Penny's SAHM Journal

July 20, 2005

Memorial Tributes
Penny writes heartfelt tributes to her cousin, Terry Burgess, who recently passed away and to her father, Ainsworth Burgess, who passed 10 years prior.

On July 3, 2005, I flew to Bermuda for my beloved cousin Terry's funeral. He passed at the young age of 45 as a result pancreatic cancer. He is a great loss to Bermuda and to all those who knew him. He was a kind, happy and humorous human being and I'm confident that God has called him to a higher purpose. I suspect that he and my dad are now a pair of angels more powerful than a human mind can imagine. They will forever live on in my mind, heart and soul.

Here is a tribute I wrote to Terry that was included in his obituary:

A TRIBUTE TO TERRY BURGESS
OUR TREASURE ON EARTH
By Penny (Burgess) Powell


T -- A Treasure removed peacefully from this earth

E -- Exited the world -- rejoicing with his Pa, Ma and Uncle Ains-worth

R -- Righteous and Royal is what he has become

R -- A Released spirit, surrounding everyone

Y -- Yesterday's physical Terry may be gone, but his loving spirit will always live on!

Terry, when we last spoke there was one thing I could tell
Although you were suffering physically
Spiritually, you were 100 percent well.

I hung up the phone in awe and definitely proud of you
You were deeply touching lives
In the unique way God wanted you to.

When it's all said and done
That's all that really matters
The human body is simply an outer shell
Temporarily allowing one's spirit to grow and dwell.

And when it's released
It surpasses the human mind
Spirit enters a state of peace
A peace like no other kind.

Our beloved angel
You have gracefully endured your final stages
Of fulfilling your purpose on earth
Today, we proudly celebrate and cheer in your glory
As you begin the next stage of spiritual rebirth.

Terry, we know you're only a smile away
Smiling on us each and every day
Through your beautiful wife, children, parents and siblings you live on
This day and always -- from dusk 'til dawn.

We love you deeply

Here is a tribute I wrote to my dad who would have celebrated his 66th birthday on June 28, 2005. (Terry passed on June 29, 2005.)

Greetings Family and Friends:

Today, June 28, 2005, my daddy would have turned 66 years old. Imagine the celebration that would be taking place this day in Bailey's Bay, Bermuda if he was still here with us. You know the house would be full of his home-cooked food, family and friends. There would also be music, loud conversation, heartfelt laughter and perhaps some domino-playing. Picture his big smile!!! What joy and purpose he brought to life!!! On that note, Daddy, here is a birthday tribute to you:

Daddy, it's been about 10 years since I last wrote a poem to you
I still love you, I still love you, Oh, yes I do
And just as I always knew
Life wouldn't be quite the same without the gift of YOU!

But as we both know
The journey must go on
Even when those most dear to our hearts...
.....Have gone!

But from your example have I built my life
Collin as my husband
Me as his wife
Holding on strong through the good and the strife.

You are proof that a parent largely shapes a child
And I'll never forget when you told me that Caleb would have a good chance at turning out more like I want him to be
Because of my commitment to being there completely giving him his Mom-my!

I watched and took heed as you built a fruitful life of family and God
And what's life's purpose without our loved ones and serving the Lord?
You exemplified all that God sends us here to be
And I am forever blessed that I was given the chance to see......

To see -- not just hear -- what matters most on earth
You and your unconditional love have shaped me from my birth
You are the best of the best
My beloved daddy, father, Kebede, Ainsworth!!!

I love you yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.

Thanking you always!!!

Happy Birthday!

All my Love,

Penny (Genete)

Penny 7/20/05
Momtoaboy@aol.com