Polly
It is likely that you know by now that Polly is my daughter, still is and always will be. For me, the author Mat Johnson got it exactly right: “A man’s daughter is his heart. Just with feet, walking out in the world.” If you have had the good fortune to know her at all, you know that her story cannot be contained in or done justice by any one single voice telling it. So, her portion of the site will have the strongest array of contributors evoking her presence and transmitting her essence. Voices sharing her story will come alive from the array of notes, cards, journals and the various offerings sent in the immediate aftermath of Polly’s death – and will be joined by present-day posts from the scores of folks for who Polly exists as an ever-present part of their lives.
To speak in a common temporal language, Polly Miranda Rogers was a remarkable soul with an innate love for the world around her, whose life journey left an enduring impact on those she encountered. Polly's life unfolded as a narrative of compassion and resilience. In the face of whatever confronted her, large or small, she channeled her energy into creating positive outcomes for every person or situation came her way. Polly was a bright light with a generous spirit, a genuine smile and a happy heart. Adored by all who had the honor of knowing her, Polly loved fiercely in return. Polly's life story is one of inspiration, emphasizing the transformative power of a single individual's dedication to fostering connection, understanding, and appreciation for the world we inhabit.
“I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever.”
- Amy Tan
Polly’s Obituary
Polly Miranda Rogers, 20, left this earthly world behind on May 1, 2018, to join her Savior in heaven. While our years with her were cut much too short, they were filled with more joy than we could have ever imagined. Polly was a bright light with a generous spirit, a genuine smile and a happy heart. Adored by all who had the honor of knowing her, Polly loved fiercely in return. Her world revolved around her family and friends, of whom there were many. It’s easy to see why; Polly’s easygoing personality, sense of humor and readiness for adventure made her a delight to be around. She was creative and kind, selfless and sincere, witty and welcoming, beautiful and brave.
A native Charlottean, Polly attended Sharon Elementary, Carmel Middle and Myers Park High. Her enthusiastic spirit and contagious energy served Polly well in her passion for gymnastics and swim team as a child, and for cheerleading at Carmel and Myers Park. Polly was a treasured member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she was an active presence in the youth group, a ringer in the handbell choir, and a faithful, humble servant in mission work. Polly spent summers at Camp Harrison, sharing her gifts of compassion and leadership with her fellow campers. A sophomore at UNC Charlotte, Polly studied special education and was a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha.
Polly is survived by her loving parents, Tim and Lucy Rogers; her twin brother, Will Rogers; her older brother, Patrick Rogers; her paternal grandparents, Betty Ann Rogers of Raleigh, and Rich Rogers of Florence, S.C.; her maternal grandmother Polly Anderson of Atlanta; a multitude of aunts and uncles; dozens of cousins; and countless friends. Etc.
A service to celebrate Polly's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday May 7th, 2018 at St. John's Episcopal Church 1623 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226 with the Rev. Dr. Robert Voyle officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Polly's name to St. John's Episcopal Church.
Our hearts are broken, but we take peace in knowing that Polly’s spirit surrounds us, comfort in the memories that we cherish in our hearts, and hope in the promise that we will see our sweet girl again.
Death is nothing at All — Canon Henry Scott-Holland, UK, 1847-1918
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
Classroom Design Assignment
Among the residual elements of Polly that I can access are various notebooks, journals, sketchbooks and other physical items that help mark her imprint on the world. Passionate as she was about educating herself and becoming a teacher, it is natural that many of those elements speak to one purpose of her life as she saw it.
November 1st, 2024
Lily
On an otherwise pleasant day in February of this year, Lucy and I took our dog Lily to the veterinarian, the last of a sequence of visits to tend to an infected ovarian cyst causing her no small distress. With no viable options other than an extreme and risky surgical procedure it was time to help her cross over to whatever form of canine afterlife there might be, hopefully with Polly. Lily was Polly’s dog, a Christmas present when she was midway through middle school. It became customary for Polly to refer to her as Dobby, as she often struck a facial pose that reminded her – and all the fam – of Harry Potter’s brave house elf.
November 21st, 2024