am so sorry to learn of this loss. She is in our prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
My wife died two years ago. Anyone who tells you that "they know what you are going through," …doesn’t. Take your time recovering if you need it, throw yourself into your work and family if that helps. I will be praying for you.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
Thank you for sharing your emotions. I will be praying for you.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss…… My heart goes out to you. May God Bless You and your wife. YOU will be in my prayers. May God always keep you close to your wife as he did when she was alive. But then again she still is alive in your heart, always and forever. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS TERRY!
April 25th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
You have my sympathy. My brother, who seemed to be in good health, died suddenly at 42 of what was diagnosed as cardiac arythmia. That just means his heart stopped beating. The doctors couldn’t say why. It’s hard to accept. It’s so damned unfair.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I hope she is somewhere better now, and that you will see her again in the fullness of time.
April 25th, 2006 at 3:54 pm
The many sighs your loss has dragged from me
Can only gratify my enemy.
Soul of my world, the pain of your going
Breaks my heart without yours even knowing.
- Rumi
Go deeply where you must, and then come home to us. We care.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Words seem inadequate at times such as these. Alicia was one of the most conscientious reporters I’ve ever known. But much more than that, she was personable, caring, and genuinely fun to be with or around. I’m honored to have called her my friend.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Sorry to hear that. My best condolences and prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
What a fine wife, what a loss. Best wishes
April 25th, 2006 at 4:06 pm
my prayers are with you
April 25th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
God, Terry, I am heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that I’m praying for you. God bless you.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
I knew neither of you personally, but I am so sorry for your loss and pain. It seems that God’s need for Alicia is greater than yours now, although we cannot know just exactly why. He loved both of you enough to give you that rare experience of true love (heaven) on earth, before she had to go. I hope your memories of that tangible proof of God’s love will sustain you through the difficult times ahead. I will pray that the love of others, so clearly expressed in their comments, will help you continue along the path of life. Bless you, and may you find the strength you need for each moment. As a distant stranger, I can clearly see that YOU are still needed here…
April 25th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
My condolences…
Avoid grief and trauma counselors like you would a rabid dog. They didn’t impress me before my wife died and their "help" was some of the worst foisted upon me after she died. Friends and family are where solace can be found. Distractions are a good thing. Pick and choose the company you keep if its company you seek. And keep writing, if only for yourself…
April 25th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
So sorry to hear this news. God bless you and yours.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
Alicia was my first producer when I started directing the morning news at WAAY. We started on that show at about the same time, actually. I loved Alicia, her force of life, her sense of humor. She was godawful funny. I can still hear her moans from behind me in the director’s booth as a newscast would slowly and inexorably go into the crapper.
She was an amazing individual and a good friend and she will be missed by multitudes.
My heart goes out to you, Terry.
I’m truly sorry for your loss.
Kip Cole
April 25th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
May God comfort you in this time of horrible loss.
Please accept this token of my sympathy and wishes for you to find a way through this.
Regards,
hunter
April 25th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
Thank you to everybody for this outpouring of love. It’s a testament to her life. I’m posting this as a separate blog entry, but I’ll also post it here.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 27 at the Pettis Turnbo Funeral Home at 501 W Gaines St., Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.
The funeral will be held on Friday, April 28 at 10:30 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., on Springer Road.
The funeral will be followed by interment at the OK Baptist Church Cemetery, at the corner of Grandaddy Road and OK Road, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
If you can make it, I’d love to get hugs from each of you. If not, flowers would be appreciated. Allie loved them in life.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:21 pm
So sorry to hear of this. My prayers are with you. God bless.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Mt sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Terry — All the best to you and your family during this incredibly hard time. The people who have these impacts in our lives, it makes you love them so much more. Thank you for sharing, it takes a lot of courage. I’ll be giving my loved ones big hugs today. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for all the best during this time of tremendous loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Awful, awful to find the love of your life gone so quickly. I’m sorry.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Alicia was a joy to work with and I am truly deeply saddened at the news of her passing.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Terry - we’ve never met, but I feel like I’ve lost a friend after reading this post. I’m so sorry, and will be praying for you and the family.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Terry,
We met at the PBS Showcase last year and I have followed your blog ever since. I read your post today and felt your pain charging through me; I cannot imagine what you must be going through. I wanted to share this poem by Susan Scott Thomas, which has comforted me at times of profound loss, in case it can bring you any comfort or peace.
