In Loving Memory
Eulogy
By Dr. Kendall Griffith, MD
Here we are. Gathered in the house of God to honor one of his Angels, Dr. Tristia N. Knight. I believe, as you do that we worship a wonderful God. We worship an Omnipotent God. An Omnicient God. An Omnipresent God. He always was, always is and always will be. He is infinite and eternal.
As scientists, we are taught that energy can never be created nor destroyed. It always was, always is and always will be. It is within us and all around us. Could this be the manifestation of God himself? I do believe. Therefore, as a Christian, I see the presence of God all around us and especially today in his house. A God who created the universe. Created the fundamental laws of physics. Created the laws of Quantum mechanics and subatomic and atomic interactions, which have lead to the fundamental laws of Chemistry which have created the base molecules of our genetic blueprint, DNA. He created the codes that when sequenced, created life and his most loved creation, Man.
When he saw that we were deviating from his love, this masterful programmer humbled himself and then clothed himself in this same life form to teach us how we should live and how we should love. The boss himself came as the one we know as our savior, Jesus Christ. Sometimes, when the boss is busy he will send an assistant. I believe that he will sometimes send his Angels. He sent one of his most beautiful Angels to us. Trissy.
So, who was Tristia Newton Knight?
Trissy was a daughter-the first born of Michael and Kathy Newman. She was that baby girl that they had to run after and protect. She was full of energy, bright, loving, and tenacious in her efforts to achieve. This baby girl turned into a fierce defender of her parents’ health. No one could ask for a better advocate.
Michael, Kathy, the best of East Georgia Medical Center fought for your daughter. I need to acknowledge the efforts of Drs. Schwartz and Barker, Hospitalists, the cath lab staff, ER staff, and so many others. We fought for her as she would have fought for us. Michael, Kathy, we share your pain, but we will never truly know the depths of your sorrow. But know that we are all here for you.
Trissy was a sister. Ross, our deepest condolences. The love shared between you and your sister was palpable. Trissy was a colleague and a friend. Trissy was an amazing person and is an amazing soul.
I first met Trissy when my wife and I arrived in Statesboro August of 2017. My wife was blessed to be partnered with such a kind spirit, and such a hardworker. It was evident that she fervently lived her life as a reflection of God’s love. She showed kindness to all of her patients, her friends and colleagues. She was always willing to give of herself and give whatever she had to anyone in need. She always had a kind word to give when you were in distress.
In a crisis, she would cry with you. In celebration she would laugh with you. And when the work needed to be done she would roll up her sleeves, nose to the grind, and get it done. I was very impressed with this woman who would, after a long 12 hour work shift, stay and work on her dissertation for her Doctorate! She had a tenacity to succeed, but always showed it in such a kind manner. I was so excited and so humbled that someone of her stature and of her character wanted to join me in my Vision to care for those in need. What a catch! She immediately brought so much experience and most importantly brought a sense of family and love to our practice. She was so humble that I never heard her once say “I am Dr. Trissy Knight.” To everyone she was just Trissy. She treated every patient with such love and care. Not once did I ever hear anyone say something negative about her. Well, maybe once. A young girl came to see her as a patient and vintage Trissy told her in her usual soft voice, “Lovebug, you need to put on your big girl panties and suck it up!” Well, the patient, nor her relative were happy to hear that. Sometimes she told you the truth whether you were prepared to hear it or not.
Trissy was a loving wife. Kenneth, she loved you dearly. It was clear to me that her entire existence centered around the family that you and she created. I am so sorry for your loss. Most importantly, Trissy was a Mother. She constantly spoke about her Girls and wanted to always make sure that her girls were taken cared of. Molly, Amrey….your mother loved you dearly. You were the center of her world. Know this. You are not alone. You now have a new Uncle. As a matter of fact, I would dare say that you have a whole town of Aunts and uncles who will be there for you. Thank you for sharing your mom with the rest of us. As you can see, she touched a lot of lives.
Pablo Picasso said, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Trissy was truly an Angel on earth. She certainly found her gift and abundantly shared it with everyone she came in contact with. She is the most unselfish soul I have ever met. Even on her last day, Trissy came to the office to deliver food for the staff to have the next day. And in her darkest hour she was apologetic for inconveniencing everyone who cared for her. Her constant request was to “take care of my girls.”
Trissy left a legacy of Love and Family:
How do we honor that legacy? By having a forgiving heart. By being the best father we can be. The best mother, the best son. The best daughter, the best husband, the best wife, the best family, the best friend, the best colleague, And by circling the wagons around her most precious gifts, her daughters Molly and Amery. We all love you girls and you will never, ever be alone. I have no doubt where Trissy is. She is with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. How do I know this? In her final hours while we were fighting to save her, I heard this beautiful voice singing. It was Trissy! She was having praise and worship right there on the table. God reclaimed his Angel and now she is home with him. We have been taught that God is omnipresent. He is everywhere and Trissy is with him. And if she is with him then Trissy is with all of us who loved her. While she may no longer have the mechanics of a vocal cord to speak to us, if we listen with our spirit, that inner voice we will hear her laugh and feel her love.
When my wife’s mother passed she received a text from Trissy. She sent these scriptures:
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your god will be with you wherever you go.
And then she wrote:
“I know your heart is heavy. The verses may be superficial today but they will be of comfort throughout your grieving process. Praying you feel the mighty hand of God surround you and your pain this day and that you will receive progressive peace. I LOVE YOU.”