Kindred Spirits: Cristy’s Story, Part 2

Kindred Spirits: Cristy’s Story, Part 2

So many fun and sweet times were made during that time of life. Kara fought to live with so much passion and purpose. She never wasted time. She never let her sickness keep her from enjoying her family and friends.

Last summer was so much fun. We spent so many days at our community pool, enjoying our kids enjoy each other. I think all of Kara’s friends felt like we could enjoy this for a while. Sure she was sick, weaker than usual, and never free from the stupid cancer, but she was fighting it and fighting to do life well. I thought we had several more years of this kind of living with cancer.

Kindred Spirits: Cristy’s Story, Part 1

Kindred Spirits: Cristy’s Story, Part 1

The first time I met Kara, she wasn’t actually there.

I had just picked my kids up from school, and we were at our favorite part of the weekday: after-school playground time! For several years now, moms and their kids have met up at the playground after school for one big, massive play date. While the children play, we moms discuss life and get to know each other. Every once in awhile, a dad joins us.

Kara’s Collection: Inevitable Pain, Stunning Grace

Kara’s Collection: Inevitable Pain, Stunning Grace

From an article originally posted July 15, 2014…

We had a big day full of celebration yesterday that left us all full and a bit ragged. Jason only woke one for VBS this morning. Our oldest had responsibility, so she needed to show up, even if she was a bit party worn.

I had a sweet morning talking through retreat planning and speaking engagements, and the kids slowly made their way down the stairs into the bright day. One even slept all the way to 11. It was unbelievable, especially since my road is currently being torn up by giant earth movers. In the loud, they slept on in response to the amazing night with friends we enjoyed last night.

Kara’s Collection: July 14

Kara’s Collection: July 14

From an article originally posted July 13, 2014…
That’s my day. July 14 is the day I came to be a part of this world. This past week I have thought much on this simple day and found myself in tears. I’m not exactly sure where the tears come from, but I will simply try let my fingers explain it to me here, tonight after I have kissed the heads of my children, read the books, said the prayers; I simply want to come here to write.

Tuesday

Tuesday

This past week was a full week; as I stand looking at the calendar hanging on the refrigerator, I see something written in the squares for each day: Ladies’ Margarita Night, Women’s Group, Baby Shower.  Etc. The list goes on, just like it does for you. And as I look to see what the squares hold for the week to come, all I can see is Tuesday’s square: Kara’s birthday.

In July, Kara and I sat together at a brunch hosted by a mutual friend. Kara was talking about someone who had complained of her wrinkles from years in the sun without sunscreen. Kara said, “I hope I live long enough to have wrinkles. I hope I live to see 40.”