Waltzing the Spheres
We pulled each other closer in the turn
around a center that we could not see–
This holding on was what I had to learn.
The sun can hold the planets, earth the moon,
but we had to create our gravity
by always pulling closer in the turn.
Each revolution caused my head to whirl
so dizzily I wanted to break free,
but holding on was what I had to learn.
I fixed my eyes on something out there firm,
and then our orbit steadied so that we
could pull each other closer in the turn.
The joy that circles with us round the curve
is joy that passes surely as a peace,
and holding on is what we have to learn.
And if our feet should briefly leave the earth,
no matter, earth was made for us to leave,
and arms for pulling closer in the turn–
This holding on is what we have to learn.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
A cat can understand affection, but not arithmetic. I can understand love in marriage, but am no more capable of understanding what you’re now going through than a cat can figure fractions.
All the common history, gone in a moment, and nobody to share it with any more. The new, total, and profound meaningless of "remember when."
And now in the moment of your greatest distress, the person you reached out to instinctively when distressed … simply … isn’t … there.
Unimaginable.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Terry, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m praying that God will grant you a "peace that passes all understanding". Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.
April 25th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
As I was checking the weather this morning I ran across your beautifully touching tribute to your wife. I have not been able to get you off of my mind today as I know this is probably the most difficult day of your life. I am a complete stranger, but as Jesus would do, I wanted to reach out my hand and tell you that he is with you and will give you peace. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless!
April 25th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Terry,
I can’t add anything to the condolences already expressed above except to say that your post has made me appreciate my wife even more. We love each other very much and consider ourselves lucky to have found one another, but life often gets in the way and it’s easy to take each other for granted. I think I’ll take her out tonight and tell her again how much she means to me.
It’s no consolation to you in your terrible time, but hopefully those who read your story will remember how precious and fragile life really is.
Thank you for reminding me what is important. I hope in time you are able to find peace.
Jason
April 25th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Terry, having experienced the same thing in 1996 you have my condolences and my prayers. I did discover however, that talking about my first wife, through the tears, helped beyond measure. You will be left with so many glorious memories that will forever be a tribute to your beloved. Keep those memories, work through the tears, grief is hard but necessary work.
God Bless!
GM
April 25th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Terry,
I just got back from New York today to hear about Alicia. My first thought was this couldn’t be, not our Alicia. I treasure my days working with her when I would go over to the Shoals Bureau and later when she came to work in Huntsville. We had many long talks on the back balcony of the news department. I loved her spirit, I loved seeing the smile she had when you told me you were couple at the reunion. Alicia touched my life in so many way, so I understand when you say she was "my inspiration".
I don’t know why God has decided to take a good person so young. My prayer is that she is now in wonderful place.
My heart goes out to you Terry.
Don Phelps
April 25th, 2006 at 5:02 pm
Terry…please accept my condolences and prayers…your love for Allie was tangible and immediate in your statement, and you should guard and preserve the memory of that love.
I hope that you find some small comfort in the words and feelings expressed here. God bless.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
You have my prayers.
About 6 months ago a close friend of ours awoke suddenly in the night to discover his wife had stopped breathing — he called 911 and immediately began CPR. He was able to bring her back and she was in a coma for several days. She has since (mostly) recovered — she has memory loss from that time period and still has short term memory loss.
The very odd thing is that they have no idea what caused it. She was a healthy 35 year old woman with no medical conditions. They initally assumed it was a heart attack, but they’ve since discounted that.
As terrible as this is, and it is terrible, I want to warn you they may not discover why.
