There is an enormous hole in the hearts of everyone whose life was touched, even momentarily, by Theri - Therese Lynn Foster. We will live on, the hole will be filled, bit-by-bit, once again, by her boundless love.
I remember my first meeting with Theri; it was lunch, arranged by a former co-worker of mine, who was then working with Theri. The sparkle in her eyes, her smile, and easy laugh, were like no other woman I had ever met before. But I was blown away when I returned home to find a message from Theri, inviting me to lunch, just us two. No woman had ever pursued me before, let alone someone who had just dazzled me, as Theri had done. I immediately agreed to meet her the next day. Dancing on air the next day, just as I was about to leave my house to meet her, my former co-worker called and "spilled the beans" about Theri's living situation. I said, "thanks, but I will let Theri tell me. I know that she will without any prodding by me…"
Lunch was great, she was her usual sweet, funny self. We talked about so many things, a lot about me - I had just suffered through the break-up of the last rock band - which ended on a painful (sucker punch by the drummer in a fit of Irish pique) note. Eventually, she came around to her living situation: married to David and also living with Donald, their extended family member. "Hmmm, that's quite an interesting situation. You seem to be navigating it well.", I said. She then invited me to come into the South End, where they lived, for the weekend and meet David and Donald. I readily accepted. That was the beginning of a life-changing relationship, with three of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. They welcomed me with warmth, humor, plus they had the most wonderful dog, "Companion", who sealed the deal by making me "one of the pack". I fell immediately in love with Theri - the first woman I ever loved, and never stopped loving her to this day
The details of our relationships for the next two years, will remain among the four, now three of us. My life was changed forever. In so many ways, I remained connected to them - every morning, when I grind my coffee, I think of them. Theri, David, Donald - they were the first people I knew, who ground their coffee beans fresh, every day. A coffee junkie, I could taste the difference, and adopted the practice, and thank them every day, when I taste a perfect cup of coffee.
Theri was like no other woman - everyone who met her was immediately drawn to her warmth, humor, smile, and beauty, of which she seemed completely unaware. She loved me like no other woman had, that deep, abiding love, that she shared with David and Donald. Life-changing, eye-opening, and has persisted through these many decades. I had lost touch with them, yet they remained in my memory and heart. It was a joyous thing to find David on Facebook some years back. Wonderful to know that the three were still together, living their amazing lives, all based on a love that remains unique. Then, to have this terrible thing happen. The miles between California and Hawaii evaporated when I learned of dear Theri's passing. My heart has been ripped, and I can only begin to share the sadness with David and Donald, two of the most dear, loving, wonderful men, I have had the honor of knowing. It is some comfort knowing that they have each other in this time of terrible loss, and can support each other, grieving together. Strangely, my heart is mending in tiny increments - brought on by memories of Theri - her voice, smile, laughter. The three teaching me Uno, and the hilarious games we all played together. Uno remains the only card game I know and can play with enthusiasm and skill, all provided by these three amazing people.
I send my love to David and Donald with all the respect, passion, and joy, that they, and most of all, Theri gave to me.
Theri, I never stopped loving you, never will. My "one-in-a-million" you. Love, Mark / Mahalo nui loa.
