Sunday, February 20, 2011

Remember The Sweet Things

I wish I could take credit for the title of this post, but credit goes to the author of the book by that title, Ellen Greene.

I read a book last week that has stayed on my mind. I found it's message very powerful, her story really touched my heart. She has inspired me to do as she suggests and I will Remember The Sweet Things.

In my head I have been meditating on?conjuring up?dwelling upon?working on a post about how this story has affected me. I was so moved to even seek out the author to find a way to let her know what I was feeling in reaction to her book.

Imagine my surprise at having a published author respond to my post. Now compound that feeling. This morning I got another email from Ellen Greene. It read:

Karen,
I took the liberty of posting your oh so nice feedback on my blog (www.ellengreene.org), as my web master suggests I do with especially well written letters. I protected your privacy by changing your and Brent's names. I hope you don't mind.
My best,
Ellen
 
If you follow either of the links above, you will find the words I used to try to share my thoughts. Please go there now and read them. I have not been able to draft anything better than the words I gave her. You can also click here to go directly to the post of my comment. When your eyes see the name Brad, read Brent; when you see the name Karla, read Karen.
 
I hope you will read her book Remember The Sweet Things. I hope you will enjoy their life's journey through twenty years of marriage. I hope you, too, will be inspired by her words.
 
I want to remember the urgency I felt after losing my Mama, to express my love to my family, my children, and especially to my best friend, my lover, my husband, Brent.
I want to remember to be present, to be aware of those wonderful little moments that should be imprinted upon my heart and memory.
I want to remember to enjoy the journey, the ups and the down, hard times and good, and as I vowed for better for worse.
 
I suppose being able to see the 50 year mark coming so quickly upon me that I have realized this time we have together is not infinite. I want to share my heart, I want him to know me.
 
By an amazing coincidence of timing, I finished this book in the wee hours of Valentine's Day morning. This post, tho' late, is my valentine to you, Brent. iloveyou. Always.

5 comments:

  1. Karen,
    What an honor to have your "well written" words (a statement with which I whole-heartedly agree!)published. What a wonderful way to show the world what a wonderful love you and Brent share.

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  2. Karen,
    I agree with Maureen and Ellen, too. Your words were written with such clarity, power, and love. You are truly blessed....me, too, for being the recipient of your love and friendship. <3

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  3. I was moved to tears by your words and felt that you were channeling Michael and I. My heart aches with the joy that my sisters (including auntie-sissy) and I have found such loving men, our puzzle person. I would bet that we all would have great difficulty finding where we end and our husbands begin. Our lives are filled with such long days but such short years. Thank you for reminding us to cherish the little things.
    I love you!
    xoxoxo

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  4. Hey, Karen, I saw your comments re ecclesiastical embroidery on Mary Corbet's blog and looked here. Beautiful. I wanted to pass along to you this website: churchlinens.com
    Elizabeth Morgan owns the site and sells great liturgical patterns, some books and lots of advice. I'm using her patterns to make a new set of vestments for a deacon with his wife who is a friend. Email me for more info. Best regards, Anneg in NC

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  5. Hey, Karen, I saw your post and you are welcome. I thought you would get my email from this. So, it is freddieflea at nc dot rr dot com
    Feel free to email. I'm working on a crown of thorns for the stole and hope to finish today. We can exchange tips and pictures. Glad you enjoyed Elizabeth's webpage. Anne

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