Friday, January 22, 2010

my best friend

today at around 10:00am, karen means, my best Friend for the last 26 years, the only person on this earth that understands me, lost her battle with brain cancer.

i am not sure how many more posts there will be, but i will post at least a few details for those of you who have been following.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog awhile back and have been following your posts praying everyday. I am so sorry for your loss. I sit at work crying at my desk for someone I don't even know but yet felt so compassionately for and so connected to. My heart breaks for you. May Karen rest in peace.

A praying Stranger, Amanda

Unknown said...

love you all Doug, thank you for the updates during this trying time and while your heart breaks.

Suz said...

Doug...I cannot fathom what you and your family are going through right now. I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. The God you love will see you through your grief. Suzanne Mittenzwei

Angie said...

Thank you so much for the updates, Doug. It has helped me know how to pray specifically for Karen's needs. I will now pray for peace and comfort for you and the kids as you learn to adjust to Karen's absence. She fought a good fight and I am proud of you for how much care you gave her...not every man would do as much as you did. Please update with the arrangements. I will do my best to be there for you.

Love you all....Angie

Stephanie Hall said...

Coach Means,

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. My son Trey played on the 9th grade football team this year. I never got a chance to meet Karen and have yet to meet you but I feel like I personally know you and her through your blogs. I have read them daily since we heard about Karen's illness. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

We just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during the difficult time. Please tell Jenna that if she needs a friend to talk to that she can call me anytime (Courtlyn).

Courtlyn Mullins and Rayonna Pittard

Barbara said...

Doug and family,
We don't know each other, but your brother Mike, is my brother in law and he has kept our family informed about Karen's progress and gathered our prayers and told us today of her death.

I am so sorry that Karen has died, but I can see that she has left a legacy of memories,love, and friends to comfort you and the family in her absence. May her memory be a blessing from generation to generation.

Our best wishes and prayers for peace and healing for the family.

Barbara Doyle Printz
Westcliffe, CO

Nancy Smith said...

My heart breaks for you and your family. I am an 8th grade teacher at WMS, and I had kyler for a short while. Many prayers and much love to you and the children. I am so sorry.
Nancy Smith

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry of your loss. I am a 2009 graduate from WHS and a friend of mine who still attends Woodland informed me of Karen's death. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God comfort you during this horrifying situation.

Anonymous said...

Karen will be greatly missed by so many people that she touched throughout her life. She is now free of all pain and can walk without assistance. Karen is with Jesus as she spoke of just a few short days ago.

Remain strong...Our Heavenly Father is in control.

Unknown said...

Doug- you took such good care of Karen! I am so sorry. Let me know if you and the kids need anything. Karen was a special person! She made my 21st birthday extra special and we loved that she was part of our wedding! I have nothing but wonderful memories of Karen. I am so glad I got to spend time with you two at Emory. Please let me know if you all need anything!

Ruth said...

Doug, my heart breaks for you and your family. I'm so sorry to hear about Karen's death. So sorry! I so admire your and Karen's love for each other, for your family and for God and Christ. You were always, especially during this illness, her knight in shining armor; and she was so valiant in her fight. Thank you for including us in this personal, amazing, loving, inspiring, heroic and painful journey. I will always have very fond memories of Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless! Ruth Whitehead Trainor.

Anne Marie said...

We are shocked and saddened about the last turn of events here in Colorado and are devastated by the fact that we did not make it there to see Karen as we had planned for March. I remember talking with her about it. You always think there will be more time. We want to know when/where the services will be as we want to come be with you. We love you.

Anne Marie and Travis

Anonymous said...

I have followed along for a bit ~ I am so sorry for you & the kids, I have never seen someone care & nurture another the way you took care of her, what a blessing that you two had so many years & memories together ~ I pray that you have strength now to continue on with the kids keeping her memory shining ~

SL Johnson-Green said...

Coach Means,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. You have been on our minds and in our prayers.Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Thanks for blogging and letting us into your world.
Shirl Johnson-Green & family

Anonymous said...

Coach Means,

I am so sorry to hear about your wife. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
- Haley C.

Dottie said...

Karen always had a beautiful smile...Even her eyes smiled! It was my blessing to have known her. May God bless your family with thoughts of precious memories, as those will always be yours to keep.
Dottie
OHS

R. Glenn said...

Doug and family,

I have just learned of Karen's illness and death today. Your wife and mom was a part of so many great childhood memories I have. She was a wonderful person that I am honored to have shared life with. She was the sister I always wanted to have because, in my mind, she was a blast to be around. So many of my memories at church, at summer camp and even into Junior High include Karen. I have nothing but pleasant and happy thoughts of her life.

Doug, as I've read through your blog, it is so clear that she chose well, as did you. You have my utmost respect and gratitude for the man, husband and soul companion it is apparent you were and are to Karen. Your transparency in your posts bear witness to God's existence and creation within your marriage. Thank you for that testimony.

You, your children, Dewey, Lynette and Daren have been in my thoughts and prayer - and there you will remain - as you continue your journey. The life the two of you made together has birthed a legacy that far exceeds your children. Father is more than able and will provide all that is needed until you are together again.

May the God of all comfort cover you and hold you and lift you up.

Regan Glenn
Prairie Grove, Arkansas

Anonymous said...

Doug:
I came across your story by checking my RoadID account. I am so sorry for your loss. I could feel how much you loved Karen & how bravely she fought her battle. My husband (56 yrs young)was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma stage 4,Aug.11, 2009.
He has not worked since that day. He has completed his chemo & will have a new MRI on June 7th. Thank you for sharing your story. I really have had no idea of what to expect. He had surgery, radiation & chemo followed by 6 months maintenance chemo. I would really appreciate it if you would contact me. If you don't feel up to going through it again I will understand. But if you do you can reach me at pleblanc@shentel.net or 256-682-1255.
Our faith is strong & I feel like it was a blessing from God to find you.
Respectfully,
Phyllis LeBlanc