I still remember that Ellen White look on Carol when came to La Sierra. We were spending lot of good time together these days. Those coffee shop memories... How can anyone forget that smile. She seemed so much happier... It was just last week she was so excited about Dwight Nelson's sermon in my car... I know we all have to depart from this earth sometime, but this was too soon and just too sad...
Although I did not know her personally,I have heard of her from a mutual friend. What a great loss... How sinful and sick can this world be... I hope and pray that the grace and comfort of God will surround the whole family and friends who lost their beloved one... May Carol rest in peace.
The Memorial for your Mom was so sad and yet so beautiful! I was very close to getting up and saying something, but I am embarrassed to admit that I was intimidated by all the adults. Who would have thought?! My comfort zone is with children. Most days at LLE as I brought a class down the hallway, I would peek in her window to see if she was giving a piano lesson. If she was, I would wave or wait till later in the day to stop by and we'd chat. When I asked her to play piano for a few of those elementary choir programs! "California, Here I Come!" she was so gracious and worked her piano lessons around our stage rehearsals. When our rhythms didn't seem to gel, she would ask me what I wanted and I would count it out for her. She penciled all over the music for corrections so that she would play it MY way! (I changed the rhythms and wasn't correct with quarter, eighth notes,etc!) I would be so embarrassed when I realized I hadn't been singing the songs right. Rather than saying, "You need to go back and re-teach these measures as the children are singing them wrong," She would say, "Oh Donna, you're the director. Do it however you want. You know what's best for the singers!" What a lady! You've heard this from many people, but it's true.....anytime I would ask about either of you, her entire countenance would light up. She would even stand straighter and her eyes would sparkle as she relayed your latest projects, adventures! When I confided in your Mom that I would be leaving LLE, she seemed devastated. She gave me a hug and asked me to please just take off a few weeks or a month to "re-group". She made me feel so special! I am a better person for knowing your Mom. Sincerely, Mrs. Thurber LLE Music Teacher (l988-2008) P.S. I am so glad you two have advance beyond those Recorder days!
Even before June 8, what was once four was undone. But while time and tears may blur what once was, still there.... but different now... is the love that is evident in the pictures. You cannot erase years of love and joy.
"Teaching in her home last summer -- called her Andrew's "patron saint" since she was the one who facilitated him taking cello lessons with Jim Lee (by jumping a 1-2 year waiting list). I have a video clip that is priceless of her surprise that he was already on Book 3 after 2 years' Suzuki -- then commenting "Must have been all that PIANO" and laughing." - From Pam & Andrew Caster (Piano 2008-2003)
From Tyler & Linda Jacobson (Piano 2004-199) - Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your love of music and helping Tyler through to CM level 5. You would be proud to know he passed level 10 this year and "is done" but continues his love of Chopin and Rachmaninoff...those romantic pieces that you also loved to play. Thank you for letting him accompany his cousin Andrew (Korean church, LLA recital 12/06) and Katrina on violin for "The Swan".
Your photo tribute, Damian, was beautiful and showed so much of the love that your mom gave to your family - what a secure child hood you and Katrina must have had...my boys never had their mother bring them hot cooked meals to Canyon Lodge for lunch during spring break ski trips...more like skier-smashed PB&J.
Richard, Damian, and Katrina - you are in our hearts and prayers. I will post a couple of pictures of Caroline teaching the boys on my FB (Linda Jacobson).
The last I had talked to Carol, I was walking to stater brothers and saw Carol with her grandmother in the parking lot. Carol saw me and turned to her grandmother and said in Korean "look grandmother, that's Cho Sun-Ji's son" (Cho Sun-Ji is my mother). I was astonished Carol had remembered my mother's maiden name. After all these years. Such an amazing woman. Esmond Chi
I remember one of the last times I saw her was when she was at my house and she saw these beautiful roses in the front and she said she wanted to pick some. I ran inside and got her a pair of scissors and she was cutting several roses then I suddenly heard her yell and say ouch! ahh! so I turned and saw her on the ground, laying on her back laughing but saying ouch at the same time. then I started laughing and asking if she was okay and she says, "My knees hurt and I'm wearing heels too! When did that stupid step get there?" she had tripped on this small step and had fallen backwards, somehow hurting her knees.
Hi Richard, Damian & Katrina, Words cannot express how sorry & sad we feel for all of you about your loss. We can't even imagine how you guys must be feeling and what you're going through. Though, we can't, there is Someone who does! God, the Father lost His Son, Jesus. And our Savior lost his cousin, John the Baptist. While I use the word lost, our hope is that those who believe in Jesus shall never die, but will live again! Our prayers & thoughts are with you. Let's look forward to the Blessed Resurrection Morning. Much Love Always, Dan, Jo, Carissa & Joni
As I reflect on the last conversations I had with Carol, I think of how she loved her kids so dearly. Carol, I promise to do what you asked and more...
