Today’s day of sanctuary was sponsored by Joseph Garza in memory of his wife, Carlene Olsen-Garza. Joseph, Carlene and their family have become a huge part of our chimpanzee family. They do so much to ensure that the chimpanzees live out their days filled with love, comfort, joy, adventure and as much freedom as they can possibly experience. We are graced to be able to think of Carlene and her beautiful heart and spirit every day here at the sanctuary, especially when we see the chimpanzees enjoying their home from atop “Carlene’s Tower.” Joseph shared this beautiful message about Carlene:
“Carlene was a steadfast follower of CSNW right up until she lost her battle with cancer on this date in 2014. She was a great admirer of the work that the Sanctuary did and read with great interest anything to do with her three favorites: Jamie, Burrito and Foxie. She was always eager to share the goings-on of these three as well as the others at the end of our day. To see the sparkle in her eyes and the joy in her voice while speaking of her “friends” was infectious. Today we honor her memory by doing what we can to help the Sanctuary continue its work and achieve its future goals.”
Joseph, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to you and your family for continuing to honor Carlene’s memory through her love of the chimps. We are honored and so happy to call you all part of our chimp family. It’s an incredibly inspiring and lovely thing to witness how one special being such as Carlene continues to make such a difference in the lives of so many, both human and non. Our thoughts and hearts are with you all today as you celebrate Carlene’s life. We know you are missing her more than words could ever express. We are wishing you comfort in her memory and each other and hope this fills your days with the hope, love, home and sanctuary that you continue to provide for Annie, Missy, Burrito, Negra, Jody, Jamie and Foxie.
Burrito:
Foxie:
Jamie:
CSNW is unique. You not only embrace the chimpanzees into your hearts, you embrace us all. Through CSNW we are all interconnected and this is a beautiful thing. I feel connected to Carlene in a small way. Joseph’s tribute makes me realize that we are all kindred spirits. I too look forward to the daily news from CSNW and light up upon reading and speaking about the Cle Elum Seven. I am grateful compassionate people like Carlene have walked this earth because they quietly make it a better place. And I can’t think of a finer tribute than Carlene’s Tower. Perhaps Burrito has become so brave this year in his venturing out to and climbing upon the towers because Carlene is there to hold his hand along the way.
Such a nice thought Kathleen of Carlene’s spirit helping to guide, give strength and courage to Burrito and the others in their ventures on Young’s Hill without the rest of the troupe.
Thank you Tony for sponsoring today in honor of mom. I can’t imagine a better way to keep her love alive. The CSNW is an amazing place filled with amazing people who have such big hearts. The world is a better place because of your love. Thank you for all that you do.
This is the lest we can do to honor the memory of your mom so she least not be forgotten.
What a touching tribute and beautiful legacy.