Writing My Eulogy

Carrie Dickie’s STEP ONE to her own journey to self love ❤️ From LOATHING to LOVING herself:

Write your own eulogy!

“Look at all the beautiful things about you and DO NOT WAIT […] to admit to yourself and others what is so brilliant about you.”

- Carrie Dickie

My Eulogy (4th iteration)

How on earth will I use mere words to summarize the life and pure joy that was Carrie Crane Dickie? Using words to describe her is like trying to put sunshine in a bottle. It’s like trying to hold a cloud in the palm of your hand, or hug a rainbow after a spring rain. It is, in a word, impossible. Since words are all I have to communicate with you today, I will do my very best to summarize the giant energy that was Carrie Dickie.

Carrie often told people, privately and from stage, that she was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a yogi, and a friend. She didn’t talk much about being an astute businesswoman, motivational speaker, and author. Carrie was a PEOPLE MOVER. Although she spoke all over the world and to large groups, she wanted everyone to know that she was just the same as him or her. She was complicated, messy, and human. When you were with Carrie, it was safe and easy to be yourself.  She made you feel like you were enough. In fact, she made you feel like you were all that was ever needed, that you were whole, perfect, and complete, just like the day you were born.

Carrie loved her family. She admired her daddy, Bill, and bragged about him to everyone. He was her soft place to fall, and he was always there for her. She also loved her mother, Jane, and never stopped inviting her to travel into her pain; into her soul. She loved her sweet mother with every part of her heart and soul. Carrie found unconditional love for Sandee too, and they had a bond of their own in the later years. She was a remarkable daughter in law to Margaret and Andy, and constantly looked for ways to give them something to look forward to in their old age. She valued them so much because they really “saw” her babies. For this she was in deep gratitude.

Carrie loved her brother, Kenny, with everything she had. She agonized over the fact that he was on the opposite coast, but distance did not compromise the bond that they shared. Carrie admired Ken, revered Ken, and enjoyed his company as much as anyone on planet earth. Man, those two could laugh and cuss like sailors.  Carrie was Ken’s biggest supporter when he had to stop drinking. She showed him there was a better way. She inspired him to be excited by the prospect of a sober life.

Carrie loved her extended family, Jenny and Nick, with her whole heart. She admired them tremendously; She loved their extended families as well. Family mattered to Carrie, and she always wished she had more of it. She was good to Gordon’s daughter, Jodi, and laid the foundation for a meaningful relationship with her dad.

Carrie was an amazing wife. She was good to Gordon. She challenged him, grew him, and constantly reminded him what was really important. She was loyal, open, and extremely proud of their nearly 26-year marriage. It was dynamic, juicy, and fresh, because Carrie pushed the envelope in all that she did.

Carrie was indeed an incredible mother. It took her years to believe it, but she loved those boys with every fiber of her being. And Iain and Cameron were not the only lucky ones to have her as their mother.  Carrie mothered everyone who needed it. She listened, she cared, she was firm when it was required, and she had the knack of knowing just what to say or do, and just how to say or do it.  Carrie moved people closer to themselves; to their souls, to the people that God put them here to be. God used her to shake people up, and she absolutely never backed down from any holy assignment.

Carrie was a cheerleader for God. She found the best in people. She always had a genuine compliment to share and had a knack for making people feel important. After spending a few moments with Carrie, somehow I somehow felt lighter, and I know I wasn’t the only one.

Carrie was generous. She often referred to the bible verse, which reads, “For those to whom much is given, much is required”. She gave when she felt moved to give, end of story. She gave freely, graciously, and often.

My friend Carrie was grateful. She got excited over nearly everything. I’ve seen her get as excited over a ripe, cherry tomato as she has over a new car. She appreciated the world we live in, and talked about it often and freely. She loved the sun, the moon and stars, the ocean, the breeze, delicious food, and always had a fascination for others. Carrie was a student of people.

Above all, Carrie was a seeker. She loved to expand and to learn. She was fascinated by the world and everything in it. She loved to read, to participate in endless and meaningful conversation, to hear about anything health and wellness related, and to get deep into her soul. I found that I told Carrie things that I never told anyone else. She made me want to go further, reach higher, and dig deeper.

Last, Carrie Crane Dickie was shiny. I could see her light in her eyes, in her smile, and as it radiated from her heart. Carrie had an inner joy that spilled out through her laugh, which was ridiculously contagious. Carrie absolutely knew how to have a good time, and how to include others in her party. With Carrie, it was impossible to be bored. Carrie definitely knew how to love, laugh, and lead.

It is with excruciating pain mixed with complete surrender that I say goodbye to my beautiful friend, Carrie Crane Dickie. Friend doesn’t even begin to cover the bond we shared. We were partners and confidants, and we cheerleaders for one anther when humor was the order of the hour. Carrie was my sister, my angel, my Sherpa, my student, and a light in my life. To say she will be missed is a gross understatement.

On you go Carrie. Fly like the eagle that you are.  The joy you have left behind will sustain us until we meet again.