Hey Emo, it's Kwonsatang.. its been almost two weeks but I feel like you're still here. I always expect to see you pop out of nowhere when I'm at your house, asking me and Katrina or Damian what our plans were for the day.. and asking me if I wanted to try something yummy you bought the other day.. It'll never be the same without you. I will always miss you and look forward to seeing you soon. I'll keep an eye out for Katrina and Damian so don't worry too much. =)
It was June 20th before I even heard what happened. I was Carol's apartment-mate at La Sierra. I've known her almost since I was 11 or so. All the Korean campmeetings, all the boys we liked and fought for, the tree house that we'd hike to at campmeeting, on and on... I've lost contact with Carol for the past 20 or so years. I didn't get to know her children, she didn't get to meet mine either. But a tragedy like this brings our thoughts back to the days when we can remember the good times that we shared. Why does it have to be when a tragedy strikes? I missed her, and all my friends from way back then, Tae Ho, Cathy, Joe, etc.... But I do have fond memories of Carol and everyone else. In the slideshow, there is a picture of Carol sitting on a gold Trans Am. I remember that belonged to a good looking guy from Detroit that all the girls were ga ga over. I can't even remember his name.... but I remember what he looked like. I wish I would have kept in touch with all of you. I wish I had a second chance to catch up with Carol. I'll miss you Carol.
I knew Carol Park back in the eighties when she lived in Canada.
She exemplified grace, beauty and depth of character and was such a good role models for girls.
To her family, know that the life she led on earth paved a path to Heaven’s gates, she will meet you when Christ returns. Try not to grieve too much, imagine the wondrous reunion you will have with her in Heaven.
To her children, live the kind of life your mother would have wanted for you. Walk with God, gravitate toward the good light on this earth and shun the dark. Carry on your mother’s legacy and continue to make her proud.
Losing a loved one is SO very hard, but time does help you cope. You never quite heal from the loss, but you do learn to live around it. The days will become less dark and light will once again abound.
Carol was my first, well, my only piano teacher. I remember the day I went to my first lesson as a very young, inexperienced little child in the first grade. I walked into the room and she was playing a song. She had a smile on her bright face and I could tell she was enjoying herself. That day she inspired me and I thought to myself...wow, I want to play like that someday. That was the day she inspired me to be the best person I could possibly be. That was many years ago, yet seems just like yesterday. God Bless you in this time.
Somebody once said, death can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories . In the end love is stronger than death.
Knowing Carol, and her family from Edmonton, I know that she has given and received so much love that even in passing she continues to inspire love. Her memory will continue to be a comfort and example to all who know her.
I will always remember how you encouraged me. CM (Certificate of Merit)was something you really wanted me to do, but I would never do it. I gave into everything except CM. Now I wish I had done it - just for you. You were a great piano teacher and more than that, also a great person to be around. I will always remember what you said to me to help me with my piano, "You have to look calm, relaxed and happy even though you're dying inside." I wish I could play for you one more time and have a chance to say good bye. Even though you're gone, I know that the love I have for you and you have for me didn't go with you. -Sarah
I will always remember and cherish how patient you were with me. I really enjoyed playing the piano and having you as my teacher. In fact, I looked forward to returning to lessons with you when school started again. I also looked forward to keeping in touch with you over the summer while you would be in Korea. I know I should have practiced more and I wish I had gotten my procrastination under control. I wished I would've done it more for you. One thing that helps relieve my regret is that I told you how much I appreciated you and your patience. I really admired your passion for the piano and I was always amazed at how you could play something so well the first time.:) You were such a nice person and you were easy to talk to. You also had a good sense of humor. Not only did I consider you a great piano teacher, you were also my friend and I love you. There are so many things I wish I could have done. I miss you and you are gone way too soon. Rest in peace...I'll see you again in God's kingdom.
I still remember that Ellen White look on Carol when came to La Sierra. We were spending lot of good time together these days. Those coffee shop memories... How can anyone forget that smile. She seemed so much happier... It was just last week she was so excited about Dwight Nelson's sermon in my car... I know we all have to depart from this earth sometime, but this was too soon and just too sad...
ReplyDeleteCarol became a victim to an obsessed pycho...
ReplyDeleteWho could have imagined...
I only wished that we could have...