Nevertheless, you have the prayers of many.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
–Horatio Gates Spafford
April 25th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Terry,
I lost my lady just after Christmas in 1999. I found her dead on the bathroom floor. I cannot put into works the shock, pain, and utter dispair of losing ones lover, best friend, and confidante. My heart goes out to you Terry.
I want to post this passage from "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. It helped me cope.
pg. 80
"Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
Godspeed friend.
Larry Everett
April 25th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
I am praying for you right now…
Lord, come quickly…!
April 25th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
Allie sounds like an amazing woman. I wish I could have met her. May her memory be a blessing.
You are in all of our prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Terry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss, especially since it came so unexpectedly. Here’s hoping you find comfort in friends and family in the coming days.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Having just recently married, and brought two households together, I can relate Terry. Though we don’t know one another, know that you’ve reminded this one newlywed precisely WHY he married this one, and will remind HER SO when he gets home tonight.
My prayers go with you. Peace with you and yours as well.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Terry, we barely know each other, but after today I feel like I have known you and your wife forever.
Zichronah livrachah — may her memory be a blessing to us all.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
I am so sorry, I can’t even imagine how i would feel to get up in the middle of the night, and find my beloved wife on the floor passed away. God comfort you. Mark
April 25th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
My prayers are with you….you will make it—she would want you to.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
I am so sorry.
Many blessing upon you.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:45 pm
So sorry for your loss.
Wow, so sudden, so shocking.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Terry I do not know you, but I share your pain. 12 years ago I lost my childhood sweetheart, wife, best friend, and Mother of our only daughter, at the young age of 47.
My prayers are with you and I took great comfort in the book of Psalms, Chapter 30, verse 5 (in part)
…. weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
April 25th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I wish there was something that I could say to take away the pain or make sense of it, but those words don’t exist in any language I know of. Please know that there are many people out there praying for you and yours.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Terry - My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jennifer
April 25th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Terry,
I’m literally in shock at this time. I had flashbacks of all the funniest things that I experienced at WAAY-TV with Alicia. Kip’s memory of her moaning as a show went into the crapper was exactly what came to mind. She was one of my favorite co-workers and just talking to her over the radio or the phone while setting up her microwave shot or her feeds to the station were always filled with the funniest things that had happened to her in that day. Even her worst days working on an assignment somehow turned into a joke from her.
My prayers go out to you at this time.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:22 pm
You are in my prayers. I’m so sorry. I lost my older brother many years ago very suddenly when he was very young. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and provide some comfort in this time.
Jeanne
April 25th, 2006 at 6:23 pm
Speechless in Ireland. So sorry to hear about your heart-wrenching loss.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
As someone who just got married Saturday, this hit home really, really hard. I pray for you deeply.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
Terry, I share your grief. I lost my mother unexpectedly over 20 years ago. I know God will help you through this time…it won’t be easy, but He is there for you, sometimes directly, and sometimes through the love and care of His children.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Terry,
When I was 16, my Mom passed away, who was married to my Dad. He is a good man, and a good father to me. All I can tell you watching him recover these last 20 years, is that there is life still. I want you to know that as a good son. I want you to know that though you’ve had such a grievous early loss as we all suffered back then, that a time will come when you will once again thrive.
Stay with your work, keep blogging, stay close with those friends you both shared, don’t lose sight of those things as they will comfort you. And if a time comes in that future where you find another lady who you find enchanting, it’s OK. Your wife would have wanted you to live your life.
I’m sure of these things. Hang in there.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Terry…..our Lord works in mysterious ways. While we may not understand why such a wonderful person was ushered into His Kingdom at what we consider an "untimely" point of life, we can certainly rest assured He has a purpose and reason.
My sincere condolences to you. I’m thankful that you and Alicia were able to share life in abundance during the time on this earth gifted to us.
April 25th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Terry:
You may not remember me, but I met you at a conference in Seattle. I was so sad and shocked to hear your news. My thoughts are with you.
