Remembering Karen

Today marks one year since we said "good bye" to Karen......

This picture was taken at the last family get together with Karen.

We miss her so much!!!!

As Dave and I talked about Karen last night I realized how blessed I was to have such an amazing mother-in-law. She was also such a great mother to her 8 children. I wonder if she is raising the little boy she lost at 8 months of pregnancy or if she is actively doing genealogy work on the other side of the veil as she did here.

I have constant reminders of sweet Karen. When I run I often listen to Josh Groban's "To Where You Are" song. Every time I hear it I think of Karen.

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memory, so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be (?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday'
Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away not far
To where you are

She was always encouraging with my running. She would always ask me how my long runs had gone on Saturdays. I wish she would have seen me accomplish my marathon, even though she thought I was crazy for doing it :)

The short time I knew her I never understood why I made such an effort to see her almost weekly. And why we had formed such a bond. Now, I realize that I would cherish those moments with her forever!

She was such a great example of what a true friend is really like. She never forgot our birthdays, she would always change her recipes up to please us, she was a good listener, she was kind and always thoughtful.

Karen was not touchy feely kind of person and she never really said I love you to us. But, mother's day of 2008 (there was big fight, nothing more should be said about that day), she wrote Dave and I a letter. One we will always treasure and remember. In it she expressed her love to us. Later that day I called and we both cried on the phone knowing that we didn't like to see each other be hurt. She was so understanding and our bond grew closer than before.

She always showed interest in our kids (as any grandmother should). The kids all know grandma's signature phrase and we often repeat it at our house, "I suppose." It always made us smile. She was always so glad to see us come over for a visit. It was always so comforting to know we could come over unannounced and she would lend an ear, and listen to our latest gossip or gripe :)

We miss her tons! Words can't express the void in our hearts and in our lives. I know I will see Karen later, I know it!

..... We can't wait for that day!