First and foremost, I want to personally thank everyone who was able to attend Carlton’s memorial and celebration of life, especially those who traveled across the country to honor him. I know he was smiling down on us all. I’m hopeful that much healing took place over the time that our family and friends were able to gather. We shared tears and laughter, remembering what an incredible man Carlton was. Also, thank you to all those who have sent or posted heartfelt messages and the many donations! Hearing from others, what I already knew about him has made my heart smile.

We were all so blessed to know this amazing man. The world lost a bright light. A man who always thought of others before himself, who always tried to do the right thing and before each and every meal prayed for all those less fortunate than we.

We had a wonderful life together. He was my best friend, my favorite travel partner, my chef, my voice of reason, my love, my everything.

Please let me say, to those of you that this has come as a shock, I am deeply sorry. He was a very private man, but above all, he didn’t want to burden anyone with the knowledge that he was sick. It was extremely hard for him to tell the few that he did. He also minimized the severity of what he was facing, to spare those who cared about him. Those he did tell, it was due, in large part by my encouragement. But as we all know, Carlton was going to do, what Carlton wanted to do. That man was So stubborn!

From the moment he was first diagnosed, he handled the news with strength and the most positive attitude I’ve ever seen. Never complaining, never asking why me? Never losing faith or hope and never looking back.

A man of faith, football and let’s not forget hoop! He often said cut him and he’d bleed Eagles green. Passionate and Proud of his roots in West Philadelphia and feeling blessed every day to be able to spend these years living in beautiful San Diego. We had some great adventures! We were able to take the most amazing trip to Italy and most recently, last October traveled to Spain. Somehow that man mustered up the strength to galavanter all over that beautiful country. We had the time of our lives and he ate more than I’ve ever seen him eat! After all, the Jamón was his motivation for going!

Proud … determined, kind, gracious, empathetic, he treated everyone as his equal. I watched him treat our waiters, and the hospital cleaning staff with the same respect he treated his heart surgeon and oncologist. Everywhere we went, he was the bright light that entered the room. He truly lived his life to the fullest.

He loved his boys and grandsons to the moon and back. He also cherished the friendships he formed over the year with all his heart. We will all miss his holiday messages, Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday,, etc. and his occasional “hey hey” messages. I wouldn’t be surprised if his spirit finds a way to get a message through, just keep looking for the signs.

Please know that he left this world with no regrets. He would want us to continue to celebrate his life, value the memories you have of him and honor him by living your life to the absolute fullest!!