Jan
April 25th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
Our deepest condolences. I can only imagine your grief.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
I am so very, very sorry. I heard you speak at the IMA in Seattle and while you don’t know me I feel I know a little about you. Your ideas have touched my life, and I sincerely wish you the strength to get through this. My thoughts are with you,
Christine
April 25th, 2006 at 7:22 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
I’ve lost family members, but I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose my wife. Deepest condolences, you’re in my prayers.
April 25th, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Terry,
We never met. I am so sorry for your lost. My depest condolences. My thoughts are with you. Courage.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
Terry:
I lost my wife 12 years ago to an out-of-the-blue heart attack. She was, like your wife, in good shape with no outward symptoms. In fact, we had just completed a seven day bike ride across the state of Oregon on our tandem. She was two days shy of her 41st birthday.
There’s barely a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. Now it’s mostly the good things. The pain has dissipated.
My deepest condolences for your loss. It will get better. It makes no sense. It’s not fair. But that is the defining characteristic of our lives here on this earth.
Best wishes.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:08 pm
Terry,
You have our deepest sympathies and our fervent prayers. May the Lord give you strength and watch over your lovely wife.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
Words are inadequate except you have the knowledge that your wife is now with God. Even Jesus wept when he saw the death of his friend, Lazarus. May God bless you and keep you during this time of mourning.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Terry, I wanted to join with so many here and across the web in sharing my sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:34 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this Terry. My heart goes out to you! Many prayers and thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours…
April 25th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
My heart goes out to you. About the only advice I can offer is to cry a lot; there is healing power in tears that cannot be dismissed.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
Terry,
No one can ever really know just how you feel, but I sense the deep loss that you have experienced.
Like you, I lost the most important person in my life on September 28, 1994. She died peacefully in her sleep while away on a business trip for causes never quite understood, nor never quite explained. I think of her every day and I love her just as much today as I did 28 years ago when she said "I do." Cindy was 37 when she died.
But because of her, I am a much better man today. I sense that you too have benefited from knowing Allie just like I knew Cindy.
You are in my prayers. Lean on your friends. They want to help you now more than you realize - Pat
April 25th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
I’m sorry.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
So sorry. WIshing you peace and comforting in your mourning process.
April 25th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
Terry,
Please accept our deepest condolences from all of your colleagues and fans at Yahoo!
Bill
April 25th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
Terry, your sudden loss is shocking and devastating. My heart goes out to you, in sympathy, in sorrow, in friendship. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Allie, but from what you and others have written here, she must have been a very extraordinary lady and life partner.
May your many sweet memories of Allie be a comfort and a blessing forever.
Steve
April 25th, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Terry,
I am so sorry for your loss. I feel a connection to you and the WAAY extended family. We had a great time together at KRON examing the ways of the blogosphere, talking with you about the new media world, and working with you through WKRN. And though I never knew Alicia, it is clear by reading these posts that she was special.
The loss of one so special and close and so shocking and sudden cannot be explained or understood. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Craig
April 25th, 2006 at 9:19 pm
Terry,
My name is Josh.
I don’t know you and I didn’t know Alicia. We are as strange as strangers go. But with this powerful tool we call the blogosphere, I have an awesome opportunity to reach out to a complete stranger and say, I’m truly sorry. I know your pain, and I wish there were something that could take it away. This is the kind of incident that immediately brings people together, which is obvious from the comments. Unfortunately it is at your expense. Just try and remember, no matter how much you may not want it to, tomorrow is on it’s way. And it may not look it, but the sun is just as bright. And you may not see them, but there are people all around you. You will make it. Have faith in yourself.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:32 pm
My heartfelt condolences to you for your devastating loss, Terry. You, and all whose lives Allie touched so deeply, will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kitt
April 25th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
My deepest sympathies at your incredible loss.
To all and everyone: live every day like it’s your last. Treat every other person like it’s *their* last day.
