Sometimes I think I was a superwoman. I don’t know how I could even find the strength to write this story of Justin’s life on the night of his death ten years ago today.
It was an impossible ask at the worst and unimaginable time in my life in recent years. But as the old African Proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I saw then, and I know now that it takes a village to step up and help you find your way. Despite the few people who stopped being in our life because “losing Justin was too painful for them.” The masses emerged from family, friends, clergy, classmates, coworkers, and even strangers to help us find our way. You kept our hearts in rhythm and beating. Thank you.
Thank you.
Facts:
- I miss Justin every day.’
2. I say his name every day.
3. I cry some days.
4. I laugh some days
5. I am quiet some days.
6. I get angry some days
7. I am human
8. There is no timeline or method for dealing with a loss of any kind.
9. There are no 5 Stages of Grief for the living.
10. I am a grieving mother who will always carry my baby’s loss.
And I will never stop loving, missing, or telling Justin’s story because it is my story. It is our story. I am forever Justin’s Mom, Mama Bear, and OTTO. Over the top, Olivia!!
Justin Carr World-Peace loved the visual and performing arts. On the fateful night of 2/222/2013, he was supposed to see Hairspray with his friend Molly. He wanted his school to start during some modern-day plays with diversity, so he wanted to see how Molly’s mom Karen produced the show at her college.
My creative friend Chuck created this masterpiece program.
The next year Justin’s school produced Hairspray in Justin’s honor, and Molly Chapman was cast as the lead. Trevor Bryant
