12 Comments
User's avatar
Angie Wang's avatar

Ah can’t believe it’s been a year since your mother passed! We saw your incredible strength in your writing about grief while experiencing grief itself.

The last paragraph reminds me of the book you sent Michelle - Love You Forever. Still tearing up reading it every time.

Thank you for sharing all the important lessons you learned on the journey with us. You are an incredible mother that I always look up to, your words about being a mother are my comforts during my time learning to be a new mom (still learning!), and that always made me wonder what an incredible mother you must have, too!

We love you and your mother ♥️

Expand full comment
Karena's avatar

Thank you for these beautiful words, Angie. Now I feel I should go back and edit it to include that last page from "Love you forever"! (I'm glad the book still brings you pleasure)

You and Paul are parenting with such care and joy! Thank you for allowing me (and my mother) for being part of your journey.

Expand full comment
Alissa Mears's avatar

What a legacy you have created of and with your mother, Karena. I love that you’ve been able to put together your learning during this time so that it may be just a little bit easier for those of us to follow. Sending love to you and your family.

Expand full comment
Karena's avatar

I would not ordinarily share these private journeys of grief, but so many in my circle (aged 20-60) tell me that they find something that is either an aha, or a realization. Time is the one thing we cannot buy, which makes time with our parents really precious.

Expand full comment
Ved Shankar's avatar

Thanks for sharing and writing this Karena - Death's like a shadow we barely notice but is always there.

Expand full comment
Karena's avatar

I've loved the Mike Funk quote from the first time I heard it - because it was so obvious, yet we live life like tomorrow and next years are guaranteed.

Expand full comment
Cindy Villanueva's avatar

True goodness transcends death and your mother’s spirit continues to bless not only your family but all of us. She lives on in every beautiful word you write, every note you sing, every hug you offer. Her legacy is eternal and I am simply blessed to have been touched by it. You have no idea how far and wide the ripples of her life have reached and will continue to reach. Thank you for letting me be a part of what she and your family have wrought in this world.

Expand full comment
Karena's avatar

Cindy - this means so very much, that her legacy continues to ripple through the actions and experiences of others.

I am grateful she was able to join in some of our Crow meetings when I was caring for her in London or in India. She knew all about each of you, and was grateful that you supported me in my quest to publish. And beyond - that we had such a great sisterhood.

Expand full comment
Charlotte Crowther's avatar

Love to ya and your mom! Thank you for sharing your reflections and wisdom gems xxx

Expand full comment
Eric Ho's avatar

What a gift that we get to experience your wonderful soul.

Expand full comment
Rick Lewis's avatar

Karena - You've been a consistent stand for the importance of family and when I see these photos of your mom I see a sparkle and brightness in this woman's eyes that I recognize, in you, carrying forward the flame of curiosity and connection,

Expand full comment
Karena's avatar

Thank you, Rick. I know you are treasuring your moments with your mother too - she who inspired the wonderful hub in our WoP wheel that you are.

Expand full comment