Moon Musings - Remembering Carter
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Our own Carter Chatterton left us for the next chapter of his journey on January 19, 2025. Carter’s battle with cancer was as cruel in its rapidity as it was in its ferocity. It was an aggressive and unyielding diagnosis for such a gentle and wholly kind man. And while his loss is acute and painful in ways that are painfully evident and will echo as each day, each holiday, and each sunrise comes and goes, we instead will focus on who he was for this tribute instead of what we’ve lost.
First and foremost, Carter adored Sharen. He was the epitome of steadfast support, offering her a constant and comforting love that celebrated her, celebrated them as a couple, and celebrated the family they created together. He was a quiet man who did not feel the need to command attention when he entered a room. He was a gentle observer who drew people to him with his attentive ear, his respectful demeanor, and his well-timed joke to lighten any mood.
He listened.
He heard you.
He saw you.
He remembered details about you.
He validated you.
The qualities that Carter quietly possessed drew people to him, and the stories we are hearing about folks who sought him out, equally because of his culinary prowess and his engaging conversation, have warmed our hearts in ways we can’t adequately express. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. Carter was humble, and he would be astonished to hear about all of the people who considered him their dear friend, as he was merely being himself, showing kindness, realizing that we are all on a journey- together. And the “together” part was the most important aspect for him.
One of our gallery artists asked Sharen once about how she and Carter met. She recounted, a smile spreading over her face, that she and Karen went dancing one evening at Cowboy’s. She first met Carter when he asked her to dance, as only a true gentleman can, and he held her shoes in one hand as they danced and danced and danced the evening away.
Of all the things we struggle to understand, we do know a few things for sure.
He’s waiting for his Sharen on the other side. He’s making everyone feel seen and validated and heard. He’s cracking a well-timed joke. And Sharen, he’s holding your shoes and ready to dance with you when your own journey here is fulfilled.
Celebration of Life for Carter Chatterton
Saturday February 22nd
3:30-6:00pm
The Daily Grind
302 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382