No one expects that call. The call that changes everything. Seemingly normal at first but then you hear the words.
Wednesday night at 10:30pm is when my phone rang. I picked it up assuming I would have a typical gossip-filled conversation with my friend Katie. She asked me if I had been on facebook recently, but I had not, I was at a friends house watching season 6 of The Office. Hesitantly, she proceeded to tell me, "Carly Henley is dead." Pure shock flowed through my entire body. "This can't be true" was the first thing that came to mind. Horrified, I continued to listen to Katie as she explained Carly's body was found next to a frat house, suspected suicide. There was still no way I could believe the words coming out of the shattered screen of my phone. Not Carly I kept thinking, she loved life way too much, if anyone had a reason to live, it was her. The thoughts scrambled in my mind suddenly caused me to break down, tears forming and head shaking. Still in disbelief.
I met Carly in middle school and played soccer with her. Our team went to Europe and I got to know her as well as the other "popular" girls, Carly was definitely the one I felt most comfortable talking to. Throughout high school I was always finding myself jealous of her mere perfection. Her beauty, kindness, generosity and overall demeanor was something I craved, something everyone wishes they could have. Her smile lit up anyone and everything, her music filled hearts and souls, her friendships grew exponentially. I wanted what she had, I wanted that sense of humbleness amidst greatness.
Death scares me. Death is so tragic and happens so suddenly. I grieve with those who have experienced loved ones that have died. I cried after that call until I physically couldn't cry anymore. Even through the tears, frustration, questions, horror, sadness and every other emotion, I have to realize that goodness always overcomes the evil in this world, Jesus made sure of that. Carly's death has reached out to more people imaginable and has touched every life that knew her. Her love for Jesus is inspiring enough for me to reflect on how i'm living my life and what I want to be remembered by. I love you Carly and I wish I could of spent more time getting to know the angel you were and are now in heaven.
All I can do now is pray.
I pray for strength, I pray for the Henley family, I pray for peace of mind and comfort.
Most of all, I pray for goodness to come out of all this and for everyone to come to terms with Carly's favorite phrase: Love Wins.
Because God=love and God never fails, so love never fails.
Hi, thank you for this post. Although I had never even heard of Carly Henley until two days after her passing, it comforts me to understand that my perceptions are accurate of Carly having been an exceptionally earthy and grounded young woman.
ReplyDeleteClearly, with all of her exceptional talents and that radiant beauty she didn't have to be as sincere, humble and approachable as she seemed to be.
There is nothing like a "middle school" testimonial by one of the less popular kids to assure that Carly Henley was authentic and sincere.
I have listened to her music every day since I read the news. Her gift for self expression shall remain well represented here online for many years to follow.
I hope Ellensburg is nice this time of year for you. (geez, they don't even spell 'burg right)
~Onlyforthismale
Hello again,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I went to the "Benefit" at Infusion Tea & Coffee on Saturday evening.
Didn't know a soul, but the stories were so touching and the songs so inspired.
Upon arrival I read the "b-town blog" on a bulletin board, headlined "RIP Carly". A story therein told of a now-17yo kid who'd first noticed Carly at a Veteran's Day assembly when he was a freshman. She crooned "Travelin' Soldier" (Dixie Chicks) with honored veterans behind her and the whole school as her audience.
Upon Carly's death this kid went home and taught himself to play 'Travelin' Soldier' and then, as reported in the b-town blog, he joined roughly 15 kids sitting outside and undercover on a rainy night. They'd heard of Carly's passing that day and sang songs in her honor.
So much to my enjoyed sentiment this very same 17yo was 2nd or 3rd on 'stage' last night as the crowd gathered to remember Carly.
Her brother Bryce was definitely there, and I think sister Blake was there for a time as well.
Just thought you might want to know. (although you could have been in the crowd as well, given the timing of your happening to be around on Sunday in Seattle)
Anyway, awesome...
I still can't even put a 'value' on the loss (and I say that as someone who never even heard of her while she was alive)
Thanks for your post here.