Our Thoughts, Obituary for Our Dad and Zoe’s Grandfather:

Charleston, South Carolina, was where Carl Peters was born January 4, 1929, to Amelia Noisette and Harry Peters (the name was given to our Dad’s Father when he arrived from Greece). Carl loves his family – all of us – immediate and extended. There was no separation in his eyes, and he relished in the strong heritage of the Noisettes, Gourdines, Peters, and every other facet of his family tree.

Dad rested his last days on earth. He was satisfied and passed away peacefully and at peace with a life well lived and spent with no regrets.

Daddy, Daddy, Daddy. I always had to call him three times, but I know he heard me the first time. He just loved us to call him, consult with him. He was/is a loving, relentless – in his support of us – and protective Father.

On November 20th, when I was visiting him, I reminded him that he didn’t have to worry about us. I assured him that he and Mom had equipped us well and that he should rest.

I reminded him that Jesus had already paid for us, and that now he could receive his heavenly benefits. I read these scriptures to him:

“Be still and know that I am God.”
– Psalm 46:10

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
– 1 Peter 5:7

Carlette shared recently, “The trouble is, you think you have enough time.” She had read this interpretation of a Buddhist quote early this past summer. For some reason, it resonated. She printed it out and pinned it to her office wall at work. She intended it to be a reminder that her projects at work have deadlines. It’s funny that she first attributed the quote to her work life rather than her personal life.

However, now thinking about it, she sees the quote as a messenger that time to be with Dad was running out. We always thought we’d have more time to have conversations with him, watch movies and laugh at the same time with him.

We thought we’d have more time to walk around Manhattan and try new restaurants with him. Dad liked visiting us in our homes. He enjoyed coming up to Edgewater and getting his car hand washed at the place he wanted. He always said they did the best detailing. I thought we had more time for that.

After my Mom passed in Charleston – a city we all love – in 2015, every year after that, we’d plan a trip to Charleston in the early spring. When we were there last in
March 2019, I thought we’d have more time to continue that annual trip to see his nieces, my cousins, and trying new restaurants and visiting the Folly Beach Pier.

In the tradition of our paternal and maternal family it has been necessary for Zoe to connect deeply with her grandparents. Be friends with them, and share joys with them. She has learned not to say goodbye. We never do because we know we can never be apart and that we will see him again one day.

“And which of you by worrying can add one hour to his life’s span?
– Luke 12:25

My Dad was not perfect, but he was perfect for us. He was different than Mom, who made it clear how much she loved you and how she demanded Gail, Zoe, and I have things in life that she and my dad never achieved.

Dad was different. He didn’t always show it outwardly, but now that our time together on earth is up, I realize he still wanted the same things that Mom did, but he needed her to demonstrate the reality of what can be done. Dad always supported every choice Gail and I made. He was right there with any disappointment or challenge we faced. He demonstrated his support in different ways than Mom, and I always felt he’d be there no matter what the outcome.

It’s so true. We can’t choose our parents. And we thank our Lord and Savior every day for the parents we received. We just always thought we would have more time with them.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
– John 3:16