More about Carol

[Ruth Edgett <edgettr@netaccess.on.ca>]

I first met Carol in 1991 or '92 in Erie, PA at one of the 
early meetings to organize GLIN. I remember sitting across the 
table from her as the discussion lumbered on about the 
bureaucratic considerations of entering into such a large 
co-operative project. Carol looked for all the world like a 
race horse in the starting gate, literally hopping in her 
place, eager to get past all the talk and just DO it. There was 
no doubt in my mind that she would.

Our paths have crossed occasionally since then -- maybe two or 
three times a year. But, the infrequency of our contact didn't 
seem to matter. Every time we connected it was as though we had 
only spoken yesterday. I always came away from conversations 
with Carol feeling excited. She had so much enthusiasm and 
optimism about her work.

We were both the same age, and I admired her achievement, her 
entrepreneurial spirit, and her ability to lead the charge with 
a good idea and to trust that others would follow.

I last spoke to Carol in July. She took time from her busy 
schedule to help me with a research project about the use of 
technology in community relations. She confessed that, even 
several years into GLIN, she was still bowled over by network's 
use statistics:

"I am always surprised at how many (hits) there are from all 
over the world, and from countries you have never thought of. I 
am always astounded by how much power that we have (to reach 
people all over the world)." 

Carol's work in this life is done now. Even though it seems too 
soon to lose her, I believe she has left behind more than 
enough tools -- in a loyal and committed GLIN staff -- to 
ensure that her vision carries on.

Ruth Edgett
Ancaster, Ontario