Carol B Gardner

May 8, our beautiful mom, Carol completed her journey to a better place… and wow, what a light she leaves behind. She was a single working mom of three boys with the all challenges that come with that, and we treasure every minute we had with her. She was our first and greatest teacher who instilled in us a work ethic that has provided each of us with success. But she also taught us how to have fun and how to get the very most out of life. She taught us with kindness, patience and an open heart. Her lessons went beyond books, showed us to see the good in everyone and never to judge others. Her warmth, love and wisdom guide us every day and are the treasures we carry always.

Our mom always had something to say — usually hilarious, slightly inappropriate, brutally honest, and somehow also the best advice you didn’t know you needed.

She loved her plants, her beautiful garden, and honestly, she carried herself just like one of her flowers — a little wild, impossible to control, and blooming exactly how she wanted. She also loved her students at Austin High School, and made a lasting difference in their lives.

Carol moved through the world with a gentle grace, like the flutter of tiny wings. She was a teacher to all who crossed her path. She shared knowledge as freely as sunlight through leaves. Her heart beat quick with wonder, never missing the shimmer of a hummingbird at the window. In every quiet moment, she listened to life’s soft music and taught us to pause and marvel. Though she has flown beyond sight, each hummingbird carries her spirit, whispering that love and beauty are never truly gone.

Fly high, Mom… have a couple of neat tequilas for us up there, and keep everybody laughing the way you always did down here. You will be remembered with so much love, laughter, chaos, and joy.