Possessions come and go and fill landfills. Work fills the idle hours of the middle of the day. The only thing that really matters is each other.
Terry knew that, and made more of that knowledge than most of us ever will.
Our hearts are with you, Terry; my heart is with all of us.
Blessings for all.
April 25th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Terry, words fail. You are and will be in my thoughts and prayers, as will both of your families.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
Terry,
How wonderful that you found such a special person. She will be with you the rest of your life. Your thoughts today are a testiment to how well you both lived. Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
Terry, I add my thoughts and prayers to the swelling chorus here. May you find comfort and peace at this dark hour.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Terry, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. Not too many people can speak of someone the way you did of her. May God Bless You and give you strength.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine the shock you must be going through.
Vaya con dios.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
My sincerest condolences.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:27 pm
I don’t know you but I am praying for your consolation. I can tell you love her very much, but you will be together again in heaven. May God protect and comfort you.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Terry,
You don’t know me but you have my deepest sympathy and my most heartfelt prayers. I can’t begin to understand what you are going through now, but I do understand the feelings you have for your beloved wife. When I read your post, I felt as if I was reading myself writing about my own wife. I can certainly identify with the love you shared with her. May God hold you in safely in his arms and give you comfort as well.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
Long life and good health to you.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
I’m terribly sorry to hear that you lost your wife. My sypathy and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Message from a stranger who has been there, straight out from my heart & hopefully to your eyes…
Utter dispair; questions never before thought would be asked; staring in the mirror and seeing empty eyes to an emtpy-feeling soul, hollow yet infinitely deep; each minute, every second wrapped in sorrow and drowning in tears; desperation; secret hallucinations of the smell of her shampoo, perfume, her voice, her presence; hourly wishes full of -what if’s- … utter dispair.
Days pass in a zombie-like state, weeks go by and smiles start, yet are halted and immediately replaced with tears since she’s not there to smile with you. Internal pain overshadows all… yet…
…sadness WILL pass and turn to happy memories, knowing she’d rather see you happy than infinitely miserable.
This takes months, years… BUT…
You can live your life, to the absolute fullest you can, one day, one hour, one minute at a time. It’s amazing how much each one really counts, isn’t it? Grief now, miss later, love forever.
My deepest condolences to you,
Diana
April 25th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Terry,
my dear friend… my heart breaks at the news of Alicia’s death. I will never forget my time with her (and with you) at WAAY-TV.
alicia was a ray of sunshine, a rock, a role model, a compass, and an inspiration to us all. we are all blessed for having known her. she will be sorely missed.
my thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:36 pm
My condolances, sir. You’ll be in my thoughts.
April 25th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Terry,
Such a shock to hear about Alicia in the newsroom today. She was such a great competitor and kind person every time I ran into her in the field.
My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend and those who are sharing in your loss.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Jerry Hayes
April 25th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
My condolances
April 26th, 2006 at 1:09 am
My solar plexus is clenching as I read this. Once we find the real thing, the only fear is exactly this — that it will all vanish. I am so sorry for your loss, Terry.
April 26th, 2006 at 3:26 am
Terry, I hope they find out how she died. Young, unexpectedly, all of a sudden, and alone is no way to go.
As for you, don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it. You’re going through a hard time, and it will only get worse if your isolate yourself. But make sure your friends understand you need a time of sadness, a time to grieve. Let them know that they can grieve with you.
Don’t fight the pain. More importantly, don’t try to hold on to it. The pain will pass, you shall remain. Allie will become a dear and fond memory, while you will find another to share your life with. She won’t replace Allie. She will fill the hole in your life. Cherish her as you cherished Allie, and know that Allie can do no less than approve.
And don’t forget to do the dishes.
April 26th, 2006 at 5:09 am
Terry,
My sincerest condolences on your inconsolable loss. May your wonderful love for your wonderful wife get you through this most difficult period. You’ll be in my prayers.
Bill D.
