A few words about Carmen, by her friend Melody Rose:
When I met Carmen, I immediately had the feeling that I’d known her for a long time. It was like a missing puzzle piece that just clicked into place. Carmen told me I was her adopted granddaughter, as she had always wished for a daughter but had been blessed only with sons, and she filled my life with a love I had never known before. We became close, and I’m so grateful to have known her.
When we say someone is the “life of the party” we mean someone like Carmen. She really lit up a room when she walked in, and her infectious smile brought joy to everyone who met her. She was a natural people-person, and could make anyone feel comfortable. And her energy! Carmen ran circles around me, and really enjoyed her life. She was always doing something. She was always in touch with others, whether it was her immediate family, or her friends and adopted family here in Merida. She loved going to various events and easily made friends with complete strangers who just happened to be near her.
She really took a shine to me and, as you all know, she was not shy or quiet. We had many adventures, and she was always inviting me out to have fun, or to come over for dinner. Carmen had a knack for attracting the best people to be in her life, and I met so many wonderful individuals through her. She especially loved singers and musicians and she loved to dance. That is why, although her death is a tragedy, it feels right that she died while she was dancing, surrounded by her friends and doing what she loved. She passed quickly and without pain or fear. She left so many friends behind, and those who were fortunate enough to know her were enriched by her presence in their lives.
She will forever live in my memories – I can still feel her strong grip on my arm and hear her warm voice in my ear… She is alive in love, in our love for her, and her love for us. Love never dies, and so Carmen lives….inside each of us.