Tanisha's absence still seems as unreal as the day I received the call of her passing less than 24 hours after our last conversation. Copied below is my personal letter to Tanisha that I shared with those who attended her service.
Dear Tanisha,
It seems just like yesterday that we sat in the principal’s office at Highlands Elementary School. You remember. . . back in first grade when you claimed that I skipped you in line. Yes, I know---I had no right to jump in front of you, butI seem to vaguely recall you nicely directing me to the end of the line---and ok I probably did respond with a sassy remark, but you didn’t have to bite me. Of course all has long been forgiven, just consider how far we’ve come! Who knew that experience would mark the beginning of a beautiful 28-year friendship. . . from Highlands Elementary to Campbell Junior High, to Mainland Senior High all the way to Florida A&M University and beyond. Now that is truly amazing! What’s even more incredible is that since first grade, I can’t recall one cross word between us. That’s not to say that I never got on your last good nerve, but you were just too chipper to remain aggravated for long.
As a matter of fact, you had the patience of Job, at least that is, until I nearly tore up the clutch in your old Datson while you tried to teach me how to drive a stick shift. Actually, I believe in your heart of hearts that you would have given me a second chance to learn to drive that car, but just in case my skills did not substantially improve I understood that you weren’t really trying to explain to your father that . . . "see what had happened was", especially since no one else was really supposed to be driving your car. But that’s ok, you taught me other practical life lessons like the importance of looking your best at all times. Girl, you represented well even if it was just a quick run to the grocery store, but I still don’t believe anybody would have held it against you if you didn’t find your earrings before we had to exit the dorm. for our 2:00 a.m. fire drills at FAM. After all, it was a fire drill not a fashion show. But I guess once a diva always a diva!
You also taught me to laugh (to laugh loud and to laugh often). You would make me laugh so hard, inevitably I would end up in the bathroom, and just between you and me, occasionally I didn’t make it in time. The funny thing is half the time I didn’t even know what you were laughing about. You could be a mile away---it didn’t matter, but if I heard you laughing, I would laugh too and then later ask you “now, what were we laughing about?”
Seriously, you have brought such joy into my life. You’ve believed in me, but more importantly you have trusted in the Lord and reminded me to forever praise and honor him in all that I do. And regardless of what was going on in your busy life, you always had time to listen to me (although I determined a couple of times that you were actually listening in your sleep after 10 minutes passed and I didn’t even get an uh-huh). But I knew your heart was in the right place. After all you’ve supported me in each of my endeavors and gushed like a proud parent when I achieved one of my goals. I can still hear you yelling at the top of your lungs "go T" as I walked across the stage at graduation. It never mattered to you that we earned different degrees, pursued different careers, joined different sororities, resided in different cities or made different friends along the way . . .I would always be your girl. As you often noted, our friendship was meant to stand the test of time. And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that to me, you have been the greatest friend on this side of heaven.
Thank you so much for extending your love to me in friendship and sisterhood. I count it an honor and a blessing to be your closest friend.
Love, Tarryn
P.S. The other day you asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I’d gladly accept another 28 plus years of your friendship, but I just received word that you moved on to glory so I’ll see you in eternity when I get to the other side.
I was sad to hear of your passing. It seemed so surreal to be at your funeral, when it seemed like just yesterday you were filling my prescription. You were such an extraordinary person. I don't get sad for others very often, but it seemed like your light was destined to shine for a long, long time. You will be missed by generations to come.
All the best to you in the future, for we are all bound to run in to each other again,
Tanisha was such a bright and shining star. I always admired her. She had this positive, happy attitude that was magnified when she showed that big smile of hers. I especially remember her rolling laughter when she was trying to teach some funky dance steps to some of us on the cheerleading squad. She laughed so hard the tears came streaming down her face!
I am so saddened the world did not get to have her longer. She will always be a person I remember from high school as one who excelled at everything she did while radiating so much life.
