Friday, March 14, 2008

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

Today my post is pictures of my mother in law Karen..... She lost her long battle with cancer 2 1/2 years ago and her birthday is on sunday the 16th. The first picture is at the hospital when I had Maxwell. The second is about a month later we all went to an angels game together, I love this picture of mom and dad:) The last picture was taken just a couple months before she passed away. If I hadn't been in such denial about her being as sick as she was I would have taken more pictures with her. I guess I always just thought she would pull through like she always had..... I miss her so much! She was such an amazing woman..... I always joke with Casey that I will never be the mother that she was. She taught me so much about enjoying life and family. She lived her life to the absolute fullest... that's probably why she left us as early as she did. She needed some rest. I don't know very many people that did as much as she did. She rarely slept or sat and relaxed(unless their was a baby that needed rocking). There was always something going on, birthdays parties to plan, babies to love, graduation parties, holidays, weddings, countless games to watch that her kids were playing in, coupons to use, activities to do with the kids..... she didn't want to miss out on anything and she definitely didn't want her kids to miss out on anything. She was the ultimate party planner. She knew how to make anyone and everyone feel loved and special and when she laughed the whole room lit up. She was so thoughtful and wanted everyone to be included. She broke the bank trying to make sure every party was perfect and everyone had a gift for every event in their lives, just ask dad:) She has touched more lives than she will ever realize and is missed more than she will ever know. We love you mom, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!


9 comments:

Jamie said...

What a beautiful post!

Nikki said...

Tammy that was beautiful. Your mother-in-law sounds amazing.

malinda said...

I really enjoyed that tribute to Karen. She truly was an amazing woman. I ran the Rex lee cancer run today and thought about her and Brooke's mom. It's sad to think that these remarkable women had to leave so early. They difinitley left there mark!

Emily said...

Tammy, I love it! We are so lucky to have those precious memories of our sweet mom! Thanks for reminding me of so many more! She sure loved you too!

Brooke said...

I only got to meet Karen once at Maxwell's blessing but I still remember her. She was so beautiful and so happy! A proud grandma! I hope you all had a good day to celebrate her life and share some memories. I thought of you and Casey's family all day today. Even though I don't know them, they have a special place in my heart. She was certainly an amazing woman and you and Casey and your family are a testament to that. What an incredible legacy she has left! Love and hugs to you guys!

Meggen said...

Sweet post and fitting tribute to Karen, Tammy! Thanks for sharing these pictures and tender memories.

Brandon and Kim Waldron said...

Thank you for sharing! I love every thought/word shared about mom because I didn't have the privelege of knowing her here. But I know that because her memory lives on through her children, grandchildren, and everyone that knew her, I will continue to have the chance to learn about her. And one day when I meet her I will already know so much that we wont really have to play catch up! Thanks again! Love ya!

Jamie said...

Thank you for sharing some hard experiences with Maxwell...it really helps to know that I am not alone and that Katelyn isn't doomed!

Summer said...

Thank you Tammy for sharing your feelings and memories with us. I really miss Aunt Karen and am so grateful for the knowledge we have that we will be with her again. I learned so much from her. I think it is so important to always share these memories so they aren't forgotten. I am so glad you are part of this family and I know Aunt Karen really loved you!