Good Times

By: Laurie Cagle
I was fortunate to grow up with Carol in junior high and high school and my memories with her are many and precious to me - she was a large part of what I consider to be some of the best years of my life.  At a time when you’re just figuring out what life is all about, it makes a huge difference who you’re surrounded by and I was blessed to have Carol’s friendship.  In fact, there was a group of about eight of us who spent the better part of those years growing up together and we all have some incredible memories of which Carol was a huge part.  Whether it was football games, proms, lead outs, Rebel Girls (school hostesses J), beach trips, lake trips, ski trips, youth retreats, classes, swimming at Wald Park or whatever, we were all doing it together.  Of all of those great times together, however, one of the fondest to me is the Bible Study we were in throughout the majority of our time in high school.  On Thursday afternoons, our group would often meet at Carol’s house after school and Trudy, our Young Life leader, would lead us through a lesson and we’d pray together.  It was such a blessing and little did I know at the time how foundational those times would be for life.

Though we lost touch after going to college, I was blessed to see her just last August at our 30 year high school reunion.  Amazingly, most everyone from our group was able to make it.  I remember Carol was the first one I saw when I walked into the restaurant and she hadn’t changed a bit.  She was grinning from ear to ear and laughing that unforgettable laugh - I can still hear her now!  We had a wonderful visit.  After so many years, it was like we picked up right where we left off, the connection as familiar and easy and warm as ever.  I felt like we were sitting in her living room for Bible study all over again.  She was strong, her faith was strong and I was stronger for having been with her.  When the reunion was over later that night and I was driving home, I remember feeling so full and so thankful for the time we were able to spend together - that all of us were able to spend together – and so, so thankful for the rich blessing of her friendship.

“We always give thanks to God for you…as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater.”

2 Thess. 1:3

By: Carrie Peterson
Thinking of Carol's smile, spark and laugh knowing it continues in my heart as well as that of many others. 

Cheerleader Mom

By: April Sylvester
Mom was my biggest cheerleader...literally.
In seventh grade, I did the 200m hurdles. I will always remember one particular race. As I rounded the last curve of the track, I heard an unmistakable voice above the rumble of the crowd: "GOOOOO APRIL!!!!!!" Indeed, it was my own mother. She had cupped her hands around her mouth, taken in a deep breath, and exhaled from the bottom of her diaphragm to produce an amazingly loud sound from such a small woman. Later, mom would say that I gave her a look of utter mortification mid-stride and raced away as fast as I could. (What do you expect from a middleschooler?)
But that is exactly what mom was like--the most supportive presence in my life. Without her, I would not have gone to Tanzania or Zambia, I would not have swam swim team or played volleyball, I would not have brought friends home over breaks, I would not have survived my battle with allergies, and I would not be at Wheaton, much less graduating with a BA in Anthropology.
I would not be where I am today without my all-the-way-in, slightly-embarrassing, always-loving mom.

Live Blessed: Thoughts from Penny Anne Machemehl

C – caring and connected - you felt that almost immediately 

         when you met Carol

A – adoring, always smiling - Joy radiated from Carol in an 

         unusual way

R – regal and real – Carol lived her life with magnificence 

         and splendor like royalty yet she was so approachable 

         and relatable.

O – outstanding - standing out among others of her kind

L – leader - Carol was not content to lag behind, she boldly 

        lead with her convictions in plain site.

 

My friendship with Carol was much too short but oh how blessed I feel to have known her briefly. I am inspired to try to exude a small bit of the qualities mentioned.

 

She will not be forgotten.

 

Live Blessed – Carol did,

Penny Anne Machemehl

Brief time - Big impact!

