Remembering Carol

 

"One of the most beautiful qualities of true 
friendship is to understand and to be understood".

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Many years ago I worked at several VA hospitals after retiring from the Army and going to college for my Social Worker degree.  During the course of those years I met a multitude of great people who also worked there. It didn't matter to me wether a person was black, white, Asian, Hispanic; we all were just people and for the most part, we got along well. But, it also depended on what region you were in; and believe me, people are different according to what part of the country you are in. 

  I wanted to share a personal Facebook message between myself and a young lady I had the pleasure of working with in Louisville, KY. her name: Carol Graf, the most hardcore Louisville Cardinal fan I have ever met. These were written in 2011. Please read to the end. 

• Carol Graf

  
  

  Dearest Dennis: I wanted to tell you that I read your blogs every time you post. Every time I read them I am totally amazed at your writing talent. It is so impressive. You are so inspirational and although you are such a spiritual man, your messages do not focus totally on that. You have such a nice way of incorporating your beliefs and the every day aspects of life. I look forward to reading them. You are such a talented man. I truly miss you Dennis. I enjoyed our daily encounters at work so much. I feel so blessed that you came into my life. I love you my friend.

  Carol
• 8 March 2011
• 

  08/03/2011 10:06
  

  Dennis Earl Spain
  

  
  
  

  My dearest carol, It is always so good to hear from you. I appreciate your kind words. I think of you always and I will always consider you to be a true friend. Have a most grand day. I still plan to visit you. Dennis
• 21 April 2011
• 

  21/04/2011 06:38
  

  Dennis Earl Spain
  

  
  
  

  Hi Carol. I am still among the living. I miss you and I pray for you daily. Love you always.
• 22 April 2011
• 22/04/2011 18:59
  

  Carol GrafDearest Dennis:
  

  I am so sorry that I have neglected you, my friend. Sometimes, I work so many hours at work and I just come home, look at FB for a minute and then get off. But, I do read your blogs every day. They are inspirational to me, but sometimes they sadden me because I sense that you are having a hard time. So, I am going to give you my numbers, and if you want to or need to, you give me a call. Even if you just want to talk about nothing at all, it would be my pleasure to listen. I am doing well, just working too much. I still come home to my four-legged best friend every day. I saw Eddrenna yesterday and asked about you. I told her you needed to come volunteer for a few days a week. So, my apologies again to you for not keeping in touch. I promise I will be more mindful of that. My cell phone number is 693-####; my home number is 333-####. You call any time, day or night....I mean it.

  I hope you and your family has a wonderful Easter. Love you and miss you my friend,

  Carol
• 24 April 2011
• 

  24/04/2011 08:31
  

  Dennis Earl Spain
  

  
  
  

  Hi Carol. Here's a big hug for you. Kisses, too.
• 

  24/04/2011 09:56
  

  Carol Graf
  

  
  
  

  right back to you my man!
• 11 August 2011
• 

  11/08/2011 16:13
  

  Dennis Earl Spain
  

  
  
  

  Hi Carol. Marlyce's oldest daughter has died. Keep her in prayer.

  Carol died shortly after this series of messages.  Unbeknownst to her or her doctors, she had developed cancer. I cannot speculate as to what type of cancer it was but it took her quickly. Everyone was in shock. Carol always joked with me and would say, "If I was into men, you would be just my type"; and then we would laugh out loud. She was the sweetest person.  After Carol passed away I was inclined to send one last message to her Facebook page.

 

Dennis Earl Spainposted to‎Carol Graf

15 October 2011

Carol, We didn't get a chance to talk again after I left Louisville but we certainly had good times in the Business Office together with all of the others. You were the glue that held us all together. Your sense of humor was unmatched and I will personally miss the love in your eyes and the hugs I received from you whenever we met. I lost my breath when I learned that you had gone to be with God, but I will smile each time I look at the stars at night. I will miss you and love you always, my dearest friend.

Love your friends while it is day.
I love you all, 
Dennis

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