If Tears Could...

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven
To bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.

Miss you much/Aunt Gail

I thought of you today Carrie. Today as I saw an advertisement for Locks for Love. I thought of how you cut that beautiful long hair to give for sick children. So like you. You did so much without hesitation..unlike the rest of the world. Sometimes I think God took you because you had learned so quickly what the rest of us are still struggling to do. You put others in need ahead of yourself without ever thinking how it may appear to others or how it would make you look...you didn't care. You gave from your heart without hesitation. When you took the boy with Downs Syndrome to your dance..you didn't care what anyone else thought you did it because it made him happy. You gave so much joy to all of us. Now at Christmas time when we all find a little Christmas spirit to give a little more to the "needy" and then pat ourselves on the back for it...I think of you. You gave without hesitation, without a thought for yourself and you did it year round. Not because of a special occasion, not because someone would admire your "good deed". You did it as easily as you took a breath. I think of it and miss you. I think of your family and think how bittersweet the memories of you are. So sad not to have you here but at the same time so joyful because you brought joy to every moment of every day. So at 39 I am trying to be a bit more like you. You were so far ahead of us Carrie. I'm praying for your family that peace comes to them in knowing how you in your tender years changed lives forever. I am a better person for knowing you. You have inspired me to be a better person and realizing more and more what is really important in life. Love and prayers to your family..but I know you are watching out for them too!
Love ...a friend

It's been over 2 years since she's gone. I still can't wrap my head around how something like this could have happened to such a brilliant young girl like Carrie. She didn't walk into a room..she bounced. She didn't smile- she lit up a room. Her kindness and her innocence made you wish you too were just a little kinder to the world. My prayers now lay with her family as they try to pick up the pieces. I cried every day of the trial thinking of how no one should ever hear how their sweet daughter was murdered and yet they had to sit and endure it quietly waiting for justice and unable to speak out for days. I feel not only was her family robbed but so was the world. We were all robbed of the goodness Carrie brought this troubled world. She made a difference, she cared, she made us all laugh. What will we do to be sure that evil doesn't continue to win against the good in the world? I can't leave this world now without hoping to make a difference too. Some how being a participant in making a difference too. I should thank Carrie for that. The impact of her loss in our lives as a community has inspired me to not leave this world without continuing where she left off. Making someone smile maybe before I leave a room too. Maybe making time out for someone else who needs some help instead of wasting it in front of a t.v. Let her death not be a hole we all feel but a reason for doing something good in her honor. Lastly before I close..I'd ask you to pray for Carrie's family. Pray for peace and healing to come into their lives. Amen
a friend...

Carrie Martin was a good friend of my family. Her grandfather, Butch, works with my mother. My older sister, Cassie, used to take ballet classes with Carrie. I remember when all three of us were younger we would always go to Butch's farm and ride horses. Carrie was always happy and could brighten anyones day. After Carrie's tragic death, my sister wanted to become Miss Luzerne County Fair in memory of her, and she did. Next year, I too hope to get this title because I miss Carrie terribly. There was never a time she wasn't smiling. No matter where my family saw her, she stopped and talked to us. She was an amazing young lady. I LOVE CARRIE MARTIN!
--Megan Sailus

Carrie was my cousin. She was the only one who ever really understood me. She got me through some pretty hard times, and I'm very thankful to have had her in my life. It is hard for me, as with everyone else, to know that she was stolen from us. I will always miss her, but I can still feel her. I still talk to her. I live my life the way she'd want me to live it. And I hope all of you know: she's in our hearts. When we need her, she'll be there. Just look inside, and you'll see her face and hear her voice.
--Patricia Crusemire

My name is Leigh Anne. I never knew Carrie, but worked at the furneral home where the viewing was held. I will never forget the viewing and was deeply affected by it. This song reminds me of Carrie.

Bottom of Your Soul by Toto, released February 10, 2006

I love you Carrie. Rest in Peace. Love, Leigh Anne

Sing Me To Sleep...
By Susan de Leur

Come to me Carrie, sing me to sleep...
Wrap your arms around me as I weep.

My pillow is soaked with anguish and
I'm crumbling piece by piece...
Sing to me Carrie; I need sweet release.

It's been too long since I've felt your embrace...
But I still remember your beautiful face.

I see you in pictures, but not yet in my dreams...
I visit your gravesite and fall apart at the seams.

Sing to me Carrie, speak out to me; call---
I need desperately to hear your voice in the nightfall.

