In Memory of Carole

There is a picture frame in the room you took me to yesterday, Steve, the room where the rugs that Carole had made were hanging on the walls.  The picture frame of which I’m speaking says, “Three generations….Children are born, traditions are passed, the love continues on.”

It is hard to fathom that Carole, who had suffered from health problems for so long and fought them with her positive attitude to the very end of her life, is no longer physically with us.  Yet, I have a feeling that she left us a message in that picture frame.  It was a message that defined her life.  Her greatest joy was her family.  She always took great care of you, Michelle and Michael when you were growing up, helping out with your extra-curricular activities as well,  and when you had your own families, she worked very hard to follow all of your children’s activities in school and on the playing field. In effect, the message she left you is that love continues on.

It’s not surprising that the first word used to describe Carole was “KIND” when I asked what word defined her best. Lately, people are not used to others being kind, and they themselves have to be reminded to “choose kind.”  Yet for Carole being kind was just part of her nature.  She believed that her children and grandchildren made the world a softer, kinder place.  You all saw it the other way around.  She was the one who made your worlds softer and kinder.  I know you will always harbor pleasant memories of the overnights with grandma, making fairy gardens together, and baking special holiday treats with her.

Steve, I hadn’t realized that you and Carole had known each other since you were 18 and she was 16. Your love for one another was not only long, it was also deep.  Not every spouse continues to be supportive of a loved one who faces long-term health problems.  You helped her find comfort in your new surrounds when you moved from Gertie Avenue and you ensured that she could remain engaged in the activities that brought meaning to her life.

As the days pass, I hope and pray that you all will relish the fond memories that you have about Carole.  If you continue to gather for the Jewish holidays that meant so much to her, I know you will feel her presence. By keeping your strong family relationships intact, you will be honoring the values she held so dearly.  Death can sever our physical relationships with our loved ones but it does not change the love we feel in our hearts.  I know you are all grateful for the times you had with Carole and I hope and pray that the days ahead will bring you comfort as you continue to sense the blessings she added to your lives.

Amen