Cathy Cummings
I met Carson on the day I moved to the Buckhannon area. In fact it was the first but not last time he tried to walk into my car and fall down. I stopped to make sure he was okay and he was smiling. Told me wanted something to eat and apologized for making me stop. I got some food and we talked about the area, where he was from and had a few laughs. It would not be my last encounter with Carson.
When I started working for the newspaper, Carson would come in and chat. Many times he just needed to use the restroom. For someone who lived the life Carson was dealt, he was always smiling, always looking for someone to talk with. He wanted to interact with people, made him feel human, felt like he belonged.
Over the years I saw Carson several times a week, made phone calls for him and just listened to what he had to say. A lot of people never spent enough time getting to know him. Carson was much smarter than most gave him credit, had a wonderful singing voice and certainly knew how to survive in a world where little was available for him.
I have conflicted feelings about his passing. It would have been great if he could have found a safe place to live. I know he is no longer tired, scared, hungry or in pain.
For that, I am thankful he no longer has to deal with a harsh life. I'm forever grateful Carson let me into his world, I am a better person for that gift.
Godspeed Carson.
Tuesday April 3, 2018 at 5:21 pm