There's a special place you and I can share...
Appear in my dreams, as I wait for you there.

Take my hand Carrie, follow me back to reality, for
mere remnants of what we had
Aren't enough for me...

Come to me Carrie, sing me to sleep...
Songs of the past that I pray to keep.
Tiptoe into my slumber and give me one last smile,
I just want to hold you for a little while...

Sing me to sleep Carrie...
Come and soothe my HEAVY heart,
for that it is only in my dreams
we'd NEVER had to part.

May 14, 2006

I went to West Side Tech with Carrie. We were in law enforcement together. On the law class trips, Carrie and I were roomies. We always shared a room together and she would turn the whole room into a beauty salon. We would stay up until 3am, when we both knew we had to get up at 6am. We would laugh all night long. She was a great friend. I loved her like a sister. I still remember the one time I got my hair cut nad the lady butchered my hair. I came to Carrie crying my eyes out and she fixed it for me and it was the best hair cut I had ever aeen. We did lose touch after I graduated, but there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about her. When she passed on, there were so many regrets I had by not keeping in touch and so much I wanted to share with her. She was always there when I needed her the most. The stuff she did with her life. I don't think I would of ever been that strong! She was and still is the greatest person I know. Every Sunday I go visit Carrie's grave and I leave her something and talk to her. I miss her very much, and I love her very much. She is the most caring and wonderful person I know (but you knew that already).

Love always,
Melissa Mulvey

Congratulations to 11 year old Callie Grey for receiving an Honorable Mention in the Suburban News Contest.
"My Special Someone: Carrie Martin"
My Favorite Relative Makes Christmas Special Because:
Do you ever feel that there is that special person in your life that just left an impression on you? Well, my special someone is Carrie Martin. She is special to me because she was kind, generous, and beautiful, not just on the outside but on the inside too.
Carrie has left an impression on a lot of people. She loved being with people and helping them whenever she could. Carrie loved driving and competing with Christy Harrison's percheron horses. Carrie also loved being the Luzerne County Fair Queen.
Carrie loved doing hair and during the holidays and for special occassions, was known as the "Queen of Up-Do's". Sadly, about a year and a half ago, Carrie passed on. She will always remain in my heart.

I remember when I frist met Carrie. I couldn't believe how her eyes shined so bright and her smile lit up the room. Just with her smile and those eye's, I knew there was something special about Carrie. Well, as I got to know Carrie, I saw many different ways that Carrie was special, but the one that stuck out with me was Carrie's kindness towards people. It didn't matter if they were short or tall, heavy or thin, young or old, Carrie would talk to you and before you knew it, Carrie was your friend, someone you could count on and talk to... To Carrie, it didn't matter what anyone else thought of you as long as she saw the good in you, that's all that mattered to her... Carrie was the most kind hearted young women that I ever had the chance to know and friend. That is one thing I will never forget is her kindness... I know how lucky I was to call Carrie my friend.
Carrie touched so many people in her short time here with us, so it doesn't surprise me how she is still touching people even in her death... I often get stopped by people asking me where they can get a Carrie Martin Sticker or a Wrist Band because their cousin or their granddaughter knew Carrie.
Carrie, I Love You and Miss You Everyday
Love,
Patty Ann

One Year Ago Today

"One Step Closer"

Here I am still time
And words are so hard to find
Just when we thought there was more
Carrie entered Heavens door

One step closer to all she dreamed
Only God knows what He could see
We make our plans and do our best
Then we must leave to God the rest

He had given us Carrie for a time
That He may show His love so fine
Now we remember the good that He has done
He choose Carrie, truly a Special One.

I think of how she made me laugh
I see her smile in photographs
She lives here in my heart
She will never really depart

So many songs left to sing
Dreams that won’t come true
A wedding gown that won’t be worn
And children never to be born

Sisterly advice left unspoken
Family photos with empty spaces
A life story not fully written
And hugs and kisses not given

Contagious laughter no longer shared
Tears of joy that will not fall
Sunrises that will never dawn
And falling stars not wished upon

All these things forever gone
The day that you were taken
Remembered each and every day
Our memories will forever stay
---Patty

Memories are treasures that time cannot destroy
They are the happy pathway to yesterday's bright joy!
---quote from Helen Steiner Rice

Carrie is my Valentine

Carrie is nice;
She likes rice and never had lice.
She used to cut our hair;
And was always fair.
We both like butterflies;
And never told lies.
By Micayla Grey, 8 years old

