When Guests Become Friends

We are so lucky to have some wonderful winter guests who stay with us year after year in a few of our homes – they moved with us when we started Grayt 30A and continue to grace us with their presence to this day. Over time, they have also become our friends. So, a few weeks ago, when we received the call that one had unexpectedly passed away, our hearts were broken.

 Terry and his wife Jessica, along with their fur-baby, Louie, made SandyToes their winter home for the past seven years. Lifelong sweethearts and happily married for 52 years, they raised two sons who gave them 11 grandchildren. Terry took over his father’s residential flooring company and transformed it into a nationally recognized business for flooring specializing in pharmaceutical clean rooms. After retirement, Terry was able to devote himself more fully to his passion for guitar collecting and opened Class of ’67 Vintage Guitars in Glen Ellyn, IL. 

 We would see Terry and Jessica at least a couple of times a week when they would stop by our office to either deliver our mail, or pick theirs up, depending on who got to our mailbox first…and sometimes, just to say hi while out and about. They took care of SandyToes like it was their own. They lost Louie while they were here earlier this year but were coming back in January with full intention of having a new puppy to introduce. 

 Terry and Jessica split their time the rest of the year between their homes in Illinois and Michigan. Terry had a generous heart and was easy with a laugh. He loved playing guitar, walking with Louie, solving crossword puzzles by the pool, crispy bacon and pepperoni,Wilco…and had hopes to train to be a Navy Seal on the beach in Michigan with Jessica.

So goodbye, old friend; we’ll not soon forget you. We’ll miss our happy hours at Shunk Gulley this winter but will be sure to lift our glass – and oysters – to your spirit.