Goodbye Karen.

I watched today as a friend was laid to rest.  I watched something I hope and pray I never have to experience, parents attending the funeral of a child.  It was heartbreaking.  It is still shocking.  It was terrible.  Karen was so full of life and always had a smile on her face.  I did not see her that often but when I did she always had that big smile on her face.

I experience families dealing with death every day.  I help dying people make sure their final wishes will be carried out.  But when a 26 year old is called home, it is so very different.  It makes me look at my job differently.  It makes me look at life differently.  On Friday, Karen posted on her Facebook account that she was going to the zoo.  On Saturday, the car she was riding in stuck a semi and she was gone.  Please take a moment from your busy lives and be thankful for not what you have but who you have in your life and make that hug last just a little longer.  

So as the Father said, Karen, fly with the angels and sing in the choir of all choirs.