Teri,

You used to tell the kids and I, that GOD was on our shoulder. Times are tough today. But with GOD on my shoulder. I will do my best to raise our children. They are sure to make you a proud Momma.

Love Gary, Alex and Audra.

Footprints in the Sand 

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

written by Mary Stevenson

No farewell words were ever spoken... There was no time to say goodbye... You were gone before we knew it... And only God knows why... Teri Lynn was born in Bakersfield on January 24, 1958, and resided here for most of her life, until an aneurysm took her from us, much too soon. Everyone who knew Teri, knew her as a very loving, kind, bubbly and outgoing person. She truly had a big heart of gold. Teri was a cheerleader at East Bakersfield High School and graduated in 1976. The most peaceful times for Teri were spent in Bishop learning to be a cowgirl, with her lifelong friend, George Mendiburu. There are no words to describe how much Teri had touched the lives of so many around her. Her smile and laughter will be greatly missed. Teri had a great love for her family. Her children were very special to her and she was always very proud of them. She was going to be a grandmother for the first time in March of 2008. Teri Lynn is survived by her children, Sierra Lynn Sanders-Hill, Alex Kozy, Audra Kozy, and their father, Gary Kozy; her sisters, Robyn and husband, Donnie Hill, Kimberly Sanders; and her brother, Joey Sanders. Teri had a large family that will miss her dearly including Ryan, Erica, Austin, Derek, Kristi, Shelby, Alyssa, Mattie, Brandon, Shavonne, Kaylene, and good friend Dan, and many others. Teri is preceded in death by her mother, Peggy McQuilliams; father, Edmond "Tex" Sanders; and grandparents, Alvin and Audrey Foust. Teri, we know you will be watching over all of us and mostly your children from above and guiding them through life until they see you again... Our hearts are heavy because you left us so suddenly, but the memories we have with you are ours to cherish in our hearts, forever. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 6th, at the Reverend Few Chapel, at Calvary Bible Church, 48 Manor Street, Bakersfield, CA 93308, by Pastor John Maroney. Teri Lynn (Sanders) Kozy Jan. 24, 1958- Sept. 14, 2007

A cautionary tale indeed

She was very pretty.

If only we treated those loved ones around us today as though they would be gone tomorrow.

I have learned from you

That is the highest praise one can give

First of all I am glad to see you back! I know this is a hard time,but as others did for me ,feel free to vent away.Teri knows how much you all cared,now, and you can harm yourself with "what if,s " and "should's". This is the time to be extra kind to yourself and all those around you~ I will hold you all in my thoughts tomorrow. I wrote this last week or so about saying something before it is too late,about Peace and forgiveness,maybe you can read it later. Your not alone in struggling with no time and no goodbyes,Chris died before we had made up. But I know wherever he is,whatever he has become..he knows.So does Teri. Bless you and yours.  http://people.bakersfield.c...

tkozy,

Although we've had words and didn't see eye to eye on some subjects, I wish you peace. I, myself have lost more loved ones than I'd wish on anyone. It causes one to do a lot of soul searching and questioning,..................why?

My best and most thoughtful advice is to bask in the fact that the Lord took her suddenly. She was a happy, healthy lady, full of life right up to the end. She didn't have to suffer and slowly, painfully lose her life and dignity in front of her children over a long period of time. She wasn't tortured in this manner, and neither were you and your children. You and your children don't have to try and block out the painful memories of her suffering and slowly dieing over time, because it didn't happen. I'm happy for you, because of this. You and your children have been spared this particular pain.

I personally know this agony times three, and wouldn't wish it on anyone. I've come to hope that, for the sake of my loved ones, that I am taken quickly, so that they don't have to suffer through my slow, deterioration and demise. I even make jokes about it with my Wife and kids. I tell them that I want to fall off of the roof and break my neck when I'm 90. (The question would be: Why was a 90 year old dude on the roof? The answer would be: The roof had a leak and he was fixing it.)

Thank God for not allowing her to suffer a long, drawn-out death. You can still talk to her. I believe that she can hear you and, if you're receptive, will feel peace from her forgiveness. I know that my God will allow you to find peace in your loss.

No matter what, Keep the Faith. Sometimes it's hard, but Keep the Faith.

Tkozy,

First of all, I owe you an incredibly big apology.  I was rash in questioning the events of your loved one's death.  I won't make excuses.  I was wrong and most likely caused you undo pain.  Please let me known if there's anything I can do to make amends.

Second,  it's so incredibly hard to lose someone near and dear.  Your post is an inspiration to all of us to be conscious of what we say to the ones we love.  I have a feeling if we all spoke as if our words were the last a person would hear, we would all be happier and at peace.  As for feeling like there were things you wish you hadn't said - I don't think you'd be human if you didn't feel that way.  But, as humans, we err.  I can't imagine that the things someone would recall in their last moments of life would be the bad things.  

Peace,

P-Momma

Gary,

    You obviously had a deep love for Teri. That is hard to hide. You may not have spoken the words, but I am sure  you probably communicated the thoughts.

    May God's peace be with you. It's hard now, but your family and friends will support you.

Gary,

I am so sorry for your loss.  I know that there are few things that can bring comfort to you and your children right now, but remember that you are in God's hands.  Rely on those close to you and your faith during the worst times.  Keep her memory alive by sharing the great times you had and the happiest memories.  Be kind to yourself - know that your love may not have been communicated everytime you parted - but, actions speak volumes to those we love.  Know that your love was obvious to Teri.  Your post is a reminder to us all that we need to remember that we never know when our time to leave is here, or when we will not see our loved ones again.  Treat each day as though it is the precious last - a great way to live, no matter what your faith.

I'll be praying for your peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.

Mom2CandC