Thursday, May 29, 2014
At a family get-together, approximately two weeks ago, someone mentioned that Tammy Benge Smith was deceased, as of December 2013. This just did not seem possible and was very difficult to comprehend. Tammy had been a true friend during our high school years at Clay County High School. She was always easy to talk with and could relate to any problems. Not only was Tammy a great friend, but also her to-be husband of thirty-three years, Gary Smith, was the closest friend I had in high school. We both played basketball and our personalities were much the same - quiet.
After learning of Tammy's unfortunate death, I was left with an empty feeling even though I had not seen Tammy and Gary since before they were married. It was as if we were all still in high school and that bright spot that was Tammy's life, her dynamic personality, everything I remembered about our friendship, had suddenly disappeared.
To lose someone so filled with life and so beautiful in her entire being, is much more than a person can comprehend. Someday we will learn why Tammy, was chosen to be plucked from God's flock earlier in life than we would have expected. I feel sure that this deep sadness will remain a part of my life forever. It is difficult for me to know the depth of sadness that Gary and her children must be dealing with on a daily basis.
Tammy's brother, Robert and I attended Cumberland College at the same time and, he too is another family member that one simply hurts for in his tremendous loss of a close sister. In fact, I wish to extend my condolences to Tammy's entire family, her students and friends, since I feel sure she will be missed by so many.
