Thursday, October 19, 2023
Where do I even begin to express the proper words about my best friend, my soul sister and Bella's Godmother. Carol was the most loyal, compassionate, trustworthy, empathetic, and kindest woman that I had the pleasure of meeting in 1999 when she began working at Mercedes-Benz with me. I was going to lunch with another co-worker the day she began her job and I figured I'd be nice and ask her to join us and she graciously agreed. We went to Paul's diner down the road, had some laughs and returned to work. At the end of the day Carol was waiting for me to leave just to say thank you for inviting her to lunch. We walked out to our cars and went our separate ways.
The next day at lunch Carol asked if I had plans and I said I was actually going wasn't going out and she said, "ok, I wanted to invite you to lunch today, so I said sure." We went to back to Paul's diner and that became our lunch spot everyday together. I enjoyed her company with her warm ways I knew at that point she was going to be a big part of my life. Didn't know why or how. I believe it only took us a short period of time to become the best of friends/soul sisters. At that time, we began calling ourselves Lucy and Ethel because we would always do crazy things together.
We had many, many of those moments together. When I was pregnant, my doctor told me that a belly bra would hep me because I went from 100 to 160lbs, I was so uncomfortable so we went to a pharmacy because we called so many places that was the only one who carried it. We go into the store, I ask the sales person if the had one. She brings me one in a box. I said do you have a dressing room that I could try it on. She replied, "well we have a broom closet." Carol and I looked at each other and burst out laughing but we went in the closet anyway. We get in the broom closet, it's dark and with many brooms. I tried putting it on and Carol was helping me and at ne point Carol bumped into me and I fell into the brooms and her and I just burst out laughing so loud I'm sure the customers in the store could hear us. We put the item back in the box and put it on a shelf and walked out laughing hysterically. We had so many of those moments together and I will cherish all of our Lucy & Ethel moments.
Obviously we spent everyday together at work, but then we would talk later in the evening everyday.
When my father passed away Carol was right by my side and helped me everyday to try to get out of my depression. When Carol's mom passed away we went to the hospital to say our goodbyes to Isabelle and to support Carol and her family. Known fact, my daughter, Izabella, is named after Carol's mom. That is how close we were in life. And that is why the only obvious choice for my daughter's Godmother was Carol and ONLY Carol.
When my daughter was born in 2005 Carol was the first person to come see her in the hospital at 8am. She sat in the chair in my room waiting for the nurse to bring Bella into my room. As soon as she came in, Carol grabbed her before I could even see her and just held her so tenderly and told her she was going to do amazing things in this world. I will never forget those words she said to Bella. She loved her like her own and treated her that way. She spent to much time with her and attending every performance she did, whether it be dance, cheerleading, school plays, etc. Bella danced for 10 years and Carol attended every one of her recitals. Bella always wanted Auntie Carol around and even if Carol just needed a break she would never disappoint Bella.
I'll never forget Carol calling me at my job and asking me if she could come talk to me. She got me scared but I said come right away. She came into my office and was crying and explained to me that for the last month she was always dizzy and not able to catch her balance. She actually fell down her basement stairs. We both cried and I just hugged her and told her it was going to be alright. I asked her if she told Peter and she said no. I told her when she got home to tell him right away. Right before Carol was diagnosed with the C word, We all went to Lake George for vacation together. It was the most special time in my life as I think back now because that would be the last time we would have times like that.
During her whole diagnose and her treatments she never lost hope and always promised me she would fight this til the end. She was so amazing through it all and I would always tell her how proud I was of her to be strong and for her to never give up. And I was and still am. She was a warrior through it all. Not to mention if it wasn't for Peter, she wouldn't have gotten to 5 years because he was her knight in shining armor who devoted these past 5 years to making her life better for her.
To end my writing, I would like everyone to know what an amazing best friend/soul sister, my Ethel and Godmother Carol was to myself and Bella. I thought Carol was going to be by my side for many years to come. We were supposed to grow old together. Bella wanted Carol to walk her down the aisle with me on the other side. Our worlds have not been the same since her passing and this has been a horrible loss to us. This is one loss, and I've had many, that will take me a lifetime to get over.
Carol always know no-one will not or could not ever take your place in my life. Remember, we will meet again my beautiful, caring, wonderful and such amazing friend. I will always remember your infectious laugh which warmed my heart all the time. You touched my heart & soul like you'll never know.
Love you always and forever,
Tracey/Lucy
