We met Karen 19 years ago when Joe and I moved to Gold Beach, OR for Joe to become the new pastor at her church. Thus, began a friendship that lasted all these years. It ended March 31, 2019 when Karen joined Jesus.
Although we moved on after two years, we retained our friendship. We emailed, Facebooked, and visited when in the area. We eagerly looked forward to her very funny Christmas letters. She could describe the most mundane activities in sidesplitting language.
Karen loved animals. She fed them regularly – dogs, cats, and birds. She put food outside and sat and watched whichever animals decided to come eat. She was a supporter of Cat Town which the community had
built near the beach for stray cats. It had many houses, and people kept the cats fed. We enjoyed time spent watching the cats.
Karen retired as a sheriff’s deputy. She was a widow with one grown son.
Karen's sister, Jennifer, also lived in Gold Beach. Jennifer’s house overlooked the ocean, and she and her husband, Rol, could watch whales from their window.
So, Karen was my friend. Why am I paying tribute to her on a site about invisible disabilities?
The answer? She exemplified the definition of Observer that I use on this site. She and Jennifer offered their friendship and help while we lived in Gold Beach. And then continued that relationship over the years. She never did what someone might consider “huge”, but she was always available, either in person or by phone, email, or Facebook. Her support meant so much to us.
How she supported me (and Joe, too)
Help in the house
Over that two years, the sisters did a lot of housework for me. Then they helped pack when the time came to leave. They were always available to talk and to help at a moment's notice. Sometimes, I would suddenly be unable to accomplish an important task. And they came and pitched in.
A Memorable event
Our Coast Guard son who lived in American Samoa brought his wife and our infant granddaughter to visit. The sisters fell in love with the baby and bought her the cutest snuggly toy and several dresses! What a beautiful thing to do for us.
Ongoing relationship
Over the years, Karen kept in touch with us by letters and email and through Facebook. She was always available when things got tough for me. I knew I could email her, and she would pray for me.
Since we had relatives in California, for years we traveled from Washington to visit them most summers. Whenever we went down the coast, we would stop and see Karen and Jennifer.
In Closing
You can see the impact made by seemingly no-big-deal actions. I'm sure Karen didn't even realize how much her caring meant to us. But it did.
And your concern for a friend or family member could make a big difference in their life.
It truly is the little everyday kindnesses that mean the most. I’m glad that you had such a friend!
Thank you. We miss her. Being the animal person she was, I wanted to tell her about having to let our golden go. But she’s not here anymore. We will see her again, though, in heaven.