Monday, November 14, 2011

We'll MISS YOU Carol Patterson

I'm very seldom at a loss for words so I guess this is 'the seldom'. I'm heartsick. Our good friend, Carol Patterson, who also lived in La Fortuna along with her husband, Bill, died VERY unexpectedly the other day. Actually, D'Angelo was talking to her on the phone when we were crossing the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border about picking her up a few things 'on the cheap' in Nicaragua. She died of what we think was a massive heart attack about 6 hours later. She was 53.

I understand death is a part of life and I also understand death can strike at anytime but it's always seemed a bit surreal to me when one second someone is there and the next, not. Not 'shock', just crazy, strange to me. Either myself or D'Angelo talked to Carol about everyday because like us, she enjoyed blogging and promoting her husband's paintings on the internet, so she was always emailing us with ideas and updates and what not... the usual back-n-forth. There's a very recent email from her in our inbox and I swear in my brain I believe if I answer it, she'll write back.

My heart goes out to her husband Bill, who is also a friend, and as a matter of fact, we've made 2 videos with him. Bill and Carol were close and so excited about living out the rest of their lives in Costa Rica, enjoying each others company and doing things they hadn't gotten a chance to do when living in States. They have the cutest little house close to the La Fortuna waterfall with a unbelievable view of the Arenal Volcano. I hope Bill can somehow find the resilence to keep going.

I know why I'm posting this song but I can't tell you. sorry.

I realize death touches us all and I'm not even quite sure why I'm writing this post. I do know, for me, death has a way of putting life in perspective. Anyway, send positive thoughts to our friend, Bill, I'm thinking he's going to need them in the months to come. Here's one of the videos I did with Bill.


Carol, we love you and will miss you. Keep an eye on Bill, he's going to need your presence. I hope where ever 'there' is- it has blogger.

Comments (9)

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Really cool Costa Rica short documentary film about surfing. Check it out!
http://vimeo.com/9343510
Michael, sorry to hear about your friend 53 seems like a very young age to part, hope Bill is alright keep and that he keep doing what he loves to do, just like you do with you videos since you do them because you love to do them.
Thank you very much for making the awesome videos about my country.

Jose
1 reply · active 698 weeks ago
michael alan's avatar

michael alan · 698 weeks ago

Hey JOse,,, thanx for the kind words, they're totally appreciated.
I am sorry about your friend. So young but God has our life planned then we are born. Bill will have lots of good memories and he will have to continue to live his life to the fullest. I know that is what Carol would want him to do. Will remember him , you and husband in my prayers tonight.
Bill, been there, it sucks. Never get over it, just live with it. My wife was 48. Taken care of the "kids" and grandkids helps. Coming down to CR in 2012. I plan on getting losted for a month.
Rick
Thanks for remembering Carol for us..She was an awesome person..Even though I only knew her a short time, she did touch my heart..I remember spending last Thanksgiving with her and Bill (and you guys)..
Greg Giertych's avatar

Greg Giertych · 695 weeks ago

I just received word today from Bill that Carol passed away, I have no words and am very saddened. Bill and Carol had come to my house prior to a visit that I was making to Costa Rica. We had a nice time and they mapped out a "path" of all we needed to see and do there, what a beautifil place!!! I spent a Christmas Eve with them here in the states as well. Carol would email me asking when we were going to come and visit, I guess I should have made it sooner than later. Carol.....thanks for being such a nice person and making me laugh, you could always make people laugh. Bill....you are in my thoughts and prayers and I wish we were closer so I could give you a great big hug man!

Greg Giertych, Cocoa Florida
1 reply · active 694 weeks ago
michael alan's avatar

michael alan · 694 weeks ago

Thanx for the nice words Greg..I'm sure both Carol and Bill appreciate them.
Oh my gosh. I have been looking for Bill and Carol for over a year now. We use to stay in touch and I was planning ot contacting them to see if we could come and visit them in Costa Rica. I knew Carol from Cocoa Fl with horses and Also Bill was my moms doctor. I am so sorry to hear this. Carol put a bug in my ear to move to Costa Rica and I was looking forward to getting all her and Bill's Advise

My heart and prayers go out to Bill and I hope to see you one day in Costa Rica or Cocoa Fl. Please contact me if you can.

Gina Benson Cook

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