Everyone should have a Carol

I didn’t have a village growing up. At least I didn’t know I did (looking back, I totally did, but that's for another post). But I what I did have was pretty awesome. I had Carols. Two of them actually. Yes, both of my mother’s best friends were named Carol. They all worked at our church so they were my “church moms.”

Between them there were 5 kids although my oldest brother was off to college in most of my earliest memories. At any rate, we were all brothers and sisters. Stair-step children in age. Therefore, we were a brood, a pack of cubs. And these three women were our lionesses. They were relentless in their collective mothering. Unshakable in their faith and love for Jesus. They were legendary (at least to me) for their wit and charm. But in the church office, they were a force of nature.

I loved watching them scheme and laugh together. Talk about #squadgoals

As we offspring grew and fled the sanctified nest, our mothers relationships changed. Life happened. And yet, even these years later I know without a doubt I could call either Carol if I needed something. A few years ago my grandmother, my mother’s mother, passed away. Wouldn’t you know, one of the Carols drove the more than seven hours to be at the funeral just so she could hug my neck and support my mom. "I love you Amethyst. Now take a picture and sit in front of me so I look thinner" Yup, that's Carol. Making me laugh and pose even when crying. (For the record I had her permission to post this picture the first time, so I feel pretty safe in posting it now )

I’m 34 now. I have two daughters of my own and my heart breaks that they will never have the pleasure of knowing how warm one Carol’s hugs were or how perfectly she sang “In the presence of Jehovah.” Tonight I am sad to say they will never know this Carol of mine for tonight she sings for Jehovah from the heavenly chorus.

“Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He…” rings in my memories in her velvet soprano vibrato calling me to take heart one more time. She is where she has longed to be. She is at the feet of her King.

The hope that soothes my sorrow is that my children do have sassy, talented, Godly women in their lives who will be there when I can’t. I pray yours will as well. For deep in my heart I believe, every child should have a Carol.