Carla & Bobbles posing outside Carla's garden oasis
“Who is that!? She’s so full of life and energy! She’s so wild and carefree! She’s so loud and funny! Man, is she ever nice.” - Typical remarks by someone meeting Carla for the first time.
I met Carla years ago, in a class during my second year of university. She says that she was drawn to me because of my “incredibly sad eyes.” (At the time, I had no idea my eyes gave me away). I was drawn to her by this aura of sheer happiness that she seemed to unknowingly exude. Up to that day, - and even since - I had never met someone who was so positive, so full of energy, and so appreciative of life. I recall being drawn to her – but also very intimidated by this woman who seemed to effortlessly enter any room or conversation with her bigger-than-life self, her peals of laughter, her whole-hearteded positive outlook, and her honest remarks.
I must admit that I have to attribute many of my successes to Carla. With Carla's help, I became a better gardner, a better cook, a kinder person and a more confident woman. My crêpe, alfredo sauce, and vegetarian lasagna recipes all originated in Carla's kitchen. Her kitchen was also the place I made bread from scratch for the very first time. She was even able to do what no other human being was able to do - teach me how to swim. If ever there was an example of extreme patience, this is it. Every single time I went snorkelling or diving in the Maldives, all I could think was 'if only she could see me now!'
Over the years, our friendship has grown, and the mother of six I met in university is now a grandmother of seventeen. Yes, seventeen. I think that number alone is a testament to what kind of mother Carla is – one that has imparted the value of life and love. And in many ways, Carla has had a ‘mothering effect’ on me as well. Carla has taught me many, many things about life – not by ‘teaching’ per se, but rather by demonstrating. Through Carla, I have learned what boundless love is, the power and pain of forgiveness, the challenge of self-love and most of all, the importance of giving.
I try to visit Carla at least once a year, and each time I see her, I’m always struck by her capacity to give. It’s like she’s a bottomless well of giving. She gives to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her family, her extended family, her church, her neighbors, her community, strangers, stray animals – and I don’t mean she gives like you and I give a bit of our time, money, or energy. I mean this woman really gives. When Carla gives, you stop dead in your tracks and you feel it. You are moved. You are changed. That’s how good she is at giving. She has mastered the art of giving. And this has inspired me to stretch myself in the ways that I give….and this led to my decision to volunteer abroad for a year with VSO. Carla has been an integral part of my decision to volunteer and focus on how I can give, share and contribute – and hopefully, in my placement in Malawi, I will have even a fraction of the impact she has had on me.
Without being asked, Carla and her husband Dave have decided to financially contribute to my volunteer journey. The very first donation I've received! Even more amazingly, they have been extremely generous in their contribution of love and support. It’s so very comforting to know that I will be in their thoughts and prayers as I venture forth…and that each time I visit them, I will hear the words “Welcome home, Moni.”
