It is my honor to pay tribute to my dear friend Ms Carolyn Wright or as I would call her Wrighty. We met as colleagues at the Lewis Yard Primary School in 2001. Although I wish I was giving this tribute at her birthday party or even her retirement party instead I am writing this tribute, being here never-the-less reminds us all that live isn’t fair but GOD IS JUST.
Carolyn was a loyal colleague to some, a special friend to many, a dedicated teacher to all her students, and a committed mom to her boys. Today I honor my dear friend..
“How does one pay tribute to a champion like Carolyn Wright” is the question I will attempt to answer:
Remembering her enthusiasm for teaching: “Carolyn did not just teach; she found a way to incorporate her love and gusto into her lessons. Music as most of you know was a big part of her life, not just music but reggae music, she would have the introductions to her lessons where every child and even some of her fellow peers were captivated, I remember this introduction where she had the class doing the Usain Bolt victory dance, of course she was leading it and enjoying it as much as the class.
Carolyn and I would share so many stories about our children. Oh, how she loved her boys Cheddi and Kimani. Yes, she really loved her sons, seeing Cheddi graduate from college was the highlight of her life; only to surpass by the marriage of Kimani and then to top that the birth of her granddaughter whom was named after her “Carolyn”. Her eyes would light up when they hit a milestone, she was so proud of them.
Sometime in 2018 she fell ill but she was determined to beat it, she became more focus on Jesus. Carolyn was excited about doing things for the Lord. Doing the welcome at church some Sundays was a big thing for her and she looked forward to doing it.
I remember Carolyn invited me to a mother day celebration at her church, of course I agreed, the next thing I knew she was dragging me there the day before to set up the tables because she wanted to win the “best dress table competition”. Yes, that was Carolyn, very competitive.
On a personal note, while at work one day, I received some devastating news that “my mother” had passed, of course I could no longer hold it together. Who was the first person to my aid? you guess it…Carolyn and instead of Carolyn comforting me she was crying harder and perhaps even louder than me. She showed compassion where compassion was needed. Days after I said “ Wrighty you were supposed to comforting me but you were crying louder than me” she, said “Princey girl with a hearty laughter you know how we go.”
When I think of her uncompromising love for what she did. Even the very best of words, cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss that I feel.
“How does one express the amazing essence and spirit of a champion like Carolyn Wright”
Well, they just can’t, she cannot be described in a few words or fit into anyone’s box… never the less we will all have tried.
Words like Hard-working, Unique, and Dedicated…will perhaps suffice
Carolyn, Hottie Hottie Girl, Diva , Sista Bags and Glam Mama we’ll remember you and the many ways you impacted the lives of those you encountered.
And today I grieve for you, and cry for you and even smile because of you…
And in all the tomorrows I feel you – gone in some ways, but you will forever live in the many lives of those you have affected.
Ps 115:16 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints