Something that is being very helpful to us is that we are donating so much of Karrie's things. In that way others get to have blessings!

This is my return to work day. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

(06-13-2016 07:29 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  This is my return to work day. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Don't worry, Bill - you are!

Same here Bill & Donna!

(06-13-2016 07:31 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(06-13-2016 07:29 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  This is my return to work day. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Don't worry, Bill - you are!

Yes - and I hope work could distract a bit.

(06-12-2016 09:08 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Something that is being very helpful to us is that we are donating so much of Karrie's things. In that way others get to have blessings!

That's nice, Bill. While you're letting go, which I'm sure is painful, remember that you're moving forward. Hang in there.

I'm praying for you and yours.

Thank you for your encouragement!

In remembrance of Karrie Nash- One Year later...

Karrie Nash passed away June 4, 2016. It seems like yesterday. I want to thank all those who have given prayers, support, and encouragement these past 12 months. Most of all, I thank God for His ever-present help. Karrie, like all children, belonged to God from beginning to end. We parents are stewards in His stead while on earth. We had prayed to God many times during Karrie's life that when He was ready He could take Karrie back. And He did. God's time is always the right time. We think of losing a child as a tragedy, but God knows what He is doing.

While there was and is a profound sense of loss, there is also peace, acceptance, and a certain satisfaction. Karrie lived a short but full life. She never knew good health. She never lived without pain. We watched as she found meaning for what it all meant for her. I don't think she ever found the complete answer. Still, she rarely complained about her situation. She discovered her passions: her cats, love for opera, singing, photography, travel (when she could physically), and social media. She had many friends through social media. Being unable to leave the confines of her room very often as her health deteriorated- her world became small in that way.

Karrie was a beautiful soul. No, she was not an angel. But she maintained an innocence her entire life that few adults can claim. I have seen this trait with the chronically ill. At the same time, she also lived her entire life with the knowledge that her time would be short. She once commented to me that her hero Mozart died young at age 35. Karrie died at age 35. Although Karrie certainly did not want to die so young, she also looked forward to the relief from her suffering. That's why we have peace, acceptance, and a certain satisfaction.

A year later we miss Karrie greatly, of course. We are okay. Karrie's beloved sphinx cats are in good health. They mourned for a time but have adjusted well. And we have too. We are appropriately sad but not depressed. We still cry sometimes. But never for one moment have we have felt bad for Karrie. She did it-she made to our Father's House. Karrie you are blessed!

A very moving and loving tribute Bill.

Having met you and Donna, even though it was only for a three day weekend, it is clear to me that many of the virtues Karrie displayed she learned from you two. Seeing your faith helped her to develop her own, giving her an inner strength to help her deal with her challenges. I know it has been very difficult for you, but God blessed her by giving her loving, caring parents like you.

As always, we are here for you, Bill.

Thanks Gene and Roger

Bill,

I don't know you or your family, but that is one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever heard or read for anyone. My mother died on June 3, eight years ago yesterday, so flowers were placed on her grave, and she was in our thoughts. She had 94 wonderful years, whereas Karrie endured 35 years of pain. Despite the difference in ages, however, both women made good impressions on the world around them.

Stay strong, my friend...

(06-04-2017 10:20 AM)L Verge Wrote:  Bill,

I don't know you or your family, but that is one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever heard or read for anyone.

I cannot agree more (actually brought tears to my eyes). I cannot believe a year has passed since.
And I sure second Laurie's last sentence.

PS: Your words remind me a bit of a German poem by Herrmann Hesse, I happened to find a translation:

Steps
As every blossom fades
and all youth sinks into old age,
so every life’s design, each flower of wisdom,
attains its prime and cannot last forever.
The heart must submit itself courageously
to life’s call without a hint of grief,
A magic dwells in each beginning,
protecting us, telling us how to live.

High purposed we shall traverse realm on realm,
cleaving to none as to a home,
the world of spirit wishes not to fetter us
but raise us higher, step by step.
Scarce in some safe accustomed sphere of life
have we establish a house, then we grow lax;
only he who is ready to journey forth
can throw old habits off.

Maybe death’s hour too will send us out new-born
towards undreamed-lands,
maybe life’s call to us will never find an end
Courage my heart, take leave and fare thee well.

Bill -

I am not sure that any of us have ever filled the vacuum left by the death of a loved one; or that we ever stop missing them. But, as you expressed it in your wonderful tribute, time does help heal the raw wound and moves us toward acceptance. If our respective faiths teach us nothing, it is that while we may be devastated by life's events, if we truly have faith, we come to accept them over time. That's easier said then done, but it certainly sounds as if you are on that path and I hope that you and your family are able to find some comfort in that.

Bill Binzel

I am so sorry Bill. Our thought are with you and your family.