CARRIE’S LEGACY

Carrie will remain our champion, and she’ll always be our queen.
She never went anywhere with half a heart, and she’d left sunshine everywhere she’d been.
I had the honor and such privilege to hear her laughter and dry her tears…
And to watch this graceful songbird blossom beautifully for nearly fifteen years.
She has left me with a legacy, and in spite of my broken heart…
She touched my life with steadfast spirit and now I choose to learn her art.
On the very day that I first met her, she was only five years old…
I’d never seen a sky as bright and blue as her eyes, her soft curls shined as brightly as her heart of solid gold.
I couldn’t see past her spirit then, and I refuse to see beyond it now…
For you see it’s the legacy she left with me, and a gift she so freely handed out.
I believe that day I met her, I saw the faintest outline of an angel’s downy wings
And now it’s clear she earned them much too quickly, and went to work with angels and walk with kings.
Such a painful lesson that with hope I pray to learn
To see life now as Carrie saw it, and not harbor thoughts that burn.
The tragedy of losing her, cannot overshadow you see,
The warmth of knowing Carrie’s sunshine, will always walk with me.

I love you Carrie and I thank you for the gifts of your friendship,
Compassion, showmanship, and for sharing with me your song.
For as Garth Brooks says and I borrow…
It was YOUR song that made me sing.

---Susan

My personal words to Carrie’s parents…
If it were not for you collectively I would never had the honor,
And I thank you both immensely for allowing me the privilege.
As my way of saying thank you Tom and Wendy
I’d like to share this with anyone who has offered you comfort
And all those who showed support…
My heart goes out to each of you
For this cross to bear is beyond profound…
But it has bound both family and community together
By one immense love and one indescribable sorrow.
Through this we’ve witnessed painfully that
Although Carrie’s nature was growing ever sweeter,
Deeper, And more tender,
And her will was growing more serious, strong and proud…
We’ve learned that beauty, youth, compassion, determination,
Or even love itself…
Cannot keep hurt, pain, sorrow or loss from even the most blest,
For it is written and I quote
“Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary”
But for all those who loved her dearly
And for you, her proud parents…
May her sunshine overcome the shadows
And not sorrow, but now her inner spirit
Remain with you and bring you comfort.
In love and gratitude,
---Susan de Leur

I have known Carrie since she was born. I would go to work at night and Carrie would be working at the gas station and she'd always tell me that her Grandpa was opening a personal care home and she wanted me to work night shift there with her. She was a beautiful girl who always loved to enjoy her life and make sure everyone around her was happy also. She will never be forgotten, from calling my home for my son all hours of the night when she was about 12, to calling all hours of the night before she died. She was an amazing happy girl, who I loved with all my heart...
---Alice Devens Blaine

Carrie and I were really good friends. My Mom, dad, and her dad bowled together and every time Carrie knew I was going to be there she would come down and keep me company. She did my hair up in little pig tails and she always used to play the arcade games with me. It was very hard going to the Luzerne County fair this year because of Carrie not going to be there. I will never forget the times when I was either upset, angry or just didn't want to talk to anyone. Carrie was always the person who made me smile and laugh. Carrie always had feelings for everyone, whether you were handicapped or had some disability. We all have our time when we miss Carrie so much that we get upset, but really Carrie is always here with us crying right beside us. Like on October 23, 2004, at a benefit for Carrie's collage scholarship fund and Jimmy got up on the stage and started to sing songs that he and Carrie used to sing. The place filled up in tears but we all knew Carrie was standing right beside us having a good old time with us dancing, singing, and laughing. I don't get why two guys had to take our Carrie away from us, but we do know that she is in a better place now and we will someday be with her. But still, parents shouldn't have to lay their children to rest. I just wanted to say that we are all missing you Carrie and we know that you see us everyday and watch over us. You will always be my guardian angel. Love and miss you, my 2003 Luzerne County fair queen.
In loving memory,
---Sara Strohl

I knew Carrie from school at the academy. She was one of my closest friends there. She was an inspiration to all of us and especially me. She was so incredibly talented, outgoing, and just such a sweet person. She will be so greatly missed by everyone. I think about her everyday, more and more with each passing day. She will always be in my heart, and I'm sure every other person whose life she has touched. She was taken much too soon, but she is in the arms of the angels now where she feels no pain or sorrow, only joy. So everyday I pray and talk to her. God bless her family and friends also.
In loving memory
---Nicole

