Carol - R.I.P.

Artist: Glen Allen
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Carol - R.I.P.

Carol – Rag Rugs, Rabbits and Vincent Van Gogh

I am privileged to have known Carol these past 6 years and she has had a profound impact on my life as I am sure she had on most people who knew her or took the time to get to know her.

That is most of you in this room today.

I am not going to repeat what has already been said and what will come after me so if you can forgive me I am going to concentrate on what Carol and me.
When I think back over the past six years we have done more things, mostly crazy and daft things than lots of people do in a single lifetime. She certainly believed in living life to the full.
Yes, we enjoyed lots of the things everyone enjoyed like meals out, having a drink (or six). But Carol knew how to appreciate the important things in Life.

Rag Rugs
I think everyone here knows about Carols creativeness. She recently spent many happy hours at Textile Hall with some new friends whom she fell in love with. Carol was the type of person who in true humility never wanted to be the centre of attention, but through the sheer force of her personality and enthusiasm, always was. She just could not help herself. I know she would tell them stories of our exploits and she would bring a smile and a laugh to their faces without even trying.

Simple stories of me and Carol sitting in bed in the evening while she made her rug and I read or watched TV, and when she decided she needed some red fabric for her creation she did the obvious thing and took off her dressing gown and tore it into strips to make her rug!
She was nothing if not resourceful!

Rabbits
Carol Loved animals, dogs, cats, rabbits even goldfish of late, but she loved her rabbits. Typical of Carol who never did anything by half’s we didn’t just have one or two rabbits, we ended up with anything between 20 to 40 depending on how many babies we had.

In a very short time, Carol developed a reputation with the quality of her rabbits with most of them exhibiting the same loving attitude to us as Carol expressed to everyone in her life. It was as if a little bit of Carol’s personality got infused into her rabbits.

But as I just said, Carol never did anything by half and her rabbits are a testament to the way Carol would get an idea. She would research it into the ground, then when she had decided she had learnt enough about it to be at least competent, I quickly learnt that our lives would be taking a change of course and would not be the same again. But you know what, that was one of the things that made Carol so much more special than anyone I ever knew.

Carol has achieved so much in such a short space of time with her rabbit breeding and as was inevitable, a project that started off as one of Carols, eventually had me and the rest of the family involved far more than we ever thought we would be.

Vincent Van Gogh
Carol loved art. Carol was an artist; she just never really had the opportunity to develop her art in a way that she really wanted too. She re-started her painting, her pottery and photography all far too late in her life as we now know.
We discovered Van Gogh (amongst other artists) together. And it was my privilege to have taken this particular journey with Carol. So much so that most of you know that I had an ulterior motive for whisking Carol off to Amsterdam last March and taking her to see the works of Van Gogh. It was that weekend where Carol paid me the highest compliment any woman can pay a man when she agreed to become my wife.
My one regret is that we never got to be married, but we were each other’s world, we did everything together we had so much in common, we loved art, we loved dark comedy we loved to discover new things together.

Carol had a phrase, that when we went out or were away on trips like Amsterdam, that we were playing out. And we played lots. The world didn’t matter. As long as we knew our children and other loved ones were ok, nothing else mattered to us and we did what we wanted to do how we wanted to do it.
Amsterdam was the ultimate playing out weekend for us and like our life in general we crammed so much into those few short days.

So what was Carol to me?
She was my friend, my lover, my companion, my support, my guide, my advisor, my encouragement, my strength, in short she was my life.

In a moment we are going to play a piece of music that is such a special piece for both me and Carol. We spent many a happy hour listening to this music while I did my photography and Carol painted. We drove the kids mad with it because they hated it so much, which just made us play it more. Many of you will recognise the music but these few words sum things up:

If I had you, could I ever want for more? It’s just impossible
And tomorrow, should you ask me for the world, somehow I’d get it
I would sell my very soul and not regret it
For to live without your love—It’s just impossible

I, am honoured that I knew Carol for this short time, I am honoured that she loved me and she forgave me so much, I am honoured to have known this wonderful lady and put simply i will miss you with all my heart and with all my soul because as we knew from very early on we had in each other, our soul mate. You have moved on my love and I will miss you so much, but you will always have a place in my heart.