April 26th, 2006 at 6:04 am
Terry, Jeneane sent me over. I’m so dreadfully sorry for your loss, what a horrible shock. My thoughts are with you.
April 26th, 2006 at 6:58 am
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that people half the country away are praying for you and your family.
April 26th, 2006 at 7:28 am
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Rev. 7:17
May God bless you and keep you, Terry. Remember that Alicia’s name is engraved in the palm of His hand.
April 26th, 2006 at 7:46 am
Terry, I know that it has been some thime since we have been in touch, but I have always held you, and have spoken of you with great respect.
I want to share with you my thoughts and best wishes for you in this terrible time of grief. There is very little one can do for another in a situation like this, but please know that if there is ever anything that I can do, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Take care Terry.
Andrew
April 26th, 2006 at 8:42 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your work, so closely connected to Allie, is a wonderful testimony to her love and inspiration.
April 26th, 2006 at 8:43 am
My deepest condolences and prayers on your tragic and sudden loss.
April 26th, 2006 at 9:02 am
I am so sorry for you.
You and Allie are in my prayers, Terry.
April 26th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Everyone liked Alicia…she was always kind even in tough situations. I will ALWAYS remember her calm voice on the intercom on the morning of my first time directing solo, "James, we need you in the booth. We’re in the open." Everytime I talked to her, she was completely focused on that conversation, she was always right there with you—she was totally present. Whether it was a simple chat about the weather or a deeper talk about life and love—it was the most important thing to her at that time. The same went for her reporting. I am sure that viewers felt the same way—-she talked to them. She felt their pain, held their hands, helped them understand, and carried them through a story with grace. All of this still holds true. She IS that calm voice, Terry. She is talking to you, holding your hand, helping you to understand. She will carry you through this with the same care she always gave everything she did. Love, James.
April 26th, 2006 at 9:26 am
Wow what a shock. I worked with Alicia back in the early 90’s at WAAY. We are the same age. My deepest sympathy. May God bless you and give you the strength to to make it through this difficult time.
April 26th, 2006 at 9:44 am
So sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and all who knew/loved her.
April 26th, 2006 at 9:59 am
My deepest sympathies to you and your wife’s loved ones. Though i’m a stranger to you both, i understand loss as well as the rarity of true love and friendship. My prayers are with you that you may find strength to carry you through this terrible time.
April 26th, 2006 at 10:07 am
So sorry to hear of your great lost…She’s in the bosom of Abraham now and nothing can harm her…I just pray that the good Lord gives you the strength to make it through…Know that her many blessings to you will never cease and you shall be together again…God bless you!
April 26th, 2006 at 10:16 am
Terry, you are in my thoughts. My deepest sympathies to you and yours.
April 26th, 2006 at 10:25 am
Dear friends,
The last day has been something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but your kind thoughts and helpful anecdotes have greatly assisted my grieving. I’m printing a copy of them all to have for people to read at the visitation and the funeral.
You have to understand that we were both people accustomed to holding back feelings. "I am a rock. I am an island," the song goes. Many, many times we marveled at the completeness with which we’d given ourselves to each other, and that intimacy was something I never knew was possible.
One of the things she often confessed to me was a great fear of my dying before her. "I wouldn’t survive, Terry." Given that I’m considerably older than her, it was a pretty big issue for her. So afraid was my little Papoose. By her going home yesterday, she will never have to experience that pain, and freeing her of that horror is my honor and privilege at this time. Much better for these shoulders to bear the suffering of such a profound loss than hers.
Pat Robertson called yesterday morning and prayed with me. Say what you’d like about the guy (and I have), I cannot deny his sincerity in matters of God. His prayer was comforting and his counsel like a warm balm on my wounded soul.
A friend wrote, "God has gifted you and has something very important that you are to do here on earth. Then you will join your beloved Allie." I believe this is true but that my precious Allie played a significant role in revealing that mission. I shall not grow weary in pursuing our dream.
I hope to see some of you at the visitation or the funeral. To all the others, may God bless you for your generosity in sharing your condolences with me.
