Monday, October 29, 2018
I have 62 years of memories of Karen. She was there when I was brought home from the hospital and according to our dad, saved me from an awful name and convinced our parents to name me Jenny. When she was in the first grade her class brought a sibling to school and she tried to trade me for a friend's brother! Later, she taught me how to drive a stickshift, she helped me find a job, she was in my wedding, Karen was there every step of the way, always with kindness and compassion.
My most recent memories are of Europe when she, Cindy and I all spent 25 nights together. Karen was so impressed with all the art, I remember her excitement at finding Rembrandt in a little museum in Paris that we had just gone in to see Monet's Water Lilies! As we traipsed through Europe, on and off planes, trains, boats and cars, in and out of hotel rooms, she carried this huge bag that must have weighed 40 pounds. When we offered to help her she stubbornly replied that she could do it. This stands out above all else -- her bravery and stubbornness, refusing to give in to cancer. I never heard her say why me or feel sorry for herself, instead asking why did anyone have to suffer with cancer. I know she was a fountain of hope for so many others who were suffering with the same disease.
Karen had a funny sense of humor and found stupid jokes so funny. So I'll leave you with her famous...What goes ha, ha, thud? A man laughing his head off.
