Words from the celebration

People told me that the chapel was overflowing with people and many were not able to hear everything, so I thought I would post the eulogies for people to read. Keep in mind, the context of these are a celebration when you read them. Also, missing is the upbeat music, the pastor's great words, the energy from the room, and of course all of the many people which set the tone for the celebration. I will follow up with Jay Graft's and mine.

Eulogy by Jason Farley 2/26/2013- Carla's brother

In the early spring of 1993 a young spry Jeff Hennessy showed up at my parents’ house for the first time…looking sharp to impress my family. Carla and I for whatever reason quickly escalated things into a water fight.

As Carla came out onto the back deck with a big glass of water… I picked up the hose… she threw the water at me… and ran to get back inside the house.

Jeff closed the door on Carla… and threw the deadbolt.

This was a joyous moment for me and I began to douse Carla from head to toe with the hose.

Seconds later… my drenched sister leapt past me and ran into the garage.

Meanwhile inside the house… Jeff turned around to see looks of shock on everyone’s faces which translated into “WHAT DID YOU JUST DO”. He knew that he had made a mistake at that moment… by giving me a victory against Carla.

My only thought was “Thanks Jeff, that was awesome, it was great meeting you”. 

Luckily Carla looked past that moment and found herself in the greatest partnership imaginable. 

Without difficult moments that each of us face at times in life, there is no contrast to the joy we all feel.

Without suffering… joy and happiness become commonplace.

Suffering and loss allow us to appreciate all that life holds for us… that is good in the world.

Whenever loss… fear… and doubt overwhelms you, look toward all those around you that bring joy in your life.

In time… pain will be replaced with moments of joy; each moment of joy is a direct result… of the gifts life brings to us.

Carla is one of these gifts; the joy she brought to us all… will live on as an example in those of us who continue our journey.

My sister’s gift… is the ability to make each person she encounters feel unique, special, loved and accepted for who they are... She just wants to discover the best in everyone… and for them to know that she is there for them without pretext or judgment.

Carla and I were fierce competitors as many brothers and sister are; our battles played out in the age old game of “touched you last”. 

Today I declare in front of all of you that Carla is the winner of “touched you last”, she touched me and each person in this room so profoundly, I believe we can all declare her a winner for life.

My heartfelt love and devotion goes out to each of you here to celebrate my sister that I love so very much, but especially to Jeff, McCall, Callie and my parents.

I love you Carla.

Thank you all very much for being here to celebrate my sister Carla.