Reflections on Karen

I haven't wanted to post this because it's been such a sad and hard milestone in the life of our family. My mother-in-law had been fighting breast cancer for about 4 years. She had a very rapid decline and God took her home on October 9th. 

This was taken in July 2017; it was the last time
that Anna, Kate and I were able to see her.

I am rejoicing that she is with Jesus, but it is heart-breaking for those who are left behind. Her life was cut short; she was only 60 years old.  I only had the privilege of knowing her for the last 10-11 years of her life, but I learned so much about the character of God through her. 

On our wedding day

I feel like I am inadequate in describing how much she has meant to me. I am grasping at straws so I will just share a few reflections about her.  Curtis and I gave her a new name in February 2013 when Anna came into this world: Grammy.

Grammy holding Anna for one of the first times

Time and time again, when I hear about Karen from others, she is described as selfless. I personally have experienced this in so many ways that I can't even begin to do it justice.  One of the many examples was when she would relieve me in the middle of the night and rock Anna to sleep so that I could get some sleep. She may have traveled all day and been weary herself, but she told me that she remembered those hard early nights rocking my own husband (or his sisters) to bed and was happy to help me.  It deeply grieves me to think that she won't be able to do that for any of her future grandchildren.

Selflessly sharing her ice cream with Anna

Curt and Karen made it a priority to be there for special events in our family.  Although it was never expected, they came to most birthday parties that we have had over the years even though they live 7 hours away.  They came soon after Kate was born and served us through making meals and giving me opportunities to rest.

Easter 2015 

Kate's baptism

 Her last visit to West Lafayette was actually for Anna and Kate's joint birthday party in March of this year.  They decided to stay in a hotel and one of the reasons was so that our girls could swim in the indoor pool.  She found out just days later that the cancer was back.

Swimming with Kate in March 2017

 Over the last 4 years, I have talked to her about her cancer.  She was always quick to share with me that all of our days our numbered and she wanted to live each day to the fullest until God calls her home. I think Karen really did that! When I shared with Anna that Grammy was going to die soon, she said "Oh! Then she will get to meet my big brother, Brooks!" She shared this with Grammy in one of our last FaceTime phone calls with her and Grammy said, "You're right, Anna! And I am so excited to meet him!" She couldn't wait to meet Jesus too. 

Even on her deathbed, she was keenly aware that her daughter's birthday was October 8th and did not want to die that day. That just shows how thoughtful she was, all the way to the end.  Karen didn't pass until the next day and I praise God that it happened that way.

If you would like to read more about her, here is her obituary: Karen McDaniel.

Her husband also wrote a beautiful tribute to her.