For Carla, wherever, whenever…..

I thought about Carla much more often than she would have known, almost on a daily basis for the last few months. Not because she was sick, but actually on a much more positive level. I would think of her whenever the song posted below was played…it’s on a music mix that we’ve been playing almost daily in our house since Christmas.

And I would think of her, instinctively, every time the verse- “We’re just one big family…..” – would sing out. She seemed, for me, to live the spirit of the song, and so her spirit was/is constantly invoked whenever I hear the song.

The verse made think of the meaning of family, and I would always then think of how great Carla was in becoming part of our family. Yeah, she married my sister’s ex-husband, but who cares about labels — it’s what a person brings to the table….Carla always brought love to the table, sincerity, laughs, good times, and she appreciated everyone.

The Christmas dinner when she lifted the wig she was wearing during her chemo – and gave my kids a shocker with her bald head – will always be memorable. The ability to laugh when times are tough, and laugh at your own troubles…that’s a gift, a blessing, for you and everyone around you….Carla was a blessing, always.

So, her spirit touches me every time I hear this song and that verse; and, her spirit made me grow, made me a better person, and continues to make me more aware of the whole world…just one big family…

She was too young to go so soon, and she was also young at heart – which makes it harder. Some people grow old fast, get cynical, get crusty, but Carla was young at heart…probably a good thing for her next journey.

Below is the song with the verse in it that always brought her to mind, and it will stay that way…evoking the same feeling of joy and determination it always has….

For Carla, and for all the love you brought, especially to Will and the kids – Conor & Kate