You might enjoy this.
Love always,
Terry
April 26th, 2006 at 10:31 am
How terrible, I’m so sorry. May God keep you in the palm of His hand.
April 26th, 2006 at 11:14 am
I am sorry for your loss and I cannot image how difficult this must be. I feel your pain and you will be in my thoughts.
April 26th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Terry, I don’t know you, but I know what it is to love a woman with all your heart. You and your wife will be in my prayers for God’s comfort and grace during this time.
Dick
April 26th, 2006 at 11:27 am
I just married my true love last July. My heart goes out to you. God bless you and your family.
April 26th, 2006 at 11:47 am
Terry -
Edgar Allan Poe wrote: "Never to suffer would never to have been blessed."
I grieve your loss.
April 26th, 2006 at 11:59 am
I first met Alicia when she started
at WAAY in 1988 as producer of the
AM newscast. She was crazy about
the Tennessee Vols, and I was an Auburn fan, so naturally we teamed up to give the Bama fans a hard time. As so many others have said,
she was so much fun to be around, and I was always impressed by her work ethic. So many things made her
special, but one that I remember most is her insisting on helping and advising others on their problems, even though she had more than her share of stress to deal with at the time. Terry, my prayers go to you and her family. And I’ll be thinking of her when football season arrives; go Big Orange!
April 26th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
Terry,
I am so sorry. I was shocked to hear about Alicia’s death. She was so young and healthy. She was a wonderful, caring, beautiful person that I am proud to be able to call part of my family.
I have great memories of us as kids at Granny’s house. We took turns driving Granny’s car all over her yard for hours. We would run and run and run. Back then Alicia dreamed of being in the Olympics one day and I was just running with her, listening to her dream. We would cut our dolls hair and giggled in to the night before falling asleep on the pull out couch. We listened to music and sang along with the words written on the album covers. It was great fun.
As we grew up we saw less of each other but I still felt a closeness to her.
Her dreams took her in a different direction than the Olympics. I think you helped to complete her dream. I want to thank you for coming in to her life. I have never seen her so happy. She loved you so much! You could feel the love between you two. It was amazing.
I will miss Alicia.
Craig, Beth, the kids and I will keep you in our prayers.
Lisa
April 26th, 2006 at 12:21 pm
So sorry to hear about your loss. I am a huge fan of your blog. Your shocking news was hard to read.
April 26th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Hi Terry
I don’t know you and I haven’t come across your blog before. I saw a post on Doc Searls’ blog about your wife’s passing and just would like to wish you and your family a long life, as is my custom.
April 26th, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Terry,
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. Alicia was very special to me. I remember watching her report in the Shoals while I was at UNA. But then to get to work with her at WAAY… it’s a time I have always and will always cherish. Alicia was such a good friend to me, and to everyone that knew her. She taught me so much about life and about how to be strong, even when you don’t want to. I will never forget our talks on the back porch at WAAY. I will keep you and Alicia’s family in my prayers.
April 26th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
Terry,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
April 26th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Terry,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Alicia’s fun-loving spirit, kindness and encouragement meant a lot to me during my time with her at WAAY. From her stint as "The Queen of the Shoals" on our Friday Night Football show, and especially when she came back to run the Decatur Bureau, she was always a joy to work with. This world is much worse for her departure. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
April 26th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Terry, I just this moment learned of your loss. I cannot fathom your shock or grief. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 26th, 2006 at 3:45 pm
so sorry to hear of your loss
April 26th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Terry, sorry to hear such dreadful news. I’m amazed that you are able to discuss it so rationally so soon after it occured. Were I to have discovered my wife in similar circumstances, I doubt if anyone would have heard from me for months, let alone the next day! Don’t know how you do it.
April 26th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Terry, sorry to learn of your loss. You are very brave for writing about this so quickly. We all mourn the loss of our loved ones in different ways. Trust me I’ve had plenty of experience in this part of life — saying goodbye to someone who is too young to go. My prayers are with you. You taught me more than you know in our short time together at WRIC-TV8 in the mid-90’s. God Bless, and TTFN. May the CON be with you forever.
