by Stan McClintock
We arrived at the Aids Memorial Pier in Key West, Florida shortly before sunrise. It was March 24, Carey’s birthday, that we chose to gather in remembrance of her. We stood in a circle, symbolizing the eternal aspect of the human spirit, and took turns sharing our memories of Carey’s life and what she meant to us. Gathered together were David (Carey’s husband), Jeannette (David’s mother), Doug (a close friend of Carey and David), Sheila (Carey’s mother), Colleen and Cathleen (Carey’s sisters), Brenda (my wife) and me. We listened to each one recall Carey’s life and what she meant to them, but I found special comfort in David’s reading of a letter he received from Carey while she was in jail. Carey stated that she truly realized how much she was loved by her family.
Key West was a very special place to Carey so we decided to place her remains in the wide expanse of the ocean there. I noticed how Carey’s remains seemed to stay on the ocean’s surface for a long time, despite the turbulence of the waves. The sunrise was hidden by clouds on the horizon but just before we finished the sun appeared in what would be a very beautiful day.
We all gave a lot of thought to where we should place Carey’s remains. I am sure we made the right decision as everyone seemed to agree that they felt a special comfort in this place.
When I returned home I opened a book that Jeannette gave to each of the women to give them additional comfort in the days and weeks to come. The book JESUS CALLING by Sarah Young is a daily devotional. For some reason I turned the pages to March 24 and read these very special words:
THIS IS A TIME IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU MUST LEARN TO LET GO: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in MY Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into My Care.
We all will, each in our own way, remember how special Carey was, and will love and cherish her memory forever.
Carey Marcella McClintock 