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Memorial Day is for the War dead. And so yesterday, the parades,the flags and the poppies caused me to stop and to reflect on people I didn't know who have died in service to their country. My heart aches for the families and friends who every single day experience the sadness and emptiness of missing a loved one who has died. I know the pain they are feeling. My heart aches for everyone in our family,who mourns Kara's absence every day. To see and to feel their sadness and to be able to do nothing to fill their emptiness from missing Kara, is both painful and heartbreaking. My heart aches for all of you; Kara's friends who are trying to find your way to reason...to go on...to accept and understand Kara's sudden absence from your lives, in a way that you can at least live with in peace. We are surrounded by pictures and memories of Kara. Every room in our home has photos of Kara with her arms around one of us; a smile on her face; a look of happiness, silliness...a Kara look, that takes me back to countless laughs; moments; and love that I will forever treasure. Alone or with family, I can't stand around our kitchen counter; sit down for a meal; relax on the deck; soak in the hot tub; or hold onto Willow...without remembering Kara's presence in our lives. I am grateful for the memories; for so many beautiful memories. The cards and e-mails from Kara's friends are treasured and saved, for they convey memories of moments with Kara that we weren't a part of, but were a big part of Kara's life. It's neat to read about experiences that you shared with Kara, that you remember and chose to share with us as well. I am grateful that Kara touched so many of your lives, and that you in turn touched hers. My Mom says that joys shared are doubled, and that sorrows shared are halved. We are experiencing a lot of sorrow, and I know that many of you are as well. Sixteen and a half months of being heartbroken does not mean that it's any easier to accept Kara's death. Ours is a lifelong journey of balancing and living one day at a time, with the missing and the memories; the sorrows and the joys. Thank you for walking along with us on this delicate journey. Thank you for remembering.
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