During her second bout with cancer, Terry banished her first-time chemo wig and sported a variety of adorable hats. Eventually she came to the conclusion that she didn’t care to hide her nearly bald head anymore. At the gentle urging of her friends in art class, Terry removed her cap and as a great favor to me, allowed me to take photos of her. Terry’s beautiful face never required the embellishment of hair. While we talked, she graciously posed for my camera. Her eyes shone, and her smile widened into her quintessential Terry glow, her features merging with the light around her.
Even in the throes of the devastating illness assaulting her body, Terry’s spirit still managed to radiate warmth and joy. This phenomenon I think, was an outpouring of her capacity for fathomless love. Love that she so generously shared with absolutely everyone and every living thing. And this was almost always evident. I am in awe of Terry, though until now, it was impossible for me to attempt to describe her extraordinary grace with my clumsy words.
Terry endowed us with a well full of incorporeal beauty. A smidge lives, as a cinematic-like image of Terry in my mind’s eye. She appears to be absolutely luminescent. But the greater portion of her largess is free to anyone who cares to look for it. You can feel it, in the light.
Elenacaravela's Blog 
A beautiful portrait with special words. For sure a special person.
robert
She truly was. Thank you, Robert.
You are the perfect artist for this wonderful, shining person..x
She is sorely missed. Thank you, Cath.
These portraits say it all. Light and warmth streams out towards the viewer. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute, Elena ❤
Thank YOU, Tiny. So lovely of you to say.
Completely gorgeous portraits! You really captured a radiant spirit.
Thank you, Cindy. Good to hear from you!
I think this is beauty. Wonderful. I’m so sorry for your loss x
Many thanks, Emily
Great painting Elena 😉
but so sorry for you friend 😦
Thanks very much, Aurora.
These are exquisite portraits Elena. You most eloquently show her spirit with your words too. I am sorry for the loss of your friend. x
Thank you very much on all counts, Helen.
Terry’s inner beauty and glow shine through to her outer beauty. You have captured this essence, wonderfully. You are a great artist, and she has made you even better. Even though I did not know her, I feel like I got to know Terry, just a little bit, from your warm and moving tribute.
So very much appreciated, Resa. Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute. I would have read the same amazing light and beauty from just seeing the portraits. Thanks for sharing the love and inspiration she’s given you.
Thank you so much, Sheri.
Such dignity, Terry’s soul shines though. The love you have for your friend is there in every brushstroke. Wonderful Elena.
Thank you so much, Anna.
amazing portrait , Elena! You captured it as you described it – her eyes and her smile tell a lot….great job!!!
Thanks so very much.
You are so good at what you do! You have shown us a woman more beautiful than any so-called “beauty salon” could ever produce.
So much appreciated. Thank you.
That is wonderful 🙂
Thank you, Joshi
It’s love that radiates through these images, Elena. I didn’t even know her but think the world misses her.
Oh yes. The world misses her terribly. Thanks, Amal.
You have wonderfully captured her spirit in each painting
Thank you, Derrick.
Your words and artistry flow with loving grace Elena. Happy Birthday Terry. Elena’s love for you has captured your essence for us all to share. ❤ much ❤
Thanks so much, Jane.
completely beautiful – all THREE portraits – thank you, Both
Thank you very much.
How beautiful, Elena.
Many thanks, Sue.
I have, up to now, resisted EVER using the overused-to-the-point-of-meaningless word ‘awesome’. I do so now, because it is entirely appropriate. I am moved by your friend and by your portraits of her.
Many thanks, Marie.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute to your beautiful friend.
Thank YOU, Carol.
Oh, now, my dear Elena… what a beautiful gift to a beautiful friend! Ah, that smile… Remarkable work, my friend – as always. 🙂
Many thanks, Marina.
Extraordinary work! Beautiful and full of love. Thank you for sharing.
Thank YOU!
Truly amazing portraits for a wonderful person.
Thanks very much, Maria.
A wonderful tribute to an inspirational person and a magnificent portrait.
Thanks so very much, Louis.
I’m profoundly touched by your words and your grace with the brush. Your love for Terry, (yes, she is so very beautiful) comes through your words. In her place of vulnerability you honored her and I’m sure she never forgot that. She was SEEN. We all long to be so seen. For Yoshizen above who wrote that she wondered why Terry got ill in the first place, I can only say: perhaps you haven’t lived long enough to know. It can happen to anyone. Please never forget that because it eliminates any subtle judgment. Thank you for this Elena, I will share it with many who have had the courage to remove their wigs and be seen. At a writer’s workshop for women with breast cancer recently, everyone removed wigs…and danced.
Thanks so very much, Susan. I agree, we are all too vulnerable to illness. Sometimes those who give most forget to leave a reserve for themselves. I salute all of the brave women who dance without wigs! They are even more beautiful celebrating their life force! Very much appreciated.
AND…HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TERRY!! I hope you have a lovely day. 🙂
Elena, you are so sweet and thoughtful to do this tribute for your friend, Terry! Absolutely lovely portraits as always! I hope things go well for Terry; her bright spirit will surely help!! She is beautiful. 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Sadly, Terry has been gone one year. Wish you could have met her.
Aww…I’m so sorry about that Elena. I do, too. I wish you could have had more time with her! So sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Patsy.
What a great portrait ! Her almost Powerful liveliness overflowing from the canvas, together with her good earlobe made me wonder why such woman with a power of life got ill in the first place ?
No one is immune from illness, death. We all succumb eventually. And sometimes when one gives away to others more than they can afford, sadly it can happen sooner rather than later.
As an eastern fatalist I’m well aware of the general rules yet still I’m seeing the other rules over-riding the outcome.
What a lovely, tangible tribute. I don’t know her but now through your brushstrokes and words, I feel that I do. That’s what’s so special about your talent. It can convey so much emotion and truth. How lucky are you to have known her. Thank you for sharing this.
Much appreciated. Terry was one of a kind. Yes, I was truly lucky to have known her.
I am now accused of hero worship
I’m glad to introduce you to my friend and equally glad that you see what I see in her. Thank you, Barry.
Beautiful portrait, Elena – of a beautiful person. Pictures tell things that words are inadequate for and I think that also it is a way of loving someone to study and paint them and try to capture their spirit…Powerful work indeed.
Thank you so much, Hilda. I’m glad to know that Terry lives for you, in my efforts.