Your granddaughters, Amara (9) and Svea (8), know you as Paw Paw and Papa—what does it mean to you to hold those special names?
It means the world to me. Those names are more than just titles—they’re filled with love, memories, and the special bond we share.
You enjoy gardening and planting vegetables. What is it like having your granddaughters helping you, and what do you hope they take away from those moments together?
Having the girls garden with me is one of my greatest joys. They love digging in the dirt, picking vegetables, and asking questions about growing things. I hope they take away an appreciation for hard work, patience, and the simple rewards of watching something you care for flourish. More than anything, I want them to remember those moments we shared.
Amara is involved in several sports and activities—how do you support and encourage her busy schedule with travel softball?
I try to attend as many of Amara’s games as I can. I cheer her on, ask her about practices, pitching lessons, and remind her how proud I am of the effort she puts in, no matter the outcome.
With Amara, being the oldest, how do you encourage her to set examples for Svea?
I remind Amara that Svea looks up to her, so her actions and attitude matter. I encourage her to work hard, be kind, and show respect, because those are the things her younger cousin will carry with her, too.
How do you stay connected with Svea while she’s living in Germany, and what do you look forward to most when she visits in the summer?
We stay connected through video calls and messages. I also fly to Germany and visit occasionally. I look forward to having her here with us in the summer—laughing, making memories, and spending time together.
Svea is on a hip hop dance team—how do you support her passion from afar when you can’t be there?
Even from far away, I love watching the videos of Svea’s performances and cheering her on. I always let her know how proud I am of her and how much I can’t wait to see her dance in person when she visits, or I visit.
What has it been like watching the girls grow into their unique interests and personalities?
It’s been wonderful to watch Amara and Svea grow into their own. Amara loves being active and competitive, and Svea has a creative and adventurous spirit. Seeing them discover what they enjoy and cheering them on in those passions has been one of the greatest joys of being their grandfather.
What lessons or values do you hope to pass to them as they grow?
I hope to teach Amara and Svea kindness, patience, and the value of hard work. I want to encourage them to love God and put Him first in their lives, while also carrying forward the values and lessons their late, beloved grandmother would have cherished for them. Above all, I want them to know how deeply they are loved and supported.
Bio: Carl Carter is a widower, devoted deacon, and retiree who shared 42 years of marriage with his late wife, Sylvia Carter. They had two children: Derrick and Kim.
