Derrick and my last memory of her alive was New Years Eve. She ate dinner quietly through her fatigue. She had been critically ill for nine years then. You name it; severe allergies, Diabetes, Rabbit Fever, organ failure, Hypoglycemia, doctor's mistakes of over dosing the medication Prednisone and so much more had touched her life. Now thin and frail she tried to keep up with our conversations despite a mental fog covering her mind. I know what she felt in that moment. Families are trying things. Divorce, children gone astray, and distance had affected her life like so many others. But just for this night, she saw what she hadn't seen in a long time. All three of her beautiful, precious children were laughing and smiling together.
My first memory of Tamera was shortly after Derrick and I were engaged in October of 2007. Tamera had been in the hospital replacing a central line. Derrick and Amber both had to work that day so she didn't have a ride home to Branson. Derrick volunteered me for the job despite my obvious hesitation of meeting my mother-in-law to be for the first time on my own during the hour drive. I picked her up that day. She was so happy to meet me despite her uncomfortable hospital visit. She chattered so much most of the conversion from my end was an occasional grunt or nod of agreement. It was nice though, there was no pressure to talk and seem like the perfect daughter-in-law-to-be. Tamera confided much about her life in me. She had a calming air about her. She didn’t know me yet, but it was obvious she already loved me.
Honestly, I don’t remember much of the conversation except one crucial detail. She told me she “was ready to go.” She concluded the topic with “I’ve been here to long,” and humorously said something along the lines that she now had someone to take care of Derrick. It took me several months after our marriage to have enough courage to tell Derrick this. I was afraid to upset Derrick. Once I told Derrick, he was hurt but understood. He had never heard his mother say anything like that. Looking back though, I realize I helped Tamera say something she didn’t have the courage to tell Derrick in fear of his sadness. She loved her children more than anything in this world and would never want to see them hurt, especially on her account.
Tamera’s nature was to comfort and take of all those around her. She never was one to steal the spotlight. She was happy being the support for others and didn’t need the recognition. Amber, Daniel, and Derrick were her life and she dedicated herself to them. She always stead strong despite the daunting task of being a single mother with three children. She educated herself. Her faith was unmatched. Her sense of truth and righteousness never wavered in the face of opposition.
The things mentioned above were things I gained a better understanding of after her death through others memories and stories. During the funerals it was apparent how loved she was. The speakers and quiet sobs in the audience said it all. In Tamera’s typical character, she was there comforting all those she loved, even through death. She made sure her children would be taken care of. Many miracles happened on her account, but most notable of all is she pressed upon the hearts of our friends and family to help us in her absence. Many donations were made saving Derrick, me and Amber from devastating debt from funeral costs. Many also gave of their talents, time, sympathy and love
When playing A Child’s Prayer on my viola for her funerals, I felt Tamera’s energy rush through the room. I wasn’t nervous, but I shook with her spirit flowing through me. Many times I have played publicly, but never have I felt vigor of the spirit of those in the afterlife. I have never felt that awesome power. Through my music she wanted me to share her spirit and testimony. Only one of God’s strongest and most special children could have even overwhelmed me so and that she was. She was on this earth for such a short time because she had done so much in the eyes of the Lord. Tamera had brought children into this world that they too may feel the joys of the flesh. That was her mission. She raised them well and the Lord was pleased.
The Lord gave her one last precious gift in this mortal life, and that was to see all three of her beautiful, precious children were laughing and smiling together on New Years Eve. With that joy and peace, it was time for Tamera return to her Heavenly Father and continue her work on the other side of the veil. Tamera died in the early afternoon on January 1st, 2009. Now she is in a perfected state free from her devastating illnesses. Tamera patiently awaits the reunion of her family and guides our journey until we ourselves will return to our gracious God.
