In a society that places high value on intellectual achievement and top ranking positions, Christian & Small is proud to have an award that is all about celebrating people who are fun, perky, honest, giving, compassionate, graceful, determined, cheerful, faithful, loyal, smart and selfless.
Our Terri Lowrey Spirit Award was inspired by and created for Terri Lowrey, a Christian & Small employee and family member we lost in 2011 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. This award allows us to honor Terri’s life and the impact she made on those around her. It is given annually to an individual who embodies the spirit and qualities we admired so much about Terri.
Terri’s loss has been felt deeply by many, including her personal and professional best friend, Jane Edgerton. Jane also works at Christian & Small, and two years ago, she received the Terri Lowrey Spirit Award, an honor that still brings her to tears.
“This award lets people know that your kindness, your willingness to help, and your attitude about everyday life matters,” Edgerton said. “Whether you realize it or not, you can make a difference in another person’s life and people see that. You may not think others notice your kindness or how you help out, but they do. That’s why we wanted to do this.”
Even after her diagnosis, Terri continued to be the type of person described above. She continued working and loving her job with Partner Duncan Manley, who she had a very special bond with. Terri often spent mornings receiving treatment, then came into the office to work afterwards.
“She was determined and very conscious about her job,” Jane added. “We all watched her go through this while continuing to be a great employee. It amazed us all.”
While there are still many people at Christian & Small who knew and remember Terri, Jane says that there has been a new group of younger attorneys enter the practice who did not know her. There is a painting in the lobby of an angel, titled “The Power of Hope” and a plaque dedicated to her, which often opens up conversations about Terri. But the desire to let everyone know about Terri makes the annual award even more important.
This year, the fourth recipient of the Terri Lowrey Spirit award was presented to Jenny Taylor at our Thanksgiving luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 19. A donation will be made in her name to Camp Smile-A-Mile to benefit children with cancer. In her nominations, Jenny was described as having all the characteristics that made Terri so special. During her time with Christian & Small, Jenny has adapted and learned how to do new tasks without complaint, even when those changes may have been unexpected. Her positive attitude is particularly impressive because she is also studying to be an attorney herself.
Ultimately, Jenny is just a nice person who we think Terri would have loved to be friends with. She’s always ready with a smile, and her pleasant, agreeable personality is very reminiscent of Terri, which is what this award is all about.
In the years that we have mourned Terri’s death, this quote has been a comfort and guiding light to our firm:
“While it is true that most people never see or understand the difference they make, or sometimes only imagine their actions having a tiny effect, every single action a person takes has far-reaching consequences.” – Andy Andrews, The Noticer.
We are thankful for the time we were able to spend with Terri, and we are thankful that through the Terri Lowrey Spirit Award, her legacy lives on in people like Lois Medders (2012 recipient), Jane Edgerton (2013 recipient), Dana Lindsey (2014 recipient) and Jenny Taylor (2015 recipient).