Into our lives you entered, our miracle from God.
Your beauty is blinding, your spirit motivating.
Your love is enduring. You will always be a part of who we are and
your memory will live on for eternity. I love you!
---Tonya Martin-Kirutis

I wanted to let you know that I'm proud and honored to be a judge for the fair queen concert and Carrie will always be my friend, my guardian angel and my "hair fair" Queen.
With love and prayer,
Melissa Napersky & Family

When I started school at the Academy of Creative Hair Design, I walked into a room full of girls that all looked like they had attitudes or already had their friends. I wasn't from the valley area and didn't know anyone in the room. I chose a seat in the front of the class where there were only two seats left. Carrie came running in the room and took her seat in the front row right next to me. She sat down and started laughing about how she thought she was late and I had to laugh with her being I only walked in a few minutes before her. We all introduced ourselves to the class, stating who we were, where we were from, and something special about ourselves. I remember Carrie standing up and telling the class "I'm Carrie Martin and I'm the Luzerne County Fair Queen, I love hair and I love to do hair." She sat down, turned to me and said, "Hi! I'm Carrie." I laughed and said "Hi, I'm Amber. You look really familiar." As we continued our conversation, we found out we had attended a few dances together at West Side Tech and knew some of the same people. We became very close that day. We went through our kits together and went and bought boxes to store all of our stuff. As lunch came around we went to McDonalds to share some stories and become friends. Time went on during school and Carrie missed time here and there and when she came in she always had a smile on her face and looked forward to doing hair on anyone or anything. Always so enthusiastic. Carrie and I shared something in common when it came to hair. We both enjoyed up-dos and when it came time for prom season, Carrie and I made a pact to sit next to each other and feed off each others ideas and work. The few times Wendy came in to have Carrie do her hair, I always made it a point to stop and say "I just can't get over how much you look like your mom." The smile and every little feature. Upon receiving the news of Carrie's death, I was shocked and couldn't get any words out of my mouth. As soon as I had time to get away from clients and sit and realize what was just said to me, I started to cry and ask God why and how could someone be so cruel as to do this to Carrie. She was such a joy and a pleasure to have around. All the time Carrie and I joked around, worked with each other and shared heart to heart talks about the men in our lives and just anything that was on our minds. We always found comfort in each other. Now Carrie is looking down on all of us, protecting us from evil and knowing how much she was cared for and loved. I send my love to Wendy and the rest of Carrie's family.
With thoughts, prayers, and love, sincerely,
---Amber Zona, former Academy student.

I can always remember looking forward to going to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania when I was just a little girl. The reason behind that was that I was going to get to play with my cousin Carrie. We would always have the best of times together, playing house, store, school, you name it and we, as little girls, played it.
It was my mom's side of the family that made Carrie and I related. We were third cousins, but on my mom's side of the family it doesn't' matter if your distant family or not, everyone is still really close.
Carrie and I grew apart as we grew older. She had things that she was busy with and involved in and so did I. Whenever there was a family gathering though, we always managed to talk to each other at some point, talking about the guys we were dating and whatever else was going on in our lives at the current time.
In September 2003 my mom's side of the family got together for a sad time. My great aunt (Carrie's grandmother) had passed away. Again Carrie and I got a chance to talk to each other and she even introduced me to her wonderful boyfriend who she was so madly in love with. Carrie sang Amazing Grace at the funeral and it sounded wonderful. After the funeral the family got together for lunch. I can remember Carrie walking around to all the tables greeting everyone and giving them all hugs and kisses with a big smile on her face.
I never in my life imagined that that was going to be the last time that I was ever going to see her. I'll never forget the day that I heard the news about what happened. I asked myself over and over again! Why our family? Why her? What did she do to deserve this? I'd never get a chance to sit down with her again at the next family gathering to catch up on what was going on in each of our lives. I feel as though a big part of my heart is missing. Nothing ever seemed to get her down. She was a strong young woman and stuck to her goals. She achieved everything she ever set her mind too.
There's going to be a big empty spot the next time my mom's side of the family gets together, but Carrie will be with us in our hearts and spirit. I'll never forget her. I know she is watching over me! Until we meet again Carrie: I love you and you will always be with me in my heart and I know you’re a beautiful angel watching over me!
---Stacey Schwartz

Carrie's Song

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