To all of Karen's friends

I cannot adequately put to words the gratitude that I feel for all the kindness that Karen's passing has generated among the people that touched our lives. You, that have commented, and contacted me personally to express their sorrow at her passing, has been overwhelming to say the least.

Having been on the other end of an event such as this, where you feel like a bumbling idiot worrying what you can do to ease the loss of one so loved. I can tell you from recent experience that there are no wrong words. Merely the act of expressing your sorrow is all that is needed. Flowery words cannot say more than "I am sorry!" The fact that she meant so much to the people that she touched makes my wounded heart swell with pride. Of course a lot of people were concerned as to how I would handle her loss. I would like to set your mind at ease, and give you my perspective.

I not only loved this woman, I liked her as a person as well. Until she became so enfeebled that she had trouble doing anything much more than walking the length of the house, we did every thing together. She was my best friend! I preferred her company to all others, but she was kind and accepting enough that she allowed others in our lives as well. Now lest I confuse you she was not always an angel in real life, she was human after all. Just most of the time. Now she can be one all the time.

I think lots of our friends knowing how much we were together were a bit concerned that my loss and sadness would over whelm me. I will admit that I slept little the first night, and I didn't eat for two days. We both felt that this operation could be terminal, and I suppose that in some ways it sort of prepared me for the outcome that has become reality. She didn't want to be house bound and decided to try it. Well my worst fears have become reality.

I feel very sad, and being here without her will take a serious amount of getting used to, but I will. I am not done yet! I do not feel cheated, although I do feel that it could have been prevented and did not have to happen. When I think of our lives together, I only feel gratitude that I had her for as long as I did.

Thank all of you, that have expressed sympathy at the loss that you felt at her passing. Each and every one of you contributed to her happiness, and my undying gratitude. The contact with you enriched her life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.