A SHINING STAR!

Some people touch our lives and we are changed. That was the impact my friend, Karen, had on my life - not only when she preached and led worship at our church, where she was an Elder, but also when she danced, when we shared meals and played games together with our families, when I made cakes with her when she was ill, when I chatted with her about everything and nothing, and in the way she dealt with the fact that her illness was terminal.

Karen was truly a “shining star” who is now in the presence of God, having died in March of this year.

Today is her birthday and I want to pay tribute to her and to thank her for touching not only my life but many others in a very special way.

Her husband, Keith and daughter, Ruth, are coming for a meal this evening and perhaps after we have eaten we will play a few games, and I have no doubt there will be tears mingled with laughter.

I read this poem at the service where we remembered how special Karen was:

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

David Harkins

Happy Birthday, Karen - you are a star!!