I do not think my meeting Carol was coincidental. I truly believe it was ordained by God and for that I am so grateful.  Last year I had the privilege of going through yoga teacher training from a Christian perspective. A few months into my training and talking about it with many people I started being asked "do you know Carol Sylvester?" I would respond "no" and a few weeks would pass and someone else would ask me. Then one perfect day I received an email from the lady herself - Carol Sylvester.  She had too been asked if she knew me b/c we went to the same church and our interests (i.e. yoga) were similar. She reached out to me and asked if I wanted to grab a coffee. Not too long after we finally met in person at Starbucks.  Within seconds, it felt like I knew her for years. We talked for a while just getting to know one another and I knew I had met someone I wanted to know more.  Throughout my yoga training I often got emails of encouragement through words & prayers.  We continued to meet for coffee from time to time just to touch base. Carol was so invested in me and my training. She pursued avenues for me to teach from a Christian perspective b/c that was how important it was to her. It wasn't the yoga that she passionate about (even though she loved it), it was sharing the gospel. Her heart so ached for those who needed a Savior. That desire to share was infectious. I wanted to be more like that - to be more bold! As tiny as she was, she was so strong and confident. I know this all came from God in her. When Carol passed it was shocking to say the least. My heart ached for her family, other friends and for those who didn't get a chance to know her.  But I smile knowing that God is still using Carol in so many lives - mine too! Not too long before she passed Carol had started teaching at the Atlanta Athletic Club on Tuesday nights. She was adamant that it be from a Christian perspective and even got me an interview there b/c she wanted another believer to possibly teach as well in the future.  I was added to the sub list.  In November the Atlanta Athletic Club reached out to me about taking Carol's Tuesday night class. I prayed about the decision and talked to other friends in the yoga community before deciding. I was given a peace and thought Carol wanted me there - she was working towards that even before. She would rather me take the class probably over anyone else. So every Tuesday on the way there I smile as I drive even thankful for the opportunity knowing that Carol (with all the excited energy) would be pleased.  It was an honor to know her even if for a short time. Brief time - big impact!

Blessings,

Melissa Hayes

A morning run in the rain

I had the pleasure of meeting Carol about a year ago.  It was my first Perimeter Women's retreat and Carol was organizing yoga classes and a weekend run.  I remember telling her, "I have no interest in yoga, but if you're organizing a run, sign me up!"

  The next morning, our group met in the lobby to run.  It was raining, and our group was small, but your mom didn't seem the least bit concerned!  Our group headed out and about a mile into the run, Carol and I found we had a similar pace (she was probably slowing down for me)!  I so enjoyed the 45 minutes I had with your mom that day.  We shared our joys and challenges with raising our children, and she I could tell how proud she was of each of you!  I shared with her some struggles we were having with our daughter, and Carol was such a sympathetic listener.  I distinctly remember after our run before we parted ways, she said "let's pray for Lydia."  How that blessed me! To think I had only just met her and in that lobby of the hotel she knew how to best minister to me was to go to our Heavenly Father for help.  That told me A LOT about your mom.  I could tell she was a humble person, certainly not claiming she had all the answers of raising children, and not the least bit judgmental, but compassionate, gracious, understanding, and wise. Your mom was a special person, and I wish I knew her better.  I am so grateful God gave me that time with her that morning, and feel blessed to have come to know her.  Carol made an impression upon me that day that I will never forget!

My first Valentine's date with my wife

I do not remember our first Valentine's together (dating), but I sure remember our second (first as married).  I came home from work and asked Carol if she would like to go out to dinner.  We had no kids so spontaneity ruled the day.  We drove to our favorite restaurant the Petite Auberge only to find that there was a 2 hour wait!  (Yikes!  Guess who did not plan this in advance.)  So, we left and went to another restaurant that was not so swanky.  The wait was equally as long.  I suggested another that did not even take reservations, and it too had a very long wait.  By now, we had been driving around for an hour and a half.  It was way past our usual time to eat and it was a work night.  Carol was done.  As we drove home, Carol noticed a Taco Bell that had no customers at all.  Imagine that, no customers on Valentines Day.  It was our lucky day.  She suggested we go there and we did.  We topped the special night off with an order of Cinnamon Twists^®.

I had no idea what an impact that night had made.  As, every Valentine's Day afterward we only ate at Taco Bell.  As the kids aged, they reveled in the thought of reliving our first Valentines day together as they munched on a 5-layer burrito.  And, we always had the restaurant to ourselves.  How romantic!  I went back and tried to find some pictures of this special night.  You know, this is the only one I could find.  Do you think someone else did not think it was so special?