8/18/2015
After an amazingly courageous battle with cancer, we lost Carrie late last week. She was home with hospice care for about 6 weeks, with me as the main caregiver, after her amazing comeback at UW Medical Center in mid-July. The support from every direction was remarkable. There was a constant stream of love pouring over Carrie in her last few weeks. Meals kept coming, and so did friends and family. I can't imagine how anyone could go about this alone; it's hard enough with a high level of support. There are many words of gratitude I need to share with so many of you, and I would much rather save those words for a face-to-face conversation, so I'll wait until then.
Astrid, June, and West have been getting along okay. Having lost my father at the age of 7, I remember how difficult it was, and continues to be, dealing with that loss. They have a strong support system moving forward, and will receive all the love and attention they deserve. They are amazing. They lift my spirits, and I strive to lift theirs. Each one of them share characteristics, physically and behaviorally, with Carrie; and in that I know they will survive. They are so well balanced, practical, smart, funny, talented, and strikingly beautiful, just like their mother.
I can't believe she is gone. She is no longer suffering. She'll be one with the Earth again, just like she wished.
I'm so sorry for all of you who didn't know Carrie. Shit, she was the coolest, smartest, kindest, and most thoughtful person I ever met. I loved her from the first time I saw her, and will love her until the day I join her. I'll remember what she told me about raising our children, and her desires for them. She'll always be here in my heart and mind. She taught me so much. So much.
I am so sorry for Paul and Kyle, Carrie's parents, and the rest of her family. They lost something really special, but gained 37 years of joy along the way. What a gift it has been to be a part of the family. I may have lost my Father in 1984, but I gained a Father and a beautiful Mother on December 28, 2002, along with the extended family. I love all of you, and the ones we have lost along the way. I learned something from each and every one of you.
Carrie lit up any room she walked into. She'd kick me in the shin for saying this, but she was the party; she was all that was happening when she was around. She was something special. Everyone I talk to tells me something they either learned from Carrie, or advice they'd taken from her. She was wise beyond her years, she was compassionate and empathetic, and she could party and/or drop the perfect joke at the drop of a dime.
Carrie set the world on fire with her determination, frankness, and grit; and she'd be happy to know that we live by her example; never take the moment for granted; always ask questions; and never take shit from anyone. This is your life.
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| Carrie at the Engle Wedding, July 2010 |
9 comments:
I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm thinking of you all.
I have only heard about your family and Carrie's battle from an acquaintance of mine but followed your journey, prayed and thought of you all every day. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you, your beautiful children and all that loss Carrie.
I'm so sorry, Breck. I pray that the wonderful memories you have with Carrie will sustain you during this difficult time. I'm glad that you and your children have the support of so many. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Brother, I am truly sorry. We love you.
Dougy
Once again I am at a loss for what to say...but am hopeful that Carrie's life, and the time you and your children, family and friends all had with her, will be remembered for the gift it obviously was. So very, very sorry Breck.
While the words haven't come to me right away, please know that you, Carrie and your beautiful children have been on my mind and in my prayers so much...my heart aches for your loss. I'm so, so sorry. Your words, Breck...stopped me in my tracks. I've read them again and again. I don't know how to let you know just what an impact that Carrie, the person she was, her fierce fight, and your equally fierce love for her and your family, have had on not only me, but countless others. It doesn't mean that every day will be full of sunshine, but it means that I won't take a day for granted...ever. Our time is limited and uncertain, and Carrie taught everyone so much about fighting & embracing every day we're given, living authentically, and not wasting time with bullshit. No one has time for that. Sending so much love to you and the kids.
Really nice Breck, well said. You are a great dad, husband, friend. And very thoughtful and articulate. We love you.
Breck,
I have thought of you and your family so many times lately. I only met Carrie once, but I know what she meant to you. Reach out if there is anything you need.
Lori Lynass
Breck, Our hearts go out to you and your family and friends. I've watched Carrie's journey from the sidelines, always amazed, touched, and inspired by her courage, positive attitude, and grit - perfect word. What an incredible role model for your beautiful children, as are you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute and so many dispatches over this long journey--I'm so so sorry for your loss of such an amazing friend, wife, and mom.
Love, Kitty (Rasmussen) Craig
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