Resting in peace...

It's with a heavy heart that I share with you that Karen lost her battle to breast cancer on Tuesday night. We received a call last Friday that she wasn't doing well and we hopped in the car and raced to Denver as quickly as we could. We arrived to find Karen's closest friends, "The Girls" as they refer to themselves, at her bedside, waiting for us with warm hugs. It was so comforting knowing they were all there with us and we didn't have to face it alone. Karen was glad to see us and we enjoyed a couple of good days together, chatting and watching Wyatt entertain us. The girls came over on Sunday night for a big pasta dinner. We polished off a few bottles of wine, looked at old photos and laughed over all the stories as they reminiced about the good 'ol days, back in college, when Chuck and Karen were first dating. On the last day, we could feel her slipping away. Friends and family were keeping vigil by her side, making sure she was never alone, praying the rosary, sometimes just sitting quietly with her. We each had private time with her and were able to make our peace and make sure we left nothing unsaid. She never felt any pain and her passing was peaceful, something we prayed about from time we found out how serious her illness was. The last few days of Karen's life were the best we could have asked for. She was surrounded by people who loved and cared about her and she was able to stay in her home where she was comfortable, something that was very important to her. Even when facing a terminal illness, the will to live is incredibly strong. I feel that Karen really believed she may have a chance and remained positive until the end. Finally, her strength gave out and she just let go.

Karen was truly one of the most compassionate and emphathetic people I've ever known. Although she was soft spoken, anyone close to her knew how much she loved them, in her own quiet way. The number of people supporting us now is a true testament to the friendships she has formed over the years. I can not imagine going through this without the love and support of the wonderful network of friends and family we have. We are so blessed to have them and I will be eternally grateful. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude.

My heart breaks for Dayven, losing another parent, way before anyone should have to. He has been incredibly brave and strong and I'm so proud of him for how he's handled everything. The past 48 hours have been a bit surreal. Time always passes really slowly when you're in the midst of something life changing. We're really exhausted too, which doesn't help. Family and friends have been stopping by with food and calling to offer their condolences. My parents and brother Josh are flying in from Florida. Once the flurry of activity slows down, we'll begin the overwhelming task of sorting through her things.
We're having a private mass for friends and family on Friday at her church, with a small reception afterward, just as Karen wanted.

Thank you to all of you, near and far, who have been supporting us and offering prayers and love. We can't tell you how much it means to us...