I spent two days witnessing love and friendship poured back upon a family mourning a husband, father, son, brother, uncle.

A whole community grieved over the loss of one man, joined by family and friends who had traveled thousands of miles to pay their respects, impressing upon me visually what an amazing difference one man can make in the lives of so many by living life to the fullest, believing the impossible is do-able, and just being a friend.

(Imagine the difference in the world if we all did the same.)

Love of family, love of community, love of the life we're given – I think that's what Carl would want all of us to remember.

I won't forget.

 

Life is to be fortified by many friendships.
To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.

~Sydney Smith

 

DSC_0126 (Medium)
DSC_0161 (Medium)

DSC_0148 (Medium)
DSC_0151 (Medium)

 

In the darkest of times, laughter helps revolutionize our perspective.

~ Phil Callaway

 

DSC_0160 (Medium)
DSC_0183 (Medium)
DSC_0190 (Medium)
DSC_0191 (Medium)

DSC_0175 (Medium)

a few of Carl's Eagle Scouts (all grown up) and fellow leaders…

DSC_0165 (Medium)
DSC_0168 (Medium)

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:7-8

…especially with the support of friends.  Please continue to keep Carl's family in your prayers. 

 

The following video of the Missing Man formation was recorded by one of Carl's Eagle Scouts. The video below it features the lone bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" on the runway…

 

 

Posted in , , , , , ,

6 responses to “Saying thank you … and goodbye.”

  1. Jillsy Girl Avatar

    What a lovely tribute, Barbara.

    Like

  2. Suldog Avatar

    Wow. I can’t ever see something like that and NOT get a tear in my eye. God bless.

    Like

  3. Hilary Avatar

    A beautiful but heart wrenching tribute. Hugs to you.

    Like

  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar
  5. Juana Avatar

    How touching this tribute to a dear friend…I can see how much this great man is going to be missed!
    hugs

    Like

  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, he will be greatly missed – but always a part of our lives, too. Thank you! Now get off the computer and enjoy this time with your husband!! 🙂

    Like

Leave a reply to Jillsy Girl Cancel reply