The Wichita community is reeling today from the senseless death of one of its truly unique and bright lights. Tanya Tandoc touched peoples lives through her amazing food, her music, and her dance. When she was around, the room lit up. Her murder leaves many, myself included, shocked, stunned and sad.
I am not one of her friends. I am a distant acquaintance. I have eaten at her restaurant, enjoyed her facebook posts and our interaction on social media and been awed by her belly dancing. Her energy and spirit were contagious.
I remember saying to her a couple of years ago, I HAVE to take one of your belly dancing classes. She, filled with laughter and light, said “Why not? You just gotta do it!” or something to that effect. I agreed, but of course, never signed up. I wanted to take one of her cooking classes, again I never signed up.
“Why?” you might ask. There always seemed too many obligations, meetings at church, meetings for other things. I couldn’t commit that much time. Now, it is no longer possible.
In an interview with Larry Hatteberg four years ago, Tanya said some profound things, not the least of which is “You don’t know how much time you get, so I try to pack as much in to the time that I have.” That video, which I share here, captures her spirit and life philosophy so well.
A man has been arrested and will be formally charged with her murder. My faith reminds me that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even this senseless act of violence. I trust that with time and with grace, forgiveness will be part of my being as well as that of others who loved Tanya more deeply than I. I do not presume to believe that this is the time. Cheap grace is not grace at all.
First is the howling depths of grief, anger that boils over and a sense of loss of someone so unique and unrepeatable. I know her memory will be a blessing and there will be laughter and light and love. I know there are other horrible things happening right now in the world, just as awful as this, but for those who have been touched by her life and light, at this moment, this grief is all there is.
May God’s grace surround those who are grieving and may in the memories, in the stories, and in the laughter and tears, there be healing and peace.
revcindylee 
Cindy- Thanks for your calming words. Bob & I went to her soup kitchen, and read about her, but did not know her personally. We feel terrible about her death, and worse about her murder. Take care
Helen & Bob
You are welcome Helen and Bob. It truly is an awful thing.
Sending positive energy to you, so many are needing it right now at this time. She impacted so many, she was truly a dynamic and impactful person who positively affected so many. The ripples of her energy will spread onward through all the people’s lives she touched.
thank you Chazzy. Many will lean into that positive energy you are sending. Her memory is and will be a blessing.
I’m over from the RevGals FB group. I’m so sorry for this loss in your life and in your community. My prayers are with you during this painful time and the time that is to come.
Thank you for your prayers for Wichita and myself. I do appreciate them.
My daughter and I began a tradition several years ago of attending one of Tanya’s cooking classes around Sam’s birthday. We always had the best time learning new techniques, recipes, eating the “bounty” and meeting others who joined the class. The last one we attended (last November), Tanya referred to me as “the freezer lady” because I love any kind of recipe I can make and freeze for later. Tanya always made our experience special and memorable, as did her staff. I guess this November (2015) Samantha and I will share a bowl of soup and a sandwich in memory of Tanya and all the joy and knowledge she brought to our lives.
Mary and Samantha Brown
Mary, thank you for sharing this. Tanya truly was a light and helped people connect through food. Blessing on you and your daughter.