There are no appropriate words that can match my feelings of sadness and despair about Carrie's sudden illness and passing. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that she is gone. It doesn’t seem real, but I know that it is, because I read about it and I am writing about it for the first time. I know my feelings cannot compare to the way this loss must feel to Carrie’s family, her closest friends, and her students that were part of her everyday life. But my heart is especially heavy for the two loves of her life, Ben and Pres.
This is one of those terrible, senseless losses that makes me question the meaning of life and feel more uncertain about the future. It takes away my false sense of security along with the misbelief that we all have more time than we actually do. I miss her so much I could burst! All I feel like doing is crying and hiding under the covers until I wake up from this bad dream. But, Carrie won’t let me, thanks to Laura’s perfect phrase “Carrie on”. This phrase is in my head now, too, and the words softly speak to me in Carrie’s sweet voice.
Of the many people I have known so far in my life, Carrie was (and always will be) one of my all-time favorites. We met many years ago through our mutual friend Roberta, and we lived together during some of her time in Chicago. We often referred to ourselves as "Lucy and Ethel". (The older generations may smile and understand what that means). Carrie’s adventurous spirit, quick wit, contagious laugh, and hilarious sense of humor were a dangerous combination, especially when she met me. I was a willing companion, and together, we were prepared to embarrass ourselves (and/or get into a bit of trouble) if it guaranteed us a higher rating on the “fun meter.” And when the three of us got together, we had more fun than most.
We tried to keep in touch when Carrie moved, but it was difficult to remain as close as we once were. Several months ago, we renewed our friendship vows and Carrie asked me to be her "wedding date". We were excited to launch "Lucy and Ethel-Part Two". We laughed and discussed all of the potential practical jokes we could play at the retirement community where we would end up living as roommates once again.
My friend Carrie was fun, beautiful, creative and talented. Her strength, her unwavering faith, her thoughtful compassion and selfless generosity made Carrie and our friendship a special gift I will always treasure. I can honestly say, she will be part of my heart forever.
I did some research about the meaning of Carrie’s name. There were many different answers that appeared on various sites. A few of the meanings were: Carrie means Free; Carrie means Song or Melody; Qualities -Compassionate, Idealistic Several were appropriate, but the one I liked best comes from Urbandictionary.com. TOP DEFINITION:
Carrie - “She's an independent woman who is always willing to try new things. She's very open minded and adventurous. Very beautiful but doesn't realize it and probably won't believe you when you tell her. She's stubborn like that. Fun to hang out with and easy to get along with. She usually doesn't like conflict and tries her best to avoid it. However, she'll always be the first one willing to defend her friends and family under any circumstance. She is very protective of them. She is very picky when it comes to who she chooses to be friends with, but she is extremely loving and fiercely loyal to those she finds worthy. Be grateful if you have a Carrie in your life. You'll never find another like her…”
I will always love and miss you, Ethel.
With all my heart,
Lucy
(Sheri Basile)