I have many amazing memories of Mom, but one that has transformed my life was when my Mom gave me a book called: " Do what you love and the money will follow." I, of course, took her advice and followed my dream of becoming a teacher...and I am truly doing what I love and true to her recommendations, the money has followed. Another memory that I hold close to my heart is when my Mom and Dad showed up in Battle Ground on a Saturday evening, 1981 to support me in a wrestling tournament I went on to win. I had amazingly supportive parents and I always appreciate what they have done for me in developing me into a positive contributor to the world. God Bless my Mom and Dad, as they are united in the heavens!

My Aunt Carol ,she was a caregiver for my Uncle Mike.She was a bestfriend to my mom!She called everyday to check in.She enjoyed life!Loved that about her.So glad I was apart of her life!!Going to miss you.You were a special woman.Rest in peace.

When I started high school wrestling, it was with a lot of promise. I’d had a successful junior high campaign and I’d wrestled a lot more than the average kid. However, for me, I had to pretty much wrestle alone. My mother had her issues and couldn’t go to my wrestling matches, so I was somewhat orphaned. Over the first year, I gravitated toward the best wrestlers in the league, I was going to be like them. One of those wrestlers had a family who went to every meet, and when we wrestled his school at our gym, they came.
During my sophomore year, I made it to the state finals, and the state tournament was held at that wrestler’s school, although he’d graduated, he had a little brother, a freshman, I’d come to know. Because our league was represented in the state finals, and because wrestling is one of those sports were you root for kids you know, I gained a following from the parents of wrestlers in our league, I gained the parents of that wrestler as a friend of mine.
Those parents were parents to wrestlers from Tumwater high school and I would come to know them well over the four years of high school, always there cheering for me. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish, and the kids of that household, became my friends. Anyone who knew Mrs. Parrish, recognized her voice in the stands, a giddy sound, filled with hope and excitement.
Because of my relationship with their son Mark and their daughter Colleen, I would meet up with her in more than sports and long after high school was over. I saw Mrs. Parrish when Mark and I wrestled a few times in our twenties, and then again over the last few years when she vacationed down in Palm Springs, and to the very end, she never lost that exuberance in her voice.
I was saddened and shocked at the brevity of her illness and how quickly she passed. I can’t help but draw back to my days as a kid, living out the youth of my life, recalling not just her but myriad memories of a time I can’t get back, and with it, the loss of a wonderful time. Mrs. Parrish made my journey a better one, a parent from another school who treated me as one of her own. I would see Mr. and Mrs. Parrish at every regional and state tournament until my high school days ended. I often sat with them during our tournaments. I’d been to their home, even trusted to take their daughter out. In all, they treated me fairly, and with it, made me feel as though I belonged.
May you rest in peace Mrs. Parrish.

After many years away, I came home and needed a place for me and my daughter, Rosemary, to live, my mother said my cousin managed Narrows Points apartment complex. I stopped by the apartment office and knew the minute I saw her, she was Carol, my cousin. She looked so much like my mother. I told her who I was and she came around the counter and gave me a big hug.

I admired her agility. She was always out and about. She always told me about her adventures. I told one time I hope I can be just as active as she is when I get her age. 

She always smiled and laughed, when we got together. I miss my friend, my cousin. I will always admire her and remember her in my heart.

My Mom was the women every woman wants to be. Loved and admired by so many, I can’t count the number of times family and friends approached me from my youth to this day, with a story of how much joy and acceptance Mom brought to their life. That was my mom. If you had a problem, she had a solution, if you shared a joy, she was there to celebrate. If all you needed was the warmth of a beautiful smile, she always shared that too. The memory of her smile will be what lifts me as I continue my journey. Rest in Peace, Mom!

While I did not have the opportunity to meet you in person, I have the pleasure of having your daughter Colleen in my life. She is one of the most beautiful women - both inside and out that I have ever met. As you are in heaven, know that you left a wonderful blessing in this world and she makes it a better place every day. As a mother, I can't think of a better accomplishment!!! May God give His peace to you all during this difficult time.

Shared by Camille Reynolds on 01/18/2015

I met Carol 8 yrs ago when she came to work with me at Narrows Pointe Apts.
I remember the first profound thing she said to me.  I was collecting rent and doing 3 day notices and was very stressed. And she said to me "What can I do", and I thought to myself no one has ever asked me that. And from then on I tried to carry it forward.  


Her and I had alot in common. We both love to host and value our freindships. 


I could call her anytime and vent, tell her my troubles and she never judged or gave opinion, she would simply say, "whatever you decide I support you ", I dont know who I will call now. I miss her already so much, she was my friend, sister, and like a mom.She always said you need 3 things, someone to love, something to look forward too and I forget the last one right now, but the family knows, lol. Love to you all.  Thank you Parrish family for letting me be part of your lives. Truly blessed.