Tiffany
This morning I interviewed Tom Johnson, whose 26-year-old daughter Tiffany was one of those killed in the Colorado shootings last Sunday. Tom is still struggling, of course, with the loss of his daughter, but he wanted to come on our show to honor her life and pay tribute to the wonderful young lady she was.
After her death, the Johnsons posted Tiffany’s biography, including words that friends and family members associated with Tiffany. Among them: "Vibrant," "energetic," "hugger and cuddler," "trendy and funky," and "caring." They also posted Tiffany’s personal philosophy about her life. These were her words:
“I’m going to change the world by loving on people.”
And, in fact, she did. Tom told me they’ve received an outpouring of love since Sunday. Not just from friends and family, but from people around the world whom she touched through her work as a missionary. Tom said even he was overwhelmed by the impact she had made in such a short period of time.
Tom’s words and Tiffany’s deeds reminded me of a quote I read just recently by the author Jonathan Swift. It’s so simple, and yet to me, so profound: “May you live all the days of your life.”
Tiffany embodied that sentiment. And although I never met her, she changed my life too.
0 TrackBacks
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Tiffany.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://meredithtoday.ivillage.com/system/mt-tb.cgi/2356
Meredith,
I just watched the segment with Tiffany's Dad. It was wonderful. I appreciate the time you took with him as you let him speeak freely about his daughter. I also enjoyed hearing from her friends and learning about this beautiful girl who had such hopes and dreams. She sounds like a lovely person who did not deserve the fate she received.
Thank you for taking the time to focus on the victim. It helps me appreciate my life more. It reminds me that life is fleeting and valuable.
Cindy,
Honolulu, HI
Meredith,
I just watched the segment with Tiffany's Dad. It was wonderful. I appreciate the time you took with him as you let him speeak freely about his daughter. I also enjoyed hearing from her friends and learning about this beautiful girl who had such hopes and dreams. She sounds like a lovely person who did not deserve the fate she received.
Thank you for taking the time to focus on the victim. It helps me appreciate my life more. It reminds me that life is fleeting and valuable.
Cindy,
Honolulu, HI
From what was shown on the segment this morning, Tiffany was the definition of what it means to be a Christian. To love. I love that quote she always says...because that really defines what Christianity should be about! I know there are those Christians who judge with a critical eye, and for the most part, I can't change that. But what I can change is showing the world that there are Christians who just want to show love to people, and to make a change in someone's life by showing them the love of Christ. That's what Christ was about...he didn't come to earth to ignore the sinners, but instead loved them!
My sympathies go out to the family. May it be a blessing to them to know that she truly did live all the days of her life.
Let's continue Tiffany's outlook on life and really "change the world by loving on people".
I am also the victim and survivor of crime. My younger brother Jason was murdered in January 2006. He was only 28. It took some time for life to get back to anywhere near "normal", but it did. Time does heal...
I learned many things from my brother's death. I learned that life goes on in spite of loss and pain and fear, and that the best way to honor our loved ones who are no longer here is to remember them always and not be afraid to talk about them or remember their quirky ways. When I think of Jason now, I smile.
I found a way to honor my brother--I dedicated a percent of my royalties from one of my novels to 3 nonprofits who helped him before his death. And I met his friends and learned so much more about him.
That would be my hope for Tiffany's family--that they will find ways to keep her spirit alive and celebrate her life through her friends. Remembering keeps them alive forever.
Meredith, i think you did an absolutely wonderful job this morning with that interview, you handled it very gracefully.
Way to go Girl!
Meredith,
I too watched the segment but did it from outside on The Plaza. The intensity and heartfelt emotion you displayed during the piece was genuine. I will never forget this young lady or the look on your face as you shook your head in disbelief. True journalism with a very human touch.
Sandy,
Sarasota, Florida
This was a really sad story. Thanks for the coverage.
On a brighter note, I liked your previous post about Christmas memories. Although not as "seasoned" in life, I remember the same classic Christmas cartoons and that I could count on the same ones being played in order every year. Love the show.
WHY NO REGULARITY WITH THE BLOGS THE PAST MONTH?
My neighbor's young daughter was much like Tiffany. She was known to be extremely demonstrative with affection, which did not escape the notice of the pedophile who lured her into his grooming process. He said that she was quite willing to "show him some love". It's wonderful that Tiffany had such an affinity for people, but parents have to caution kids that people interpret gestures in different ways.
I'm so sorry for any tragedy, especially one that occurs so near the holidays. My thoughts are with Tiffany's family.
"Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives." I profoundly hope I made you laugh;)
P.S. Happy! 44th on the 30th Mer. Love Paul
Meredith,
The coverage was heart-felt and wonderful. I would love to see Jeanne Assam interviewed by you. There can't be enough said about her heroism.
Dear Meredith Vieira (who let me bend her ear with my âI Hit Girls and Run to prevent Birth Defectsâ sign on the first cold day last October.)
As another Dad I want to thank you for taking time to help bring Epilepsy to light and into more common conversation. The Today Show is as close as we can come to having a breakfast chat with America. I hope that you have some viewer and perhaps government response to the disproportion between this maladyâs prevalence and its research funding. This is particularly poignant in light of the 12,000+ returning Iraq War vets who have traumatic brain injuries.
Sincere thanks from a Dad in Knoxville
You know, I sometimes get nervous writing to English majors. However, my spelling skills have shown marked improvement since I began writing on the blog. As a result, I choose to look at the hourglass half full.
Hi Meredith,
All I can say is Why? Why? Why? It is so sad that this had to happen again. I send my sympathy to Tiffany's family and friends and to all of the others whose lives were taken.
To Geoff, get a life, if you don't like the way Meredith does her blog go somewhere else.
Love ya Meredith
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Mel,
The purpose of this blog entry was to honor the memory of a wonderful young woman. Your comments are highly inappropriate. Shame on you.
Just wanted to pass along the fact that a web site has been launched (as Tom mentioned in his interview with you, Meridith), which will aid future youth missionaries and their work, much as "Tiff" did - and will allow them to go on "...loving on people" like Tiffany. tiffanyjohnsonmemorialfund.com.