It seems just yesterday... Life is uncertain, but plan of salvation is certain. God has a mysterious way of working. How can a man comprehend?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I did not know her personally,I have heard of her from a mutual friend. What a great loss... How sinful and sick can this world be... I hope and pray that the grace and comfort of God will surround the whole family and friends who lost their beloved one... May Carol rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteDear Damian & Katrina!
ReplyDeleteThe Memorial for your Mom was so sad and yet so beautiful! I was very close to getting up and saying something, but I am embarrassed to admit that I was intimidated by all the adults. Who would have thought?! My comfort zone is with children.
Most days at LLE as I brought a class down the hallway, I would peek in her window to see if she was giving a piano lesson. If she was, I would wave or wait till later in the day to stop by and we'd chat.
When I asked her to play piano for a few of those elementary choir programs! "California, Here I Come!" she was so gracious and worked her piano lessons around our stage rehearsals. When our rhythms didn't seem to gel, she would ask me what I wanted and I would count it out for her. She penciled all over the music for corrections so that she would play it MY way! (I changed the rhythms and wasn't correct with quarter, eighth notes,etc!) I would be so embarrassed when I realized I hadn't been singing the songs right. Rather than saying, "You need to go back and re-teach these measures as the children are singing them wrong," She would say, "Oh Donna, you're the director. Do it however you want. You know what's best for the singers!" What a lady!
You've heard this from many people, but it's true.....anytime I would ask about either of you, her entire countenance would light up. She would even stand straighter and her eyes would sparkle as she relayed your latest projects, adventures!
When I confided in your Mom that I would be leaving LLE, she seemed devastated. She gave me a hug and asked me to please just take off a few weeks or a month to "re-group". She made me feel so special!
I am a better person for knowing your Mom.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Thurber
LLE Music Teacher (l988-2008)
P.S. I am so glad you two have advance beyond those Recorder days!
Dear Katrina and Damian,
ReplyDeleteEven before June 8, what was once four was undone.
But while time and tears may blur what once was,
still there.... but different now...
is the love that is evident in the pictures.
You cannot erase years of love and joy.
Richard,
Damian,
Katrina,
and Caroline.
Your loss
is his loss, too,
in so many ways.
Please love each other with all your hearts.
"Teaching in her home last summer -- called her Andrew's "patron saint" since she was the one who facilitated him taking cello lessons with Jim Lee (by jumping a 1-2 year waiting list). I have a video clip that is priceless of her surprise that he was already on Book 3 after 2 years' Suzuki -- then commenting "Must have been all that PIANO" and laughing." - From Pam & Andrew Caster (Piano 2008-2003)
ReplyDeleteFrom Tyler & Linda Jacobson (Piano 2004-199) - Thank you, Caroline, for sharing your love of music and helping Tyler through to CM level 5. You would be proud to know he passed level 10 this year and "is done" but continues his love of Chopin and Rachmaninoff...those romantic pieces that you also loved to play. Thank you for letting him accompany his cousin Andrew (Korean church, LLA recital 12/06) and Katrina on violin for "The Swan".
Your photo tribute, Damian, was beautiful and showed so much of the love that your mom gave to your family - what a secure child hood you and Katrina must have had...my boys never had their mother bring them hot cooked meals to Canyon Lodge for lunch during spring break ski trips...more like skier-smashed PB&J.
Richard, Damian, and Katrina - you are in our hearts and prayers. I will post a couple of pictures of Caroline teaching the boys on my FB (Linda Jacobson).
The last I had talked to Carol, I was walking to stater brothers and saw Carol with her grandmother in the parking lot. Carol saw me and turned to her grandmother and said in Korean "look grandmother, that's Cho Sun-Ji's son" (Cho Sun-Ji is my mother). I was astonished Carol had remembered my mother's maiden name. After all these years. Such an amazing woman. Esmond Chi
ReplyDeleteI remember one of the last times I saw her was when she was at my house and she saw these beautiful roses in the front and she said she wanted to pick some. I ran inside and got her a pair of scissors and she was cutting several roses then I suddenly heard her yell and say ouch! ahh! so I turned and saw her on the ground, laying on her back laughing but saying ouch at the same time. then I started laughing and asking if she was okay and she says, "My knees hurt and I'm wearing heels too! When did that stupid step get there?" she had tripped on this small step and had fallen backwards, somehow hurting her knees.
ReplyDeleteHi Richard, Damian & Katrina,
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express how sorry & sad we feel for all of you about your loss. We can't even imagine how you guys must be feeling and what you're going through. Though, we can't, there is Someone who does! God, the Father lost His Son, Jesus. And our Savior lost his cousin, John the Baptist. While I use the word lost, our hope is that those who believe in Jesus shall never die, but will live again! Our prayers & thoughts are with you. Let's look forward to the Blessed Resurrection Morning. Much Love Always, Dan, Jo, Carissa & Joni
As I reflect on the last conversations I had with Carol, I think of how she loved her kids so dearly. Carol, I promise to do what you asked and more...
