Happy Birthday, Karen...
To the girl who composes songs for her pets,
who makes my native Ohio seem like a travel destination,
and who writes an appreciative ode to her cold virus for not being more of a pain in the ass than it is...
The first time I met you was while reading your loving tribute to your husband, a man who offered you his arm years ago and whose arm is no doubt still steadying you. Through your words, I was introduced to a sensitive and loving woman who’s carrying more of a burden than anyone should but who is still able to find the joy in life’s gifts.
Through your powerful yet precise writing, interwoven with pain and humor, darkness and bits of light, you have given a voice to so many of us. It doesn’t matter whether you are writing about cancer, or depression, or about loving deeply, truly, and imperfectly; your words offer a most precious gift to the reader, one of heightened perception and fine-tuned perspective.
Your experience has been hard-earned and its steep cost peeks through in every sentence. From such effort, though, comes great beauty and wisdom, traits which you possess in abundance. Thank you for daring to share your soul with all of us. We’re better people simply from knowing you.
Sending good thoughts your way for a new beginning, a fresh start, and a healthy future.
Happy Birthday!
Lisa
Comments
Karen will be very pleased.
Monte