Four Years

Dear Joe,

I can't believe it has been four years.  Some days dragged like molasses.  Other days flew by so quickly.  Every day I miss you.  
It took some time, but I'm happy again.  I have you to thank for telling me to live life to the fullest, to love and be happy.  You really loved me.  For that I am eternally grateful.  You were such a light on this earth.  People still tell me how deeply you touched them and how you changed their lives.  Praise God for gifting us with your presence.  Your time here on earth seemed much too short - and it is still hard to understand why.  But there is no doubt that you left a legacy of strength, courage, love, kindness, and grace that shows no signs of diminishing any time soon.
Thank you so much for everything.

Love,
Karen

A little change...

I know that I had promised to share more reflections on my past year way back in September.
The thing is, that a lot has changed since then.
And this blog no longer feels like the right place to share those reflections and those changes.

I do know I still have one or two faithful readers out there though. :)
To you, I wanted to say that I may be posting far less often...
Or maybe I'll be posting more...
I'm not quite sure yet.
What I do know, is that my posts here will be a bit different from now - Less personal and more informative.

If you know me in real life (or even in virtual life outside of this blog) then you'll stay up to date on the important things.
If you're a faithful reader that isn't connected to me outside of this blog, please feel free to leave me your email or other contact info in the comment section. It won't be published. But it will give me a chance to share news that won't appear in this space.

Life has been good to me. I'm doing quite well. There is no doubt in my mind that my guardian angel, Joe, has been guiding me towards happiness.

Thank you all for all of your love, support, encouragement, prayers, and hugs. I've been incredibly spoiled and blessed by all of you. :)

Light the Night 2009!

Pittsburgh held its 2009 Light the Night event last night. The evening was perfect. The rain stayed away just for us! There was a bit of craziness for some of the walkers arriving to Heinz Field because Taylor Swift was having a concert not too far away. Taylor Swift is a sweetheart though, so no hard feelings. ;)
We heard some touching stories, walked in good company, and enjoyed some fireworks!!!

So far, the Pittsburgh/W.Virginia chapter has raised $571,000. The goal this year is $610,000. Online donations can still be made through January 2010. Apparently, last year the Pittsburgh/W. Virginia gang was the fourth highest fundraiser in all of the United States and Canada. Pretty cool, right? I know that many patients and their families are grateful, because I'm grateful... and Joe was always so grateful. Each time Joe heard stories about how people were raising awareness, fundraising, giving blood, and joining the bone marrow registry he would get the biggest smile on his face. He always said that if his life helped others to live better, give more, and love more then everything was worth it.

Thank you so very much to everyone for your generous donations... not just to my team. I know that many of you have donated to your own local chapters, or participated in your own walks and marathons. You're all amazing! Thank you also for all of the prayers, hugs, and loving vibes. Every day I'm thankful for the beautiful people in my life.

Special thanks to April, Lisa, and Pastor Jim for walking with me! It was so nice to spend that time with you.

Light the Night

This year, I'm participating in the Pittsburgh area Light The Night Walk with a friend. The walk is next week, on October 1!

Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

I'm walking in memory of Joe, Alivia, Amy, Dale, Erica, and countless others. I also walk to honor those still fighting and providing hope, like Ann, Christine, and Nancy. It would be a privilege to have you join me and my friend April.

Depending on where you are located, I will happily bribe any potential walkers or donators with cupcakes, cookies, hugs, or eternal gratitude. :) I'll consider suggestions for other methods of bribery as well, if they're within reason! Thank you in advance.

Love,
Me

Staying Positive Team Page

Go Steelers!!!!!! (Widow Reflection #1)

A few years ago, I classified myself as a football widow. Now, I'm a widow who loves football. I no longer find the term football widow (or hunting widow, xbox widow, sports widow, etc.) cute. But I do find a strange sense of pride in being a football loving widow. It helps that I'm a fan of the greatest team on earth. ;)

Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!!!

July 3, 1974 - September 7, 2007

Well, it has been two years. So far, my weekend of celebrating Joe in my heart has included friends, ribs, Superbowl trophies, and karaoke. Joe loved friends, ribs, Superbowl wins, and karaoke - so I'm sure he must be smiling.

I'll share thoughts and reflections later in the week.

For now, I just ask that you tell someone amazing that you love them. Call them, write them, text them, go into the next room and find them... just do it. Even if they probably already know it... even if you can't remember the last time those words came out of your mouth... even if you just told them five minutes ago... even if it's been so long since you've said it that they'll think you're drunk... even if you *are* drunk... just say it. Because even if you've said it a million times - there may come a day when you will wish you'd said it a million more.

Love and hugs,
Karen
xoxoxo

Happy Birthday, Joe!

Happy 35th Birthday, Joe! Thank you so much for being my own personal angel and watching over me. You'll always be in my heart...