ReplyDeleteDear Carol Unni, I miss you. I wish.... Thinking of you, remembering you, celebrating you, and grieving the loss of you. With care, Ellen
ReplyDeleteHey Emo, it's Kwonsatang.. its been almost two weeks but I feel like you're still here. I always expect to see you pop out of nowhere when I'm at your house, asking me and Katrina or Damian what our plans were for the day.. and asking me if I wanted to try something yummy you bought the other day.. It'll never be the same without you. I will always miss you and look forward to seeing you soon. I'll keep an eye out for Katrina and Damian so don't worry too much. =)
ReplyDelete~~Candice
It was June 20th before I even heard what happened. I was Carol's apartment-mate at La Sierra. I've known her almost since I was 11 or so. All the Korean campmeetings, all the boys we liked and fought for, the tree house that we'd hike to at campmeeting, on and on... I've lost contact with Carol for the past 20 or so years. I didn't get to know her children, she didn't get to meet mine either. But a tragedy like this brings our thoughts back to the days when we can remember the good times that we shared. Why does it have to be when a tragedy strikes? I missed her, and all my friends from way back then, Tae Ho, Cathy, Joe, etc.... But I do have fond memories of Carol and everyone else. In the slideshow, there is a picture of Carol sitting on a gold Trans Am. I remember that belonged to a good looking guy from Detroit that all the girls were ga ga over. I can't even remember his name.... but I remember what he looked like. I wish I would have kept in touch with all of you. I wish I had a second chance to catch up with Carol. I'll miss you Carol.
ReplyDeleteHelen (Cho) Kawahara
I knew Carol Park back in the eighties when she lived in Canada.
ReplyDeleteShe exemplified grace, beauty and depth of character and was such a good role models for girls.
To her family, know that the life she led on earth paved a path to Heaven’s gates, she will meet you when Christ returns. Try not to grieve too much, imagine the wondrous reunion you will have with her in Heaven.
To her children, live the kind of life your mother would have wanted for you. Walk with God, gravitate toward the good light on this earth and shun the dark. Carry on your mother’s legacy and continue to make her proud.
Losing a loved one is SO very hard, but time does help you cope. You never quite heal from the loss, but you do learn to live around it. The days will become less dark and light will once again abound.
God Bless.
Carol was my first, well, my only piano teacher. I remember the day I went to my first lesson as a very young, inexperienced little child in the first grade. I walked into the room and she was playing a song. She had a smile on her bright face and I could tell she was enjoying herself. That day she inspired me and I thought to myself...wow, I want to play like that someday. That was the day she inspired me to be the best person I could possibly be. That was many years ago, yet seems just like yesterday. God Bless you in this time.
ReplyDeleteSomebody once said, death can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories . In the end love is stronger than death.
ReplyDeleteKnowing Carol, and her family from Edmonton, I know that she has given and received so much love that even in passing she continues to inspire love. Her memory will continue to be a comfort and example to all who know her.
I will always remember how you encouraged me. CM (Certificate of Merit)was something you really wanted me to do, but I would never do it. I gave into everything except CM. Now I wish I had done it - just for you. You were a great piano teacher and more than that, also a great person to be around. I will always remember what you said to me to help me with my piano, "You have to look calm, relaxed and happy even though you're dying inside." I wish I could play for you one more time and have a chance to say good bye. Even though you're gone, I know that the love I have for you and you have for me didn't go with you.
ReplyDelete-Sarah
I will always remember and cherish how patient you were with me. I really enjoyed playing the piano and having you as my teacher. In fact, I looked forward to returning to lessons with you when school started again. I also looked forward to keeping in touch with you over the summer while you would be in Korea. I know I should have practiced more and I wish I had gotten my procrastination under control. I wished I would've done it more for you. One thing that helps relieve my regret is that I told you how much I appreciated you and your patience. I really admired your passion for the piano and I was always amazed at how you could play something so well the first time.:) You were such a nice person and you were easy to talk to. You also had a good sense of humor. Not only did I consider you a great piano teacher, you were also my friend and I love you. There are so many things I wish I could have done. I miss you and you are gone way too soon. Rest in peace...I'll see you again in God's kingdom.
ReplyDelete-Chantel
Bless Caroline let her rest in peace.....
ReplyDeleteCarol was such a cool person. She knew what was trending in fashion. I still can't believe what happened to her. Rest in peace Carol.
ReplyDelete