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| Carol at the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge Jan 2013 a month before she died. |
I recently finished writing a book about my daughter, Carol Hensley Singletary, and have been in the unofficial mode of editing, revising, crying, and laughing as I go. As you may have heard me state much of the book " Carol's Smile, The Life and Legacy of Carol Hensley Singletary" (self published through Xulon Press) is input from her family, friends, and even a few short-term acquaintances.
I thought I would share some of recent conversation with a young friend of Carol's who now lives in 'out west'. She knew Carol briefly when she attended Antioch Baptist at the same time when they were both in the youth group She told me how Carol always made her feel "included" and not an outsider . This young lady mentioned to me that she didn't know Carol real well and they only hung out a few times along with Andrea or Jordyn. But she told me "last time I visited back in April I actually went with my dad and we visited Carol at the cemetery. I brought her a couple of flowers and sat there just sort of talking to her and praying for you all. It meant alot to me to be able to be there, especially since I couldn't make it home for her funeral. I guess the reason I am messaging you is just to let you know, and i'm sure you've heard this a million times, but I am so deeply sorry that this happened. Carol was such a beautiful person and I just hope that with time things will get a little bit easier. I am always keeping you all in my prayers."
I was impressed by her honest and sweet spirit. I replied to her: Isn't it crazy how you feel out at the cemetery and standing there and you talk and feel like she really might hear? I don't go there often. I went a couple of weeks ago when i finished the manuscript of the book. I told her i hoped that i did her justice through the book. And i have been thru the 'why her. Why not me? And even the 'it is just not fair'. And in my quietness to try and hear..
She spoke of her emotions at the cemetery: "being there and talking to her, I expected to feel very sad but I got this overwhelming sense of peacefulness almost. I, and im sure you do as well, believe Carol is very happy where she is. She is with God and could not be safer. And i'm sure she is so proud that you're her mother. "
Wow I was again struck by how Carol's spirit makes people feel such a peace. I asked if she had seen the video of Carol's Celebration of life and she said " yes I actually watched it the day it was posted. It was absolutely beautiful. It brings so much joy to my heart to see how many people loved her and were there for her. And i've been praying so hard for Cooper as well. You are all so strong and so blessed to have eachother, especially during this hard time.
"Thank you!" to Carol's sweet young friend for this note to me . It came at just the right time --when I needed a little pep talk. I am not sure she knew it was that to me but it made me very happy. I told her the next time she is back home to give me a call so we can chat some more. I am sure there is a funny Carol story or two that she can share and we will laugh and smile and be thanksul that her legacy lives in many hearts and in many ways!
Judy
aka "Carol's mom"
Nov 25 2014
