Heaven's On Fire |Dimebag Darrell

Drink A Beer

September 20th, 1999

  Making my way down the path walk with flowers in my arms, I knew that this very path was going to be something that became familiar to me. Darrell and I weren't sure if today we wanted to pay Carolyn a visit, but we knew that it was important that we did. All we could gain from seeing her now was comfort.

  I easily spotted Darrell as I approached, seeing that he was in thought. "How is she doing today?" I asked, glancing down at the freshly distributed ground that outlines a small grave. Carolyn had finally lost her battle and passed away last week. We held a small, yet beautiful funeral and buried her 4 days later. Right now, she had no headstone in place. Instead, a big headstone outlined with the ABBOTT name scriptured across. That was the only give away. It was clear that this was their family plot and that when my time comes, this is where I will be.

  Darrell, Vinnie and I spent every day with her, slowly seeing her become weak was not easy for any of us, but we knew us being there meant everything to her. The brave woman stayed with us for another month till it became too much, we stayed by her side till the very end.

  Darrell glanced over at me when he saw the flowers, taking them from my arms before he began laying them down over the dirt. Hearing him release a held breath, "I think she is going to be just fine, baby. No longer is she sick," trying to clear his throat. This still was hard for him. Since losing Carolyn, I devoted my time and attention to Darrell, doing all that I could to let him know that he was loved and supported. A few minutes pass when Vinnie and Jerry eventually show up, both greeted us with hugs. Both brothers wanted to come here today to come see her before their lives became busy again, the expectation of having their next album finished on time still hung over them all.

  Watching Darrell hug his brother, I made sure to honor their mother's wish by being there for her son's. I lost my mother from the very same thing, and I knew how they felt. It was something that only the three of us could share and relate to. Maybe God brought me into their lives because he knew one day they were going to need me.

  Jerry talked with him boys about what their plan was in the next few months when everyone began to show up. Bobbie, Rita, Lenny, Grady, even Phil and Rex. Everyone wanted to come and show their support for both Abbott brothers in their time of need. We were family after all, and Carolyn was the very heartbeat. "I hope you forever fly high and live in peace mama Carol. Thank you for everything that you had done for us. Rest easy mama," Phil softly spoke. The singer kissed two of his fingers and then knelt down to placed them against the dirt.

  Watching the softer side of Phil had caused a tear to escape, we all stood by in silence and allowed our emotions to come to the surface. Only lasted till we began to share stories of Carolyn, laughing along with the memories we looked back on. One where Grady came over completely stoned, passed out on her front lawn till Carolyn woke him up with the hose. Or the time she stood in the kitchen with me and taught me some of her family recipes, most times we broke out dancing. Remembering the comfort that she brought when I had to leave for California, to her opening her home to me upon my return. The birthdays she insisted on throwing for any of us. The woman gave all of us apart of her and with that came some amazing memories.

  "That woman loved each and every one of you kids. You all brought her so much joy. For a while there she had her "sons" in all you boys, Rita you were the closest to a daughter she had during those times," Jerry spoke up, his eyes scanning each face till they landed on me. "Then you came along Sable, a beautiful woman who had won our son's heart. Through the years you have stood by Darrell's side and had changed him for the better. You allowed us to be the parent's you never had and for that, we are forever grateful for you sweetheart. Carolyn adored you so much." I was a ball of tears by the time Jerry was finished. I moved over and hugged the old man, quietly thanking him.