KB

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I have been thinking about this post for a few weeks now.
Andy's cousin Karen B died at 45 from breast cancer two weeks ago.
We went to see her the weekend before she died to say goodbye and it was very sad.
As we were driving home I was trying to remember the times that we were together and why she was so special.
I remember the first time we met at Andy's aunts house. It was a summer party and we were all outside. She was sitting on the patio and drinking a beer. she greeted me as the new person with a hug and a huge smile and a conversation that made you think we were friends for many years.
She had a contagious smile and laugh that drew attention. Not because it was intrusive but so heartfelt. She played the guitar and drank Jack Daniels shots at partys and always had one for whoever was walking by.
I remember hearing years ago that she had breast cancer. Scary thought but she is tough and they caught it so early.
She went through radiation and chemo and the next time I saw her she had a wig and a smile as big as ever.
We exchanged bottles of liquor for Christmas's and they never forgot Jacks Birthday.
Her partner Joanna was by he side for over 15 years. They were married for ten. Jo and Karen were an amazing couple and made me feel that being a lesbian couple could be "alright" and "normal".
They just were meant for eachother.
I will miss her, Andy will miss her. Their family will not have the vitality it once had.
I cant imagine the loss her mother is feeling. I just cant undresand it. Nor do I want to.
This weekend we went to her memorial service. It was the first real memorial I've been to that had people stand and commemorate her, for two hours and the time just flew by.
We went to her "celebration of life" and watched her friends and other family members spend a night together to reminisce about Karen and what she meant to all of them.
It was a memorable weekend, with thoughts of an amazingly brave, beautiful and hysterical person.
The world will be missing a real gem without KB in it.

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