Dear Mom,
It has almost been a year since you passed and we still miss you a lot. Vicki wants to come visit you in heaven.  She wants to see you again, and despite my best efforts and explanations I cannot heal her little heart.

Nor can I heal my own.  I still dream about you frequently.  I know you are free from all pain and suffering and experiencing elation and joy.  I wish I could have seen you experience more of that while you were here.  That's what I worked hard to do, but after everything you endured there was nothing on this earth that could bring you joy and peace.  God had to do it himself.

Those words are easy to say, but hard to swallow.  A year ago, I was strong, because I had to be, because I learned that world doesn't provide us with crutches.  It is a difficult place where we have to fend for ourselves.  Yet, in your fending for yourself, you remained meek, humble, patient, and kind.  You were Christ-like.  I can never emulate that behavior.  My heart is too hard.

However, there are several traits you possess that I strive to emulate daily.  Despite life's obstacles, you never gave up.  This is one of my earliest and fondest memories of you.  Not even at the end.  You fought when the odds were stacking against you.  I admire that drive.  So many other people just give up.  Perhaps that is why I push myself so hard to be perfect.  I say "if your mom could do what she did then  they are no excuses for you."  Truthfully, none have ever been made for me.

It has almost been a year without you, and now all of the depressed feelings are sprouting up in my mind.  I wish I could tell myself you are happy and dancing with Jesus.  I know this to be true, but here on earth things seem so grim.  Enjoy your peace and know that everyone here loves and misses you dearly.  You will never be forgotten.

Liz,
Granny and I did not get a chance to share many moments in your life but because of the love you showed Dante II and Victoria we will get a chance to experience a legacy of love. May you run through the streets of Heaven with joy.

21 March 2011

When a loved one goes to Heaven...
sometime you're not sure what to say to the Almighty.
You don't need to say anything.
         He knows.

Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home:
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

Praying for your strength.

I sure hated to see you move away, I thought I missed you then, now i feel it so much more in my heart. I am greatful for the wonderful memories of time shared with you, and so glad you had the chance to hold my girls. you are forever in our hearts, i know you are up there with a smileing watching your grandkids.

Dear Grandma,

I really miss you and I really want you to come to karate, because I like you being there with me and my brother and my mommy and my daddy.  

Love,

Victoria

Grandma,
I love you and I hope you have a good time in Heaven.  I wish you could see me in karate.  I will always remember you.

Liz,
I am blessed to have had you as a sister and a friend.I have always been inspired by how you maintained your hope and faith through so much adversity. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and bring you comfort. Until we are together again, I will hold you in my memories and will miss you.

Liz,
I remember when I married your big brother, you were a sweet little girl called Betty Jean.  Then you grew up and asked to be called Liz.  You married and had a sweet little girl of your own.  Now she is grown up and married to a fine young man, with two beautiful children.  They are your legacy to the world.  You persevered through many struggles and asked little for yourself.  You were always generous to others.  I still treasure the things you made for me.  Rest easy after a life well-lived and as a person well-loved.

Elizabeth thanks for the memories that we shared.  You sitting at the table beating the boys at cards I will never forget.  You will be missed!!!

It's nice to see the smile on her face.It is almost as big as the one she carried in her heart! GOD bless you, Liz.

I have many fond memories of Aunt Liz. She was a very special person and will be missed.
Love,
Yvonne

God tells us to walk by faith and not by sight.  That is exactly what you did.  Despite all of the obstacles and difficulties in life, you never lost hope in Jesus and faith in God.  Truly, this is what Christ wanted us to do.  I am so blessed to have you as a mother.  Your life is a living testament to God, and we have all been graced with the presence of an true angel here on this earth.  Its hard for us still in this world, but I know you are up in heaven dancing with the angels, eating at God's table, and walking the meadows hand and hand with Jesus.  I know your eternity will be much, much happier than anything this world could ever bring you.  Although I am distraught, I must keep the faith, the way you did.  You are truly a role model and a saint.  May you enjoy your eternal peace with God.

Liz,
In my mind you were much too young to leave this earth; but in my heart I know it was time for you to have some peace. You endured so many struggles in life. You were truly one of the strongest people I knew. You can rest peacefully now with all the loved ones that went ahead. Your legacy will live on through your daughter and dear grandchildren. Be at peace baby sister. We love and miss you.
Charlene

OBITUARY

Elizabeth "Liz" J. Merchant Carroll

17 September, 1955 – 12 March, 2011

Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home

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