Peter Speciale
April 26th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Terry
I followed the story of your loss through a link from Captain’s Quarters. I just want to give you my heartfelt sympathy and wishes of strength on this devastating event in your life. M’Lady and I were talking how thankful we were that we had met and had spent the last twelve years together. The time with a soul mate is very precious. They enrichen both lives and that of the people around them. I am sure that it was the same between you and your lady.
April 26th, 2006 at 4:54 pm
" I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified…"LEV 10:3
May her memory be a blessing
April 26th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Terry,
I don’t think that it was possible for anyone to be in the same room with Alicia without realizing how special she was. Her spirit was so strong that it informed everything she did, her humor, her contagious energy. That driving curiousity that served her so well as a journalist. It’s not so much that she had to tell the story on Television, she had to tell the story, period. That’s why one of the best parts of visiting the Shoals Bureau was knowing that she was going to fly through the door with an incredulous look on her face and the first words out of her mouth would be ‘Oh..My..God ‘You’d think she had the mother of all ‘A’ block stories (which a lot of times she did) .
Terry, my heart goes out to you on this sad day.
Pierre Kimsey
April 26th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
God bless.
April 26th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Terry,
Such kind, kind things you have said of her, that even those who don’t know you feel a bit hopeless, wanting to share in small ways your loss, because we sense how hard it must be. Please just remember that the pain you now feel will fade in time and give way to a comforting sense that your life and the lives of those around you were obviously deeply enriched by her presence.
Steve Robbins
April 26th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Terry,
Words cannot express how my heart goes out to you in your time of loss. Alicia was like no other!
On Your and Alicia’s wedding day, it was clear just how much love the two of you shared.
Last Thursday evening at the hospital with Granny Hughes, was the last time Barry, Taylor, Bryant and I spent with Alicia. She had us laughing so hard with her story she was telling of her day at Granny’s house.(boy what a story it was) She was also telling us about a flute she had purchased with her "papoose" money and how it drove you and Aunt Jane to ban her from playing it in the house.
I am so thankful that we were able to have our last night with her, and hearing her beautiful laugh. I will miss her greatly.
Ginger Gobble
April 26th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Alicia was funny. We all loved her very much. We would always watch her on the news when she would be on. We will never forget the time she had a feature of the Hughes Family Christmas on the news. Alicia always took favor to our family. I guess it was because our Daddy saved her life about 3 years ago. Everytime we seen her after that, she refered to him as her Angel. We are glad the last time we saw her she was laughing and very happy.
Taylor Beth and Bryant Gobble
April 26th, 2006 at 7:29 pm
How blessed you are! With the love of a wonderful woman. With the love of friends. With the love of family. With wonderful memories of laughter, fun, happiness, sadness, concern, joy, trust, and life lived to the fullest. Continue in thanks to God those blessings for He is the ultimate blessing. My prayers are with you.
April 26th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
Terry, I’m so sorry to hear about Allie. You’re both in my prayers.
April 26th, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Terry,
On that May day in 2003, when the floods came and the skies unloaded the rain on Lawrenceburg, TN, my life changed for good. Though I’ve never understood, nor could explain why God compelled me to help Alicia that day, offering my time and curiosity to watch her perform and brave the elements to video each and every piece of news she could get her hands on, the realization of the whole morning, out of everything I had seen happening came to a screeching halt. Then, I knew why I was there.
Rather than watch, God gave me a job. When Alicia fell into that flooded culvert, all the while thinking of others and what channel 31 would do if she lost that $10,000 camera, my job was to risk my own life in order to give her a second chance at life. I never, ever, not for one minute thought of the consequences of my actions to get her out of the water, not thinking I could die too.
And now, less than two weeks before that near tragic day, 3 years later, I know now the reason and the answer came from you. Alicia came into your life and found the happiness