In Memoriam

Frances Loftiss Carroll, the writer of this blog, died unexpectedly the morning of December 23, 2008, in a single-vehicle car accident. I could tell you that she was 67 years old, but that wouldn't really tell you anything about her.

She was a the much-beloved mother to the two of us. She set the example for us in love, in giving without expecting return, and in enjoying the simple pleasures of God's creation.

She was "Nana" to three little girls who loved her so very much. They loved playing with her, laughing with her, and just spending time with her.

Mainly, she just hoped that she could show others the love of God. I hope she did that for you in the words of this blog.

Let me share one childhood memory. But it's not my memory. It's the memory of a classmate of mine, a little girl named Debbie. Debbie was in my Brownie troop. Mom was our leader. Debbie had a really hard life, and Mom always felt for her.

I recently became reacquainted with the adult Debbie. She's doing great now -- a mom who's seeking her college degree. She wrote this to me:

"I also remember your mother and how wonderful she was with all the troop activities. I so admired you for having such a wonderful and involved mother. Don't ever take her abilities for granted or let a day pass that you don't tell her how much you love her and how thankful that she was so dedicated to you."

Thankfully, I made sure to pass Debbie's kind words along to Mom. Mom really appreciated those words and made a comment along the lines that memories like that were what really mattered.

So, please take some time tonight, to remember Mom, and remember all of us, too. I don't know what we're going to do without her love.

May the peace of Christ be yours,
Mary Ann

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