Carol I Love you.

CanDuCreations

Missing her is a big loss Glen, but the years she was in your life made it glorious, creative and one really big discovery. The portrait of her is awesome and your words show a really big love.
Glen Allen replied

she was beautiful from the inside out
Stephen Maxwell

I said on my initial post in response to your original message concerning your loss that there were no words – there are now.
Glen Allen replied

They will never be enough though
June Ferrol

Sending you much strength to cope your loss, Glen.
Carol will be much missed.
Glen Allen replied

She will be greatly missed.

Thank you
Kelly J

oh my.. i am so sincerely sorry… my thoughts are with you… for what it is worth.. May she be at peace and you as well Glen..
Glen Allen replied

thank you kelly
Karen Martin IPA

A lovely tribute to your love.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you
1stAngel

I wish I had known her. I am glad I know you.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you
scoob29

Lovely Tribute Glen ,xx
Glen Allen replied

it was my eulogy at the funeral

Thank you
Edward Denyer

What can I say but excellent Tribute Glen. A hug and a feeling of sharing your loss. – Ted
Glen Allen replied

thank you
peyote

Big hug my friend :( xXx
Glen Allen replied

thank you
nancie

That was the most beautifulest tribute i have ever read..
made me cry!!!!
Wishing you better days ahead Glen.. she is still in your heart!!!

hugs
nancie
Glen Allen replied

She was very special x
Novice

so so sorry to hear your loss..what a beautiful tribute.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone

W. H. Auden

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you x
Seth Weaver

Glen this is a stunning heartfelt portrait of a shining soul. This wonderful lady touched your lady and it changed you both for the better. She will always be with you living fully in your heart, dreams, and soul. From your writing of her I know she was a treasure and now you feel robbed. God Bless and Comfort you my friend at this moment of loss in your life. You have already been blessed more than many by knowing this fine lady!
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Seth, your thoughts and preayers are appreciated.
Zuzana

Nice soft effect Glen, well done
Glen Allen replied

Thank you
Karen Brodie ...

What a beautiful portrait shot, I’m so sorry for your loss Glen, take care x
Glen Allen replied

thank you she was very special x
lesley mclelland

A beautiful tribute to a lovely lady
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Lesley much appreciated
Cindy RN

Beautiful words Glen, for a very beautiful woman. Stay strong my friend, you have so many who care for you, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you x
Otherone

This is a lovely tribute to a lovely lady
Glen Allen replied

thank you she was v special x
RavenSoul

This is A Wonderful tribute o her Glen She was a beautiful person. I am sorry for your loss hon. Hugs. V
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Von, it is still very raw, but I am coping in my own way xx Your thoughts are appreciated. Glen
Elizaday

I am so sorry Glen … I truly don’t know what to say. The tribute, I think, says it all – about Carol , and about you. Be well x
Glen Allen replied

Thank you I appreciate your comments.
SteveClay

Hi Glen – Carol was clearly a very special lady, with a lot of love between you. Treasure the good memories and through these difficult days take strength from your faith and those around you. God Bless mate. We should meet up sometime. Steve.
Glen Allen replied

Yes we should x
Catherine Hadler

gosh how moving, Carol sounds extraordinary – best wishes
Glen Allen replied

She was unique Thank you x
Varry

Tears streaming down my face,your words are truely devine….thankyou for sharing your intimate moments with Carol…..i think we all loose sight as to what and whom are important in our lives..Im am sorry for your loss,but happy for your gain.xxoo
Glen Allen replied

