Caroline Markham

My beloved friend Caroline was always determined to live a remarkable life, full of impact on this world. Ever since we met in a nursing school Zoom meeting, I have been profoundly impacted by her. I was initially struck by her curiosity, hunger for knowledge, humility, and her infectious belly laugh of course. She was also a complete nerd like me. We became fast friends and after a short while, I considered her more like an older sister. As an eldest sister myself, I know we can be protective. There was a time she protected and advocated for me by having a tough conversation with someone who had hurt me. I did not ask her to do this. Nor did I ever expect it, as I surely would not ever have been brave enough to have the conversation myself. She did this of her own volition, in an effort to do what she felt was right. I know this example is just a microcosm of the care and devotion she showed each and every one of her vulnerable patients. Caroline had a unique way of making one feel truly seen, understood, and cared for. No parts of me were too dark or too ugly for her to love. She introduced to me to so many things like the Enneagram, Madewell jeans, films at Belcourt Theater, using words like “sick” and “dude” in conversatioin. Most importantly, by knowing Caroline and experiencing the richness of her friendship, she introduced me to the Lord. She and Tom warmly welcomed me into their community and made Nashville, I city I once felt uncertain about, feel like home. I will never forget dancing with Tom and Caroline in their living room to Harry Styles. We were giggly and out of breath, hopping around while Midgeypoo absolutely lost her mind. That is how I like to picture her now. With Jesus, belly laughing, and dancing. -Annie Holmes