Tina Wright (Hemby)
Tanisha homegoing was in September of 2005.Tarryn Brennon
Tanisha's absence still seems as unreal as the day I received the call of her passing less than 24 hours after our last conversation. Copied below is my personal letter to Tanisha that I shared with those who attended her service.Dear Tanisha,
It seems just like yesterday that we sat in the principal’s office at Highlands Elementary School. You remember. . . back in first grade when you claimed that I skipped you in line. Yes, I know---I had no right to jump in front of you, butI seem to vaguely recall you nicely directing me to the end of the line---and ok I probably did respond with a sassy remark, but you didn’t have to bite me. Of course all has long been forgiven, just consider how far we’ve come! Who knew that experience would mark the beginning of a beautiful 28-year friendship. . . from Highlands Elementary to Campbell Junior High, to Mainland Senior High all the way to Florida A&M University and beyond. Now that is truly amazing! What’s even more incredible is that since first grade, I can’t recall one cross word between us. That’s not to say that I never got on your last good nerve, but you were just too chipper to remain aggravated for long.
As a matter of fact, you had the patience of Job, at least that is, until I nearly tore up the clutch in your old Datson while you tried to teach me how to drive a stick shift. Actually, I believe in your heart of hearts that you would have given me a second chance to learn to drive that car, but just in case my skills did not substantially improve I understood that you weren’t really trying to explain to your father that . . . "see what had happened was", especially since no one else was really supposed to be driving your car. But that’s ok, you taught me other practical life lessons like the importance of looking your best at all times. Girl, you represented well even if it was just a quick run to the grocery store, but I still don’t believe anybody would have held it against you if you didn’t find your earrings before we had to exit the dorm. for our 2:00 a.m. fire drills at FAM. After all, it was a fire drill not a fashion show. But I guess once a diva always a diva!
You also taught me to laugh (to laugh loud and to laugh often). You would make me laugh so hard, inevitably I would end up in the bathroom, and just between you and me, occasionally I didn’t make it in time. The funny thing is half the time I didn’t even know what you were laughing about. You could be a mile away---it didn’t matter, but if I heard you laughing, I would laugh too and then later ask you “now, what were we laughing about?”
Seriously, you have brought such joy into my life. You’ve believed in me, but more importantly you have trusted in the Lord and reminded me to forever praise and honor him in all that I do. And regardless of what was going on in your busy life, you always had time to listen to me (although I determined a couple of times that you were actually listening in your sleep after 10 minutes passed and I didn’t even get an uh-huh). But I knew your heart was in the right place. After all you’ve supported me in each of my endeavors and gushed like a proud parent when I achieved one of my goals. I can still hear you yelling at the top of your lungs "go T" as I walked across the stage at graduation. It never mattered to you that we earned different degrees, pursued different careers, joined different sororities, resided in different cities or made different friends along the way . . .I would always be your girl. As you often noted, our friendship was meant to stand the test of time. And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that to me, you have been the greatest friend on this side of heaven.
Thank you so much for extending your love to me in friendship and sisterhood. I count it an honor and a blessing to be your closest friend.
Love,
Tarryn
P.S. The other day you asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I’d gladly accept another 28 plus years of your friendship, but I just received word that you moved on to glory so I’ll see you in eternity when I get to the other side.
Donna Butts (Victory)
She was such a hard working young lady, and always had an encouraging word for me, when I would see her at work.You were taken much too soon.
Miss ya,
Donna
Andrew Blow
Tanisha,I was sad to hear of your passing. It seemed so surreal to be at your funeral, when it seemed like just yesterday you were filling my prescription. You were such an extraordinary person. I don't get sad for others very often, but it seemed like your light was destined to shine for a long, long time. You will be missed by generations to come.
All the best to you in the future, for we are all bound to run in to each other again,
Andrew
Annette Moore (Massey)
Tanisha was such a bright and shining star. I always admired her. She had this positive, happy attitude that was magnified when she showed that big smile of hers.I especially remember her rolling laughter when she was trying to teach some funky dance steps to some of us on the cheerleading squad. She laughed so hard the tears came streaming down her face!
I am so saddened the world did not get to have her longer. She will always be a person I remember from high school as one who excelled at everything she did while radiating so much life.
with love to you & your family Tanisha,
Annette