Thursday, June 11, 2009
Theresa Porch
photo by Steve ShayObituary
Theresa Porch
May 30, 1954--June 5, 2009
Most of us met her at the free feast, at noon on any given Friday, in the basement of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, here in Ballard. With a booming voice and a firm grip, she would angelically enforce much needed order. Society's spectrum dines there, from shattered homeless souls to retired professionals (widowers usually), who need a home-cooked meal, prepared by humble elderly ladies who summon recipes, from oh so many years ago.
Theresa welcomed all--rank or status (up or down) meant nothing to her--you were a person, one of God's creations, and that was enough for her to love you. She would never preach at you, or to you--that was the subtle job for the food servers to insert. But she wanted to know the details of your struggles, and she would willing share hers with you.
Reporter Steve Shay and I went over there one Friday in April of 2008. I wanted him to witness what one amazing woman was doing. I asked him to take a couple of pictures, and Terri was OK with that. Steve's remarkable portrait at the top truly caught her essence. I sent her a copy. In a return e-mail she responded:
Terri had immense medical problems, and she and I would talk over symptoms, medications, and the procedures she was experiencing. She faced her mortality straight-on, yet, at a moment's notice, she was ready with a smile, a wry joke, or just a knowing nod.
Theresa welcomed all--rank or status (up or down) meant nothing to her--you were a person, one of God's creations, and that was enough for her to love you. She would never preach at you, or to you--that was the subtle job for the food servers to insert. But she wanted to know the details of your struggles, and she would willing share hers with you.
Reporter Steve Shay and I went over there one Friday in April of 2008. I wanted him to witness what one amazing woman was doing. I asked him to take a couple of pictures, and Terri was OK with that. Steve's remarkable portrait at the top truly caught her essence. I sent her a copy. In a return e-mail she responded:
"Got the picture. Thank you. Have to say it is one of the best I seen of me in a long long time. Thanks again. See you soon. "(4.26.2008)
Terri had immense medical problems, and she and I would talk over symptoms, medications, and the procedures she was experiencing. She faced her mortality straight-on, yet, at a moment's notice, she was ready with a smile, a wry joke, or just a knowing nod.
An Angel has returned to Heaven. And while we who remain will miss her dearly, her legacy of love and forgiveness will live on, cemented in the hearts of many.Goodby Terri. See ya up yonder.
Photo by Terri's daughter, Kathleen
