Update on Karen by Andrea

Here is an update about Karen (Mom). She seems to be doing pretty good some days, but other days, she's miserable. She sometimes has trouble breathing, gets nauseous, or can't sleep well. Some days she's in bed all day. Doing things for herself, like getting out of bed to get a drink of water can be difficult sometimes because she is lacking energy often. The family is trying to help her juice fresh fruits and veggies so she can get the best nutrition possible.

She's always happy to see us visit. She also appreciates the people who have helped. We (the family) would like to thank all those who have made dinners, visited, given cards, or done other nice things. Many people have even done some of those things more than once. They have kept Mom and the family in their thoughts and prayers, and we appreciate that very much.

Julie and I (Andrea) have visited Mom and Dads' weekly for years. It's nice to be able to meet halfway, and let the cousins play together. The kids have also had sleepovers at Grandma's (Mom's) and have had one-on-one time with her too. Mom has been the babysitter that goes the extra mile...she will come pick up the kids from our house, and take them home, and have them for a whole day! We parents had a chance to catch up on house work or yard work, or go on a date. She did those things when she had time off of work...so on her vacation, she wanted to serve her family (and be with grandkids!) even though she had things that needed to be done just as we did.

We used to go to Mom's and it was almost like a day off of parenting. We let the kids play together while we sat around and talked and ate the food Mom cooked. It's sad to think that time is over. Now, instead of Mom serving us, we are serving her. We are grateful we can do that, and would do anything for her. She has given a lifetime of service to us.

I know not all of my kids will remember my mom, but I'm so thankful that my oldest (4 year old) has had so much exposure to Mom, that she WILL remember her, and not just have pictures to remember her by. I also hope that even in the least degree, I can be like my mom to show them how she is, and be able to show my kids the right way to live. Now, that is the ultimate goal, to live worthy to get back to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, AND our loving mom.

We love you Mom!