When I was five(ish), I was the little princess at the Woodmore Winter Royalty. My prince escort was Dan Avers. From that time on Dan and I have been friends. He aids Ben in telling me to grow up, frequently rolls his eyes at me, totally thinks I'm a valley girl and loves to make fun of me-last week it was my inability to drive a car...and would do anything for me.
I remember going to parties at his house in high school and sitting in his mom's beauty salon chair in the basement as we giggled and told secrets about the boys. I remember her coming to check on us and bringing us food. I haven't been to Dan's parents basement in over ten years, but I bet it looks exactly the same way it does in my memory. I can picture Karen walking down the stairs. Always smiling and laughing, inviting and loving, motherly and kind to all of us.
More recently we see Karen and Larry at pancake breakfasts, when we attend their church for baptisms and weddings. Aaron has also known the Avers most of his life and it is always a nice surprise when we run into them. When Dan and Jamie were married last May, Karen was filled with excitement and love. She couldn't wait to talk to me...because I was the one that fixed up her no-longer-bachelor son. Something like "Laura, thank you so much for fixing Danny up! I thought he was going to be single forever! I just love Jamie and her children and they bring such joy to our family!" Jamie is a co-worker and friend of mine...that shares the same joy and affection towards being part of the Avers clan (and rubs in having such a great husband to me all the time, but they really are two peas in a pod and deserve all the happiness in the world)!
We ran into Karen and Larry at a pancake breakfast about a month ago. We stopped her to ask about being a grandmother again...she couldn't wipe the smile from her face. Her baby will soon have his first baby. She was tickled pink! (Oh, and we made sure to compliment their ride as I hear it is one of Larry's prize possessions;))
Last night I received a call from Jamie telling me she wouldn't be at work today. Karen was in grave condition. Earlier in the evening Karen was cutting Dan and Jarod's hair, now they were using paddles and epi. Except, it's not exciting like when I'm watching Grey's and they are fighting for make believe characters. Not when it's your friends mother.
Shocking. Devastating. Life changes in an instant.
Today, Dan and Jamie are about six months from having a baby and instead of working on a nursery, they are making funeral arrangements.
For Larry's wife. For Dan, Steve, Rob, Jamie, Peg and Michelle's mom. For Grandmother to eight. For Hair Dresser. For Awesome Easter Basket Maker. For Proud Woodmore Supporter. For Member and leader by example and service of Trinity Lutheran. For Friend. For Aunt. For Sister. For Neighbor. For...Karen.
Dan, Steve and Rob are standing next to their father as they try to wrap their heads around the last 24 hours. The Avers clan is a very close knit family. A family that would do anything for anyone in need. When you read this, please say a prayer for them. Share your memories of Karen and their family with them. Continue to pray for them in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
Prayers for comfort and peace.
Visitation: Sunday January 22 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Crosser Funeral Home on 51 (Woodville Rd.) in Elmore.
Funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 23 at Grace Lutheran Church also on 51 (Woodville Rd.) just down the street from the funeral home.
I remember going to parties at his house in high school and sitting in his mom's beauty salon chair in the basement as we giggled and told secrets about the boys. I remember her coming to check on us and bringing us food. I haven't been to Dan's parents basement in over ten years, but I bet it looks exactly the same way it does in my memory. I can picture Karen walking down the stairs. Always smiling and laughing, inviting and loving, motherly and kind to all of us.
More recently we see Karen and Larry at pancake breakfasts, when we attend their church for baptisms and weddings. Aaron has also known the Avers most of his life and it is always a nice surprise when we run into them. When Dan and Jamie were married last May, Karen was filled with excitement and love. She couldn't wait to talk to me...because I was the one that fixed up her no-longer-bachelor son. Something like "Laura, thank you so much for fixing Danny up! I thought he was going to be single forever! I just love Jamie and her children and they bring such joy to our family!" Jamie is a co-worker and friend of mine...that shares the same joy and affection towards being part of the Avers clan (and rubs in having such a great husband to me all the time, but they really are two peas in a pod and deserve all the happiness in the world)!
We ran into Karen and Larry at a pancake breakfast about a month ago. We stopped her to ask about being a grandmother again...she couldn't wipe the smile from her face. Her baby will soon have his first baby. She was tickled pink! (Oh, and we made sure to compliment their ride as I hear it is one of Larry's prize possessions;))
Last night I received a call from Jamie telling me she wouldn't be at work today. Karen was in grave condition. Earlier in the evening Karen was cutting Dan and Jarod's hair, now they were using paddles and epi. Except, it's not exciting like when I'm watching Grey's and they are fighting for make believe characters. Not when it's your friends mother.
Shocking. Devastating. Life changes in an instant.
Today, Dan and Jamie are about six months from having a baby and instead of working on a nursery, they are making funeral arrangements.
For Larry's wife. For Dan, Steve, Rob, Jamie, Peg and Michelle's mom. For Grandmother to eight. For Hair Dresser. For Awesome Easter Basket Maker. For Proud Woodmore Supporter. For Member and leader by example and service of Trinity Lutheran. For Friend. For Aunt. For Sister. For Neighbor. For...Karen.
Dan, Steve and Rob are standing next to their father as they try to wrap their heads around the last 24 hours. The Avers clan is a very close knit family. A family that would do anything for anyone in need. When you read this, please say a prayer for them. Share your memories of Karen and their family with them. Continue to pray for them in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
Prayers for comfort and peace.
Visitation: Sunday January 22 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Crosser Funeral Home on 51 (Woodville Rd.) in Elmore.
Funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday January 23 at Grace Lutheran Church also on 51 (Woodville Rd.) just down the street from the funeral home.
Karen and Larry's children and grandchildren-taken by close family friend Molly Hansen
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
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