I’ve found it very difficult to write this message, quite possibly because I still can’t believe that Carrie is no longer with us. I’ve come to grips with the fact that losing her at such a young age will be something that I’ll never understand. Something that will never have a sound explanation. But it’s something that I’ll have to make peace with in my heart and in my mind, and the only way I can do that is to hold on to the countless memories that we made together.

I simply adored Carrie. There is no other way to put it. She radiated life and anyone that was lucky enough to be in her company felt it. I loved how when she smiled, she smiled with her entire face. Or perhaps it was with her entire body. She was the most positive person I’ve ever met and you felt that happiness every time you were with her. She cared about her friends deeply and wanted nothing but the best for them. I’ll never forget when I told Carrie that I’d met someone and that it was very serious – you should have seen the look on her face. I’ll never forget it. Her happiness filled the room and then some because we all know that Carrie loved love. There isn’t a person on this earth that loved a good love story more than Carrie, which is perhaps why her life with Dale is the greatest love story of them all.

I have so many memories that I can share, each one better than the next, but what I really want to do is thank Carrie. Thank her for being such an influence on me and all of those around her. For her never-ending optimism and ever-present happiness. For teaching us all the value of a great vacation (and a fabulous handbag!!). For showing us that even when things are really tough, you simply put one foot in front of the next and fight. And for instilling in all of us the importance of love. Because life is so short and that really is all that matters