From friends Raymond and Rev. Joan Charles at Bethel, AME, we are printing out this condolences for those who cannot access the link in his post:

To: Lorene, Carole and Family:

If Carole could write to you, we are sure this is what she would say:

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...

but first of all, to let you know that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

As you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.

God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.

But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;

but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...

that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,

then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,

knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,

just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,

remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author) ©Copyright 1998-2009

We leave you with these comforting words and may Carole RIP

Sorrowfully,

Raymond and Rev. Joan Charles

Sent via message app from the Rev Isaac Miller:

There's a passage from Romans, at the end of the 8th chapter: "I am convinced that there is nothing in life or death...in this world or the world to come that can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus".

The passage captured my attention years upon years ago, and I'm just understanding why. There is a Circle of Love by which we are supported and within which we offer love and support. Carole Cary was and is part of that Circle. Those whom we love but see no longer are part of that Cloud of Witnesses that we recall on All Saints. The Circle of God's Love is unbroken by death because it is the Easter Morning Love that goes beyond Death and sorrow, illness and fear. This unbroken circle of love is what we are all invited and called to in Jesus. It brings Joy and Peace in the midst of it all.

So sorry I could not ...be with you.

God bless and Peace

Isaac Miller