Kari

My friend Kari died on Aug 16. I met her almost 15 years ago when she became Tim's SLP. I loved her and she was so good to my Tim. She also loved him. And so sweetly she never ever forgot him. I'd see her on the street years later and she'd ask me about him by name. Then a few years ago we connected on Facebook. Three years ago she became Sydney's first SLP. Sydney was only two and she would be completely silent when Kari was at our house. Not a peep would escape her. It was weird. And she liked Kari. Kari was so sweet and she would play and play with her. But I remember the first time Sydney made a sound, just a little noise and Kari was about in tears she was so happy.
She was one of the most loving and kind people I know. She love God so much and had so much faith--especially considering her trials. She would have been bitter. She fought cancer. It sucked. She won. And then she was diagnosed again. And then again. But she was always positive, always hopeful. Even when they knew there was nothing left to do to rid her body of the disease.
Her funeral was so sweet. Her brother spoke. He'd had the chance to spend her last week with her and she told him what she wanted said, he gave her last message to us. And it was-- Don't ask why. Don't do it. Just know that Jesus Christ came to the world and because of that we are all saved. Love him. Accept him. And don't wonder why. It just made me love her all the more.

Kari and her best friends trained for months and walked in a 60 mile cancer awareness walk. She asked her friends for names of their loved ones who suffered from cancer. And she placed them on pack to wear and they walked with her. And my momma's name is still on that pack.

Sydney picked out my jewelry for the funeral. Just she and I went. Our Tim was at work and the little boys were on a campout. We went to dinner first and made a night of it.

There were rocks for everyone to write a note to Kari on and these sweet packs of bird seed and pictures.