Our fondest memories…

A Tribute from your Twin

Brother,

Over these last few years, our bond grew stronger on a spiritual level. We shared laughs, tears, and an unhealthy amount of crawfish. Even when we sat in silence, words weren’t required to experience how we felt in that moment. In our bleakest times, we knew that we could count on each other to share the heavy load of grief. In our proudest moments, no amount of celebration (or libation) would be too much. 

I always believed that Carter men were invincible, like Superman. You were equipped with everything you needed in your toolbox to be prepared to carry on that legacy. The values of hard work, love, patience, kindness and selflessness were instilled deep into your core. There was never a moment that I felt I could not rely on you to show up. You were solid. Unwavering.

Learning to live in a world without you will be a long road ahead. I am grateful for the lessons you taught me along the way. I am reminded that this life does not owe me anything. It’s on me to live fearlessly, acknowledge the struggle, and to challenge myself to dream bigger than what is comfortable.

I find peace in believing that you have reconnected with our dads, and pray that you all continue to watch over us down here. I will do my best to make you proud. To live a life of service and love unconditionally.  When the time comes, I’ll be looking forward to that fishing lesson you owe me. I’m holding you to that.

Until the next time,

Dani

You Gave More than You Got

To My Dearest Favorite Cousin, 

I never thought that of all the things that 2020 would take from me, that you would be one of them. Donovan, you were so much more than #myfavoritecousin. You gave me laughter. You took care of us like a brother when my dad left this earth. You loved us fiercely. 

What I find interesting is that you’d tell people that I was one of your mentors, but in truth, I learned so much more from you than I can ever imagine you learned from me (except I teaching you the proper way to eat a steak: medium rare). You even saved my life in that questionable flip into the Guadeloupe river on one of our float trips.

I could count on you to always show up when I needed help, whether it was with my car, or someone else with the last name Carter to pick up packages from UPS for me, a last-minute house-sitter for a few days or someone to pick Texas up from the groomers because I’d forgotten her there.  

One of my favorite memories was when I kidnapped you and forced you to go vote with me; I went and voted just before writing this tribute, so I could do my part to put people in office who will stand against the very gun violence that stole you from me.  The list of things I will miss is endless.  I already long for hearing you burst into my house and in your own quintessential way calling “KRYSTAAALLL” to announce your arrival, then promptly looking at my feet and harassing me about how ashy they are.  Who’s going to accuse me of kicking dust on the regular? 

While your life was cut short, your legacy will not be. Though a senseless act of violence tried to dimmed your light too damn soon, you have left a lasting imprint on the hearts, souls and laughlines of many.  And we, the many, will tell your story. I love you forever, I’m sure Texas Almond is really happy to see you!

Your favorite cousin.