Thank you, she is truely missed
Laurie Search

Oh, Glen, I’m so sorry…What you have written here, as well as the beautiful photo, is just so incredibly moving and beautiful…You’ve got my deepest sympathies, and I send you out so many warm thoughts and lots of big hugs…
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Laurie, as you can imagine I miss her a lot.
Maureen Maliha

hug offered to a stranger… I am sorry. I understand this loss all too well.
I only know that it gets easier to recall the good things without feeling washed away in pain. My Best to you
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Maureen
Kendra Taber

Very lovely tribute to Carol I’m sorry for your loss. She will always be with you…Hugs
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Kendra, she will always be in my heart
blamo

A marvellous tribute ….............
Glen Allen replied

Thank you
RajeevKashyap

Fantastic Work!
Glen Allen replied

Thank you it was borne from pure raw emotion
Rosemary Scott

Such a beautiful, touching tribute Glen….. I’m so sorry for your loss.
big hugs xx
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Rosemary
Jean Hildebrant

She had a kind and gentle face, Glen. You wonderful tribute to her fills my eyes with tears! May you find solace in the strong, gentle arms of Jesus! He has born me through great sorrow.
Glen Allen replied

She was a unique and special person I miss her greatly and thank you for your words of comfort.

Glen
Carrie Gardner

I smiled and i cried…........ a beautiful tribute, a beautiful write up, it warms my heart to read such heart felt words….. she was obviously an amazing woman…
my thoughts go to you X
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Carrie.

I know I am biased but she was a unique and amazing woman.
Amy-lee Foley

I didnt know what to say when i found out Glen, so i did this, i hope you like it xXxOoO
Glen Allen replied

Amy That is so sweet thank you it is lovely. Brought a tear to my eye xxx
Mindy McGregor

Glen this is such a touching tribute, beautiful words, that are so heartfelt, I am so sorry for you loss.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Mindy, I appreciate you looking and commenting x
Tessa Bishop

Your words are simply beautiful, your loss obviously so devastating, but what a lovely portrait of a beautiful lady, who will live forever in your heart. You’ve done Carol proud x
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Tesa.
Lisa Roberts

I have just read your beautiful tribute Glen and am now typing with tears falling down my face. I know you were very lucky to have found each other and to have shared so much together. You had fun and made good memories and that’s what counts but it still seems so unfair. xxxx
Glen Allen replied

Thanks Lisa, We were lucky, we did enjoy our life together and life is unfair. But like you say I have my memories.
Nira Dabush

Hello Glen..
I read your loving words here and I can feel the love of twin souls.
Very beautiful portrait of Carol. A wonderful memory.
Being a textile designer myself, I would love to sEE her Rugs.
I can feel her influence on your life from your touching loving writing.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Nira.

Carol had only just started the rug thing a few months before she died and has one that was recently on display at a gallery. She was not really into the making pictures through rug ragging rather she wanted to get back to the basics of making them and produced a stunning reulst in that one. Ites the one i refer to in my eulogy.

When I get it back I will take a picture and post it, although I am sure no picture will do its quality justice.

Thank you for your very kind words

Glen x
Nira Dabush

Hello again Glen..
I understand. I will be delighted to see a photo of the rug.
Kind regards. Good evening!
Glen Allen replied

I’m hoping to get it tomorrow. If I get chance.
jomash

Beautiful Lady….... xxx
Glen Allen replied

Thank you x
Nira Dabush

Thank you, Glen.. i’m looking forwards to it.. Good evening!
Christie Moses

Very beautiful lady with genuine and kind eyes xx
Glen Allen replied

Thank you x
dawndavies

so sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with you at this very sad time,dawn
Glen Allen replied

Thank you Dawn, I appreciate your comments and prayers
diLuisa 27 days ago

amazing and precious words…......Carol seemed to be a truly amazing lady!! And the love that you have for her is eternal and no-one can ever take that away! I once heard that ‘time doesn’t heal wounds…......love does.’ -You’re in my thoughts and prayers, Luisa
Glen Allen replied 26 days ago

Thank you i appreciate your kind words x