To the editor:

More than 20 years ago, shortly after graduating from Lakeland High School, I came to work for the Carter family. I was very shy and scared to even wait on a customer.

The late Don Carter Sr. took me under his wing and taught me about the furniture business and how to wait on a customer. He told me to always treat your customer with respect and never forget them.

Over time, I was getting to know the customers and was able to help them. I have been blessed with some great customers.

Don Carter was also a great friend to me. He called me most every morning. He would call to talk about everything — from the furniture business to history and prayer to crops and the weather.

He loved taking me to the Peanut Fest. I think it was his favorite time of year. He also invited me to family dinners with his wife and children. They all made me feel like part of the family.

The best advice he ever gave me was, “When you weather storms in life, always look for the sunshine.”

He always called me his sunshine, but I think he was mine, too.

I miss him beyond words, but he will live in my heart forever.

Angela Allen

Suffolk