IN MEMORIUM

The following poem was read at Carl’s memorial service.

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me
From his great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity,
And all I’ve promised you,”
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day’s the same way,
There’s no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true,
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you’re free,
So won’t you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.
(Author Unknown)
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The following statements were written by various family members and also read at the service.

“Carl would want us to spend our grieving time with happy memories; memories of things he did that were funny, silly things he would say, or crazy situations he would get himself into. Carl and our sister Sondra’s lives were both cut short, but the short lives they did live were filled with more joy and laughter than many people who would live to be 100 years old.

When Carl was young Dad called him, ‘Captain of the Clouds.’ He is now truly ‘Captain of the Clouds.’ His great smile, the sound of his laughter, and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed.”
Donna
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“Carl was always my ‘Big Brother.’ I always looked up to him. He was the first to get the car; first to get a job; and first to begin dating. As the younger brother, there were times that I was envious of the time Carl spent with Dad, but as a father, I now realize how special every moment is that we are able to spend with our children.

My wife Molly’s first memory of Carl was the day of our wedding when we picked him up at the airport. Carl was the first person from the Bailey family to meet Molly. Before I could finish introducing them, Carl opened up his arms and said, ‘Welcome to the Bailey family!’ He always had a way of making people feel comfortable. Thoughts of him will be with us always.”
Don
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“One of the best times I can remember about Dad is when we went to play golf together. He always loved golf and he would take the time to teach me the fundamentals of the game. He was always patient with me and pretty soon I was becoming quite a challenge. Those were the greatest moments we had together.”
Jonathan
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“It was so easy to be around Carl. He could walk up to a total stranger and return with some intimate detail of that person’s life. Before we knew each other well, Carl and I would have discussions only friends would dare.

Carl and I enjoyed being together even after 17-½ years of marriage. He knew how to make me laugh, and he knew how to make me cry, but we still wanted to work together. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity twice.

Carl, you touched me with you heart.
You were not just my husband, you were my best friend.
I will never forget you.”
Debbie