Laid to Rest

Today is Karine's funeral; although, come to think of it, was might be more accurate, since noon in Oslo has long passed. Anyhow, in honor of my dear departed friend, I am wearing a red shirt today. Why? Because when Karine's cancer was first diagnosed, she went out and bought herself the most outrageous, fabulous, impractical red crushed-velvet coat. She called it her FY-coat, as in "Fuck you, cancer! I am not going to just keel over and die."

I can't stop thinking about her young son, just Stephanie's age, at his own mother's funeral.

Comments

[devonellington]

My condolences for the loss of your friend.

[Scott D. Feldstein]

I watched my own mother die from cancer when I was her age. A million years ago. Best wishes to them all.

[Janice]

I'm sorry for your loss. I suspect that the incidence of cancer among younger people reflects the damage we're doing to our planet, through the overuse of fossil fuels, pesticides, etc. I'm going to [try to] ride my bike to work a couple days a week (7 miles each way) to put slightly fewer greenhouse gases in the air-I'll think of your friend as I do so this week.

[Aunt Roz]

Karen: I check Verbatim at least once a week to catch up on what's doing with you and yours. I always enjoy reading your writings (although I admit I do skim the nitty gritty recipe details). I was touched by what you wrote about your friend -- I went to Greybar to learn more. I was moved by Karine's own words -- you really get a sense of this woman of substance. Not for the first time was I reminded that some people face real problems, overwhelming problems, life and death problems. We don't live day by day thanking God for how lucky we are -- but, we should.