Many of you have asked how to send a letter or card to Karen. If you would like to send any words of encouragement to Karen please feel free. Anything she gets would lift her spirits.
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P.O. Box 1723
Hiram, Georgia 30141
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Karen's e-mail:
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Parents' Address:
John & Dora Poulk
1777 Annette Drive
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
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December 20, 2008 - I wanted to get a post in before Christmas and tonight seemed like the right time. As some of you know, today was Hunter's birthday; he turned 7. All day I thought back to when Karen and I were in Iowa on the day Hunter was born. We were so happy.
We had a party for him today at my mom and dad's house. I just couldn't do it at our house this year like we have always done in the past. The house has always been decorated for Christmas and it has always been such a joyful event. This year I could not get out the decorations so it just wouldn't have been right to have his party here. He had a good party nonetheless. When I gave Hunter his birthday present I made sure to tell him it was from mommy and daddy. I almost choked when I told him. Before we left our house to head over to mom and dad's, Hunter said he wanted to go to the cemetery to talk to mommy on his birthday. Needless to say, I have really struggled today to hold it together.
Karen's mom and dad and I designed her memorial stone a couple of weeks ago. It should be up soon and I will take a picture and post it.
I want to take a minute to say thank you to all of you who have thought about us recently; from the donations, to the cards, to the sponsoring of Hunter and Carter for Christmas, to Rachel Tuenge and her family for the train ride. To all of you who have sent or done something, to anyone who has listened to me talk about Karen or anyone who simply said a prayer; THANK YOU. We will always be grateful.
Tomorrow will be one month since Karen's passing. Anniversaries are usually joyous occassions but not always I guess.
I did have to return to work a little sooner than what I had anticipated but it's been alright. When I'm there I constantly think I should call Karen and check on her. I just miss her and want to hear her voice.
The boys and I did move back home and it has been going good. We are glad to be in our home. We get lonely but we have each other. I try to occupy my time the best I can with chores or getting out and taking care of business. Lately it seems like I've had no option but to stay busy. Every day something else comes up that I have to take care of.
Christmas is quickly approaching and the boys are looking forward to it. I can't really say the same for me. I think I will be especially glad when the holidays have come and gone this year and we say goodbye to 2008. This has most definitely been the most difficult year of my life. 2007 held such high hopes with Karen's apparent recovery and 2008 wiped it all away. I will be glad to say hello to 2009 although New Year's Eve will be difficult. That night has always been special for Karen and I. Our first date was on New Year's Eve 1994. She asked me to a party downtown, I accepted, and the rest as they, is history.
Hunter, Carter and I hopes everyone has a Merry Christmas. I will post again sometime in the New Year.
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December 1 2008 - One week ago today I laid my dear Karen to rest. Everyday since has been harder than the one before; I miss her so much it hurts. On some days, like today, I try to stay somewhat busy doing some of the things that have to be done. I've been back to our house some and everything there reminds me of her. I do enjoy being there though because it is ours; it is the home that we were building for our family. I am trying to spend more and more time there so I can work up to staying there at nights with the boys. For now I am still at my parents house. On Thanksgiving I went to Karen's family in the afternoon the way we always did. It was good to visit with everybody at Aunt Helen's. Friday I stayed on the couch basically all day (she died on the Friday prior) and on Saturday I tried to watch some college football. Even though UGA got beat by Tech, it just didn't matter the way it used to. Because of my employer's policy with donated leave I will have to go back to work either this Wednesday or next Monday. It will be somewhat of an escape but I know my attention will be elsewhere most of the time. The kids went back to school today. They had been out on Thanksgiving break. I go to the cemetery most everyday and every time I'm there I think this cannot be real. I guess it's still somewhat denial. Dora, John, and I are going to pick out her headstone later this week. We've seen one in particular in the cemetery that we like. So many of you have sent cards, gifts, or flowers and I along with Karen's parents appreciate each and every one of them. I am saving everything and plan on making a memorial something for Hunter and Carter. I still haven't figured out exactly what but I plan on doing something. I still read each and every message sent and treasure all of them. Thank you for everything that you have done for us over the past few years and recently. I will never forget each gesture. I will post here from time to time. If you would like to email me I am keeping Karen's email address active at arrowoodk@bellsouth.net.