A very dear and close family friend of my family passed away today, very unexpectedly. He had been battling some serious health issues for the last few years, but about 6 months ago, he was able to have a heart surgery that greatly improved his health and quality of life. He was doing so well that we all thought he would be with us for at least a few more years. Very suddenly his body deteriorated, and within about 24 hours, he passed on.
I can’t bring myself to write much for the next few days. I will be trying to spend as much time with my friend and her family as we can and help prepare for the funeral service.
I have a deep and unwavering belief that this life is not all there is. This is something my friend says to me often. She should know, she has had some doozies of challenges. I know my friend’s husband has passed on to a beautiful paradise. He is free from all the earthly challenges his body dealt with here. Even though I have a strong belief that we all have a spirit and there is more for our existence than just here on this earth, it doesn’t take the pain away, nor the grief of losing someone you loved so very much.
I am not a stranger to death, nor to tragedy, as we have had both touch our family more than I care to have experienced. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers for my friend and her family at this time. I know in time, grieving does lessen, and healing begins. My friend and her family share the same faith as us, and we know we will be with our families long after we have left this earthly realm. This is of the greatest comfort to me when a loved one passes on from this life.
I hope to be back in a few days when I can gather my thoughts. My friend was one of the funniest people I knew. His wife is hilarious too, and I will treasure some of the very good memories and conversations we have all had together.
One thing I do want to share, he was a HUGE Giant’s fan. Many of us believe he held on to see our team win the World Series again! Also, his son came home from college to attend the parade here in San Francisco, and celebrate the win with his family. What a miracle this was, to have this last family time, celebrating, and enjoying being together. Only to have things change like this within 24 hours. Life is full of miracles and tender mercies from a loving Heavenly Father.
I so enjoy those of you who contribute and comment on my blog, and reading all of yours. Many times, because some of you are so fun, and a good laugh can heal many things.
I don’t feel like doing much laughing right now, but I know I will, because little bits of humor are what get me through the dark times. Also, painting, painting is my therapy. I have some projects I can’t wait to share with you. But for now, they will wait.
Love much, -Karen (aka, not Good Time Charlie tonight)
thinking of you Karen, sending good thoughts your way. My mum died a few months ago so i know the loss death brings. I hope your friend’s wife is surrounded by loved ones in her grief for her husband.
Fiona xx
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Karen. You take care and thoughts and prayers are with all. XO
I am so sorry for your loss, Karen. Having lost two of my favorite Aunts this past month, I know only too well the ache. I’ll be sending prayers for comfort and healing to you and your friend’s family.
so sorry for your loss I will pray the lord brings you comfort to get thru this hard time
Dearest Karen, my deepest sympathies during this very sad time. I’m thankful that you were not on your trip when this happened. That happened to me a few years ago, and it was a horrible feeling knowing I was so far away, even though I couldn’t have done anything if I was there. I’m glad that you are able to be home with the family who needs your comfort and support. And all your friends out here in blogland hope to be here for you, as well. My prayers for all who are grieving the loss of this good man.
BIG Texas hug,
Patty the Plant Lady
Life changes in the blink of an eye. Thinking of you.
Bliss
Praying…. yesterday, today and in all the days to come ~ lifting all of you up and asking for peace, comfort, strength, understanding joy knowing he’s now with Jesus. Love you Karen!!
Karen, so, SO sorry for your loss. Prayers for you, your family and for theirs. xoxo
Karen, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Such a shock to lose him so quickly. You are right in all you said, about happy memories, and knowing he is better off does not lessen the grief. When we grieve a death, we are always grieving for ourselves, and what we have lost, not for the person who has passed on to better things. Yet we must grieve, for there is a hole in our lives that nobody else can fill. Thank God for the blessing of memory, that we can keep our loved ones alive in our hearts until we meet again!!
Keeping you and all of your friend’s loved ones in thought and prayer. Take the time you need, and know we are waiting patiently for your return.
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you, your friend and your families in my thoughts and prayers at this hard time.
Thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time. You have a wonderful attitude, knowing the pain will subside but memories prevail. God bless you and your friends, and many hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss, Karen! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during such a difficult time. Praise God there is so much more than life on this earth and we have that to look forward to. My deepest sympathy is with you all.
Sometimes the words are hard to find—but warm thoughts are always there.
There is so little we can say or do, but may it help somehow to know our hearts go out to you.
We share your sadness–hope you can feel the hugs throughout our blogging community.
Absolutely thinking about you and your “extended family,” and hoping you’ll find comfort in your memories of this very special man.
Catherine
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take your time and do what you need to do. We will all be here waiting for you when you are ready. Linda
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be such a blessing to your friend’s wife and family as you all go through this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you… and (((hugs)))
Karen, sorry to hear of this great loss. He is in a better place, no pain, no fears,just joy. Be thankful today for the moments you shared and know he is still with you. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and take the time to celebrate his life and know we’ll be here when you come back!
i am so sorry for your loss Karen. I’ll be keeping your family and your friend in my thoughts. Life is certainly full of enexpected twists and turns. Take Care!
I will be keeping you, your family, and your friend’s family in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss. I pray you find comfort in the happy memories and you are able to be a source of strength to your friend.
So very sorry for this loss, Karen. My thoughts and prayers will be with you, yours, and your friend and her family. Hugs,
Heidi
Karen,
So glad you got to share time with your friend and have many memories to take you through this time. My thoughts are with you and yours, Susan
Will be praying for your family and your friend and her family. Take time to grieve. Love, kl
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have shown us all what strength there is in faith. Thanks for sharing your pain and your comfort. May God continue to bless you and your friend’s family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and praying for peace and healing in the hearts of you and the family.
Thinking of you dear and saying a prayer for you and for your friend and her family. Praise the Lord we have the promise of seeing out loved ones again!
Hi Karen, my mother will be gone 11 years this month and the grief and pain has lessened but I miss her everyday and I too feel that I will see her again…someday! You will be in my prayers and those who loved him too!
Oh Karen, I don’t know how I missed this post…So sorry…I know, that you know I understand what you are going through. It is almost harder to deal with a few days after than the initial shock. But as age and grace shows us that we will keep going and remember the good.
Hugs to you my friend…My heart aches for you and what you are feeling right now.
Karin
Karen,
I am so, so sorry for you and your friend’s loss. I can’t even imagine losing such a close friend (or your friend losing a husband).
Take your time and we’ll be here waiting for you.
Sorry it took me so long to visit – been out of power from Sandy and no on a little vacation for my hubs b-day.
Kely
I’ve made vows in the past, declaring sehitmong without realizing how it could keep me feeling stuck, until I looked in retrospect. I love the ah ha moment of realization it’s good to know there are people like you to help us release those old vows!
Karen, your post was so beautifully written. I’m so sorry for your loss and you and your friend (and families) are in my thoughts.
Angela
I have walked in your path, I’m sorry for your loss.
karen… my heart hurts for you and your friend. how lucky she is to have you by her side as she faces this frightening and difficult time. please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.