Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Tribute to Carl
To family, friends, and neighbors of Carl, It is my wish to remember, honor and celebrate Carl’s life with these snippets from across 25 years.
Carl, you were one of the kindest, gentlest souls I have ever met… Ferociously independent and always caring, and always vigilant.
Friday evenings were the highlight of your week… the appreciation of 3 festive drinks. You would go to meet your good friends, Allen and Jim, always referring to them as your, “good buddies.” You three were a powerful trio and a true testimony to the strength of true friendship.
.
Connie, your right side neighbor, would always bring you her highly-prized Sunday and holiday meals. You loved getting her meals. Connie, in later years when you were no longer able to mow your lawn, kept your lawn so beautiful.
David and Lisa, your across the street neighbors, always watched over your house, lovingly debated with you about whose trash cans were whose. David and Lisa and I pushed your car out of a snow drift on the street one icy, blizzard day. You ruined a set of tires, but you were set free and made your destination.
Carl you so loved your large screen television and were devastated when it failed to work and thrilled when my friend Joe was able to fix it.
You loved your elephant ears plant that you tended to every spring and fall. These were magnificent! They were planted each year at your back deck.
For 25 years Carl watched over me and my young daughters. You were a guardian for our safety.
You came over immediately to watch my girls the night I received a call from the hospital letting me know my mother had died. You came to my mom’s funeral in Dayton to support me and my family.
You loved Chicken McNuggets. You loved your matchbox collection. Your black velvet JFK picture hanging above your bed.
You diligently took care of a unruly, stringy philodendrium for years and it only died when I tried to repot it. You did not get angry with me.
You made a mean chili macaroni dish, a recipe I never was able to duplicate.
You loved Western and Classic movies.
For so many years you would drive your red car tirelessly to work each day. You drove to Hamilton, Ohio, where you did banker’s work.
Every Sunday morning for years you would get dressed up and go to church. You were so handsome in your church clothes.
For over 10 years we shared The Cincinnati Enquirer Sunday Edition.
You kept your car exceptionally clean. Always out of the elements.
It was always comforting to see your kitchen light on. It was on every morning and it was on late into the night. Your neighbor, Connie could see it from her side and I, from mine. I still look for the light in your kitchen window from across the way. I don’t see the light in the window anymore. I just keep looking for it. But, I know that the light that was comforting to us is the light that remains in all of us that you have touched.
We will miss you Carl…
