Sunday, January 01, 2012
Meeting life head (hat) on.....
Maybe my readers will remember the post about my friend Karen who got married for the first time at age 72 or so, and her wonderful wedding HAT? The name of her hat, purchased at an art fair on the campus of our alma mater, was "It's About Time." We all had a big laugh about that.
Alas, Karen died on December 28. She had surgery recently and never fully recovered. A trip back to the hospital after Christmas ended with her death. Her husband, Jim, was at her side.
I remember Karen from our days in the novitiate together at 1890 Randolph. I remember her bright eyes and wonderful smile and tender spirit, and she never lost those.
It's very sad that Karen and Jim had not even two whole years to be married. But it's not that she was never finally, really, honest-to-goodness happy until she reached the age of 72 and finally got married. Throughout her life, Karen had a great capacity to meet life with enthusiasm, whatever its twists and turns. As our former postulate mistress used to say, "It's all part of a piece."
Rest in peace, Karen. We'll miss the occasional editions of your poetry, lively e-mails, and warm spirit. We'll miss you.
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I only knew Karen through you. I think she had a grand life...And the marriage was the icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteCat
Cat...she did, she did!! a grand life!
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh. Big gulp.
ReplyDeleteI have friends who just recently married, both age 71. A couple who longed to date in high school, never pulled it off, then found each other two years ago, thanks to the wonders of the internet. After the deliriousness of their wedding and the warm response of both families, it's a little hard to see them together now. They are doing what we do at this age: They are changing as rapidly as we do at each end of the age spectrum, as children do at their end, noticeably by the week. I'm happy for them that they have each other and it's fun to watch them decide to spend every penny they've got on the present moment, having decided it's all there is. But it's hard knowing one will still see the other out and sooner than either is prepared for.
It's all of a piece, so t'is.
Karen and Jim went to Ireland on their honeymoon, and then they bought a new house. That's a lot, even for younger folks. I wish they'd have had more time to enjoy going over the photographs and do things like throwing out the old carpet, which was perfectly fine when they moved in. One day at a time. But that's all we get, anyway.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and long life to your friends.