Shouting Out for Some Amazing People

I am not sure if there is an appropriate way to convey my deepest appreciation to some very special people  in our life so I'm just gonna do like the saying says and give a big Shout out to the special people below. Bill and I are have been truly blessed to be a part of of church here in Johnson City the last 3 years.  It did not take a major life event like our daughter's death to make us realize how special the leadership is at North Ridge Community Church (originally Springbrook and now we are at the West Market St. plant ) but it has made me all the more determined to support them and many others in prayer and help as I may because they have a great job but it can be a hard job many times.  Not only did the leadership at NRCC help us be strong, but many others were here just when we needed them. It was God's strength and mercy delivered via many people around us during the day of Feb. 27 2013 to now and beyond that has enabled us to make it through the hardest thing we have ever experienced.  Our only daughter, Carol Hensley Singletary, died suddenly from a fall into a glass display case in Gatlinburg TN on Feb 27, 2013.  She had married Cooper in Aug of 2012 and they were living a wonderful life together when she may have passed out from an undetermined medical condition that day.  We hope that no one has to ever endure such a tragedy but can only say with God as our anchor and so many wonderful family and friends.. we are still standing.  There is no way I can express my gratitude for the actions of many but want those I list below to know that your support, love and compassion will be a lightpost forever in my life.  I pray that I can be a similiar missionary to those who need such in the future.  From this time on, I will be thanking GOD for placing these people in our lives at this time.  And I will be asking GOD for special blessings on them as well as their families.  Their ministry of compassion, love and encouragement has helped us make it through this time.   Their support along with that from other communities in which our lives were invested created an overpouring of love that we have never seen before now.   I  would just like to say  a huge THANK YOU to  these people for their  selfless dedication to us during this life experience and for  their commitment to the communities they lead:

Jim Richmond-lead pastor at North Ridge Community Church (Springbrook Dr Johnson City TN)- Jim, you and your family have loved us and ministered to us and Cooper in so many ways the last 3 years.  Our girls have played basketball together, been on a mission trip together, and you all have loved us like you've known us much longer.   You counseled Carol & Cooper and then married them. You were not able to come to Sevierville the day of Carol's accident but had an amazing staff who did.  When I called you as we traveled home, you took my call even though you were in a leadership meeting with the deacons.  You and those men prayed for us as we made our way home to face a life without Carol.  Since that fateful day you visited us, advised us, and organized and spoke at the celebration and burial services for Carol.  Your love, compassion, and commitment to us as part of your congregation has been so uplifting to us.

The rest of the pastoral staff at NRCC--Johnny, Brad, Nathan, Jon,  Chris you guys are awesome. Some of you knew Carol well, and some of you just barely knew her, but you cried and laughed with us to help us keep hanging on to God's goodness.

Pete Tackett & wife Lori--Pastor at Antioch Church,  Johnson City where we attended until Carol was about 15.  At the same time of Carol's accident, Pete was  in middle TN with his mom who was having major surgery. But among his many communication talents and compassionate heart, he called a pastor friend in Sevierville who came and prayed for us in his stead.  I have seen Pete and Lori minister in amazing ways while as a youth pastor and now pastor.  Their family was especially gracious to allow some traveling friends to stay in their home.   Your hearts have always pointed to His in true service.  Thank you Pete and Lori,  and the many friends at Antioch, for loving us like crazy through this.

Mark Harrod and Trinity Baptist staff (Jonesboro)--our pastor friend from the church of my parents and sister's family.  Your support through this and other major family events has always been the most wonderful to know and experience. Thank you for loving and caring for us as well as dad, Karen, Joey & Steve!

And to Carol's school at home, TriCities Christian School--to all the teachers and staff, Carol's friends and their many family members...you were like a flock encircling their own to make sure we were ok.   All of your many examples of love and your stories of how Carol's life impacted yours has been a great source of comfort.

It was not long after we arrived at the hospital (100 miles from our home), that many caring folks arrived from home.  Some were in our small group from church-Jerry Day, Sal & Brenda Cicirello, Keith & Audrey Yelen,   Not far behind were these in leadership at North Ridge:   Johnny & Rachelle Byrd,  Jon & Priscilla Oakley, Chris & Kristen Miller, and Brad & Amber Olin.  Your selfless ministry to us was amazing.  Nothing better comes to mind that to say 'Thank you" over and over.  And know that I will be praying for you in the days ahead to continue strong in your ministry because I have experienced it first hand and can never fully express what it has meant to me and Bill  and our family.

To our friend Tammy Rowe, who is not officially on any staff but ours as eternal friend of the heart...thank you for being there in so many other situations, always a rock to pull us through and then give us refreshing love and encouragement.  Thank you for loving Carol like your own..how you got us to Sevierville safely and quickly I'll never know and hope to never have to do it again.  You are a blessing and your friendship is a treasure.  Words are not enough, but I hope you know....

And to everyone who sent a prayer or gave a hug ..called, emailed, texted, sent a note or just came to show your love...it was balm for the hurt. We are most blessed and pray God's will for all our lives will be made better by knowing and loving one of HIS finest, Carol Michelle Hensley Singletary.  So as you have read our story I hope you would do a favor for me?  Say a prayer of thanks and protection for your pastors and leaders in church or other closely associated groups you may be involved in.   They deal with so much more than we know about and I am sure they would appreciate your prayers and encouragement!
Much love from Carol's mom
Judy