In Memorium - John Joseph Carroll - 1916-2008

This post is dedicated to my cousin , John Joseph Carroll, who passed away in Florida on the 4 January,2008.
My husband Didier & I extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter,Gerry and son, John Patrick and their familes, as well as to John's brother, Edward Patrick and sister, Mary Irene.

I would like to celebrate his life with a few pictures :

Edward Patrick , Mary Irene and, John Joseph Carroll .



John Joseph Carroll in 1934.



John Joseph Carroll in 1943. John was a WWII and Korean War veteran.


Four generations that were reunited on 25 December, 2005.
Left to right: Kevin Crowley, his son Colin, John Joseph Carroll and Gerry Carroll Crowley.

John, I would have loved to know you and to hear about your life, and the family in the olden days.You look like a Carroll, which reminds me of the bloodlines that we share. Despite the fact that life seperated our branch of the family from the hub in Philadelphia, I do believe that family ties are eternal.We are all destined to be reunited with one another in heaven.

This is my favorite inspirational poem that I dedicate to you John, and to all who loved you.

Footprints in the sand :

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson


Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights