Prayer Warrior

Mom was a strong spiritual leader. I (Anna) actually came into a personal relationship with Christ through my mom. I said the prayer to accept Christ with her help when I was ten years old, right before bedtime in my pink-walled bedroom.  

I have looked to Mom as a spiritual leader my whole life.  Mom had always wanted to go on a mission trip we made it in the summer of 2011 when we teamed with Medical Mission Ministries in Guatemala. During the day, we would help the local community receive medical attention and we would have the opportunity to share the gospel with them. My mom and I got to work together at a station to share the gospel.

A mother with a young daughter came into the room and sat down at our station. We asked this woman about her life and found out that she wanted to have a personal relationship with the Lord. Mom led her to say the prayer to accept Christ, just as she had so many years before with me! We asked her if there was anything else we could pray for and she explained that her daughter was having severe stomach pains. The little girl couldn’t even go play with other kids because her stomach hurt so badly. The doctors at the clinic didn’t know what was wrong with her. Mom suggested praying for her daughter. The woman lit up. She was so excited to pray for her daughter for the first time! So we all began to pray for a good 15 minutes--mixing languages, cultures, and backgrounds but all looking to the one God. The Spirit was there. It was so real. My petition to the Lord was that the girl would be healed. I boldly told the Lord that we needed Him to heal the girl so that her mom could know choosing Him was the best decision ever. Mom (Carol) prayed the same thing. The Spirit aligned our prayers. After our prayers ended, the little girl ran off to play. This was strange and not expected. The mother turned to the girl and said in Spanish, where are you going? The little girl turned and said something in Spanish to the mom.  The mother told us that her little girl was healed! All of us rejoiced and tears of joy welled up inside us. 

In remembering this story, I remember how the Lord showed up exactly where we needed Him. I also remember what a wonderful prayer warrior my mom was. A woman boldly pursuing God's heart and healing in the world. Sharing that with mom will forever remain my favorite memory from visiting Guatemala.

Bring Out The Best?

I came across the most random memory but it was the first one to pop into my head ( April, I really hope you remember this)

April and I must have been like 7 or 8 years old. We were sitting on the floor of my living room while Ms. Carol and my mom were sitting having a conversation. They were trying to figure out why April liked my mom's turkey sandwiches more than Ms. Carol's. I literally remember sitting on the floor watching them go back and forth. The conversation went something like this:

Mom: Do you use honey wheat bread?

Carol: Yes

Mom: What about the Turkey?

Carol: Boars Head

Mom: That's what we use. Okay, cheese?

Carol: I don't usually put cheese on it.

Mom: Neither do I. So weird...

Both: The mayo!

You see, Ms. Carol, of course, used Hellman's LIGHT mayonnaise for her sandwiches, my mom used the regular. Apparently there was a huge difference because April wouldn't eat her mom's, only mine haha. 

I don't know why this was the memory that came to mind when I was thinking about what to share. But in all honesty, it totally makes sense. Every time I came over to play when I was younger, it was never a surprise to have grapes and crackers for a snack, and always water to drink. She was definitely a great example of how to eat healthy. I definitely miss her

Lindsay Gaskins

A thank you from Dad...

This note was written to Carol from her dad, Jim Stapleton in September, 2013, in thanks for a special 80th birthday party.

CAROL
Perhaps at some time in history there's been a guy who felt almost as proud and almost as honored as I was last weekend when you and Lynn and everyone celebrated with me. But, frankly, I doubt it. It was wonderful. And I really wish I could adequately thank you and the whole family for your obvious and appreciated love. You know I'm still learning from you and from Stuart about what family love is. You're both such great parents in so many ways.
I don't really have words to fully express how proud I am of each member of our family, and how much genuine love is there.
Fortunately for me, "having the right words" isn't really necessary; although, it'd be good if I did.
The "80 Reasons We Love Jim Stapleton" from his children and grandchildren is absolutely world-class--fun, thoughtful, loving. And believe me, it let me know in unique ways how much you care. And, that makes me feel great indeed.
Your mom and I are so very proud of you...and all of our family. You are priceless and my love for you somehow grows and grows every day. Every single day.
The photos are terrific. I'll be spending a lot of time thinking back to their specific events...or moments.. that each can produce. Small moments some time. Big-deal and important times in others. Personal, private moments. But all--and each--give me memories of special people, special times, and situations. You, Stuart, April, Anna, Adam, and Audrey.

THANK YOU CAROL FOR BEING SUCH A GREAT PERSON, AND MOM, AND WIFE, AND DAUGHTER!

Love, Your Dad

From Anna

"You know, it's funny how this picture almost was nonexistent. Here's how: This summer my cousin and I got all dolled up and wanted my mom to take pictures of us. My mom wanted to serve us the best she could so she happily agreed! At one point during the shoot, I said, Mom! I want a picture with you! She said no at first. She said that she wasn't dressed up and didn't look good enough. But that's the thing about my mom. She ALWAYS looked pretty. I convinced her to take the photo with me(: I'm so happy that we got this picture together."--Anna

Nov 11

My name is Elizabeth Magee and I just wanted to let you know that Carol had a large impact on me in a very short time.  I have taught ballet at Perimeter and First Grade in Fulton County for years and this has been my first year staying home with my daughter and only teaching ballet.  I started taking Carol's Monday morning yoga class in August and she reached out and made a connection with me right away.  I was so encouraged by her and began immediately to look forward to Monday mornings and knew that my crossing her path was a God thing.  I so very much enjoyed the yoga from a Christian perspective and I felt I had made a new friendship that would last. I really related to her and just immediately drew encouragement from her peaceful and compassionate spirit and saw her as a godly sister who was a little ahead of me in the journey and was living the way I want to. ... And I praise [God] for allowing me to meet her and am asking God to always remind me of how cared for she made me feel in such a short time, and to help me be that kind of woman to those I come into contact with.  I know that from the impact she had on me and the way I saw her interact with everyone at the Y, her heart was amazing and she was a light for Jesus, shining brightly.
by grace, Elizabeth Magee

The Chocolate Bunny

Written by Audrey Sylvester

Once upon an Easter morning, I came rambling downstairs to my place at the breakfast table. I grinned at my good fortune! The "Easter Bunny" had given me a Snickers Chocolate Bunny! As we all sat down at our big table for an Easter breakfast, I was savoring my chocolate bunny, nibbling bit by bit. When we were done with breakfast we were talking about the up coming day. I had not even nibbled the ears off my scrumptious bunny rabbit. So, my mom asked me, "Can I have a little bite?" Being the good little girl I am, I said, "Of course, mother dear!" as I gave her my prized possession. Then to my complete and utter horror, my dearest mother bit the whole head of my bunny off!! You could not believe in what a tragic state I was in as I sat and gazed at my bunny decapitated!

My mommy was definitely one of the kindest people I know, but she sure had a sweet tooth!

Ps. Audrey would like to note that dramatic license has been taken in the telling of this story

Note from the Bakers

As I think of Carol, I remember her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes.  We were new friends when Carol was pregnant with April. Carol and Stuart were the first members of our new married group to be having a baby. I remember her as she approached her due date, she was "ready to pop" and wearing a blue maternity dress. It was the only time Carol was ever big! ( except when pregnant:) ) Carol's laugh was one you would know anywhere. If I heard it, I knew Carol was close by. Last year, Carol and I served  on a committee together. Miss Organization had everything beautifully prepared. It was a true blessing that I was able to reconnect with her after many years of simply running past with quick hellos. I will cherish and remember those fun months of planning. We are still thinking  of you and praying God's peace over each one.

Blessings and Love,

Jennifer and Greg Baker
David and Anna too