Location: Fayette Bible Church
1315 Dayton Ave. NW
Washington Court House, OH
Visitation: 5-9pm Friday, January 20th
Viewing: 9-11am Saturday, January 21st
Funeral: 11am Saturday, January 21st
*Summers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
Location: United Methodist Church
Rockwell, IA
Memorial Service: 11:00am Saturday, January 28th
Interment: Rockwell Cemetery immediately following service
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Faith and Love for God and Karen Won the Day!
It is 3:40am on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012. I am tired but I don't think sleep will come easily for "Karen's Cancer Crusade" has come to an end.
I wish I could give each one of you a hug and thank you personally for the many expressions of love for Karen and our family in these final weeks of her life on earth. We have three separate boxes of cards....the "Thinking of You" cards, cards that came from my "Special Request" to all of you blog readers, and "Happy Birthday" cards delivered last week. Then there were the flower arrangements, brought to our door so often that when you gave the florist Karen's name, she already knew our address! The visits, phone calls, texts, facebook and blog comments were a continual reminder to us that we were in your thoughts. We were blessed by the food you brought and monetary gifts you shared with us. Though I may have forgotten something, there is one important thing we won't forget. The greatest gift you gave us was the time you spent in prayer for Karen.
As I sit here in this early morning hour, I can't help but think about the part that love and faith played in our "life and death" experience. This is where I could quote Scripture verses to you "right and left", but in this posting, as appropriate as it would be, I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm going to tell you about a young married couple who on August 12th, 1978, determined to love God and each other the best they knew how and with all the faith they could muster. "For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part according to God's Holy Ordinance." Sound familiar? It did to us. Our love and faith in God and for each other was tested numerous times in those 33 years and if death had not separated us, we would still be seeking to perfect them each and every day.
January 2012, found us now both weakened by age, and in addition, for Karen, having that dreaded disease we call cancer Again, as in the past, our faith and love for God and each other was put to the test. There was one small request, not by the one who lay dying, her faith in God now almost complete, but by the one who would follow some time after. This was my prayer, "If it is your will, God, please let me be by Karen's side when death comes." With the advent of her comatose state on Monday, an additional request was made, this time to Karen, "Please, Karen, open your eyes one more time before you die." Then came the watching and waiting to see what kind of answer my faith would produce. Not knowing when Karen would die, I tried to stay close by her bedside. Yesterday afternoon, as I stood watching, she struggled briefly to open just one eye and with success, she looked right straight at me! She tried to speak, three times, "I"..., "I"..., "I"..., and then she was gone. Some think Karen was trying to say "I love you!" But, regardless of her words or lack of them, faith and love for God and Karen had won the day!
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:6-8
We have a meeting at Summers Funeral Home today at 10:00am. Tentative plans are for visitation on Friday and funeral on Saturday, both at Fayette Bible Church, in Washington Court House. There will also be a memorial service the following week at the United Methodist Church in Rockwell, Iowa. When we have more specific information I will post it for all you faithful bloggers!
Thank you!
Jack, for the Harris family
I wish I could give each one of you a hug and thank you personally for the many expressions of love for Karen and our family in these final weeks of her life on earth. We have three separate boxes of cards....the "Thinking of You" cards, cards that came from my "Special Request" to all of you blog readers, and "Happy Birthday" cards delivered last week. Then there were the flower arrangements, brought to our door so often that when you gave the florist Karen's name, she already knew our address! The visits, phone calls, texts, facebook and blog comments were a continual reminder to us that we were in your thoughts. We were blessed by the food you brought and monetary gifts you shared with us. Though I may have forgotten something, there is one important thing we won't forget. The greatest gift you gave us was the time you spent in prayer for Karen.
As I sit here in this early morning hour, I can't help but think about the part that love and faith played in our "life and death" experience. This is where I could quote Scripture verses to you "right and left", but in this posting, as appropriate as it would be, I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm going to tell you about a young married couple who on August 12th, 1978, determined to love God and each other the best they knew how and with all the faith they could muster. "For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part according to God's Holy Ordinance." Sound familiar? It did to us. Our love and faith in God and for each other was tested numerous times in those 33 years and if death had not separated us, we would still be seeking to perfect them each and every day.
January 2012, found us now both weakened by age, and in addition, for Karen, having that dreaded disease we call cancer Again, as in the past, our faith and love for God and each other was put to the test. There was one small request, not by the one who lay dying, her faith in God now almost complete, but by the one who would follow some time after. This was my prayer, "If it is your will, God, please let me be by Karen's side when death comes." With the advent of her comatose state on Monday, an additional request was made, this time to Karen, "Please, Karen, open your eyes one more time before you die." Then came the watching and waiting to see what kind of answer my faith would produce. Not knowing when Karen would die, I tried to stay close by her bedside. Yesterday afternoon, as I stood watching, she struggled briefly to open just one eye and with success, she looked right straight at me! She tried to speak, three times, "I"..., "I"..., "I"..., and then she was gone. Some think Karen was trying to say "I love you!" But, regardless of her words or lack of them, faith and love for God and Karen had won the day!
"Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:6-8
We have a meeting at Summers Funeral Home today at 10:00am. Tentative plans are for visitation on Friday and funeral on Saturday, both at Fayette Bible Church, in Washington Court House. There will also be a memorial service the following week at the United Methodist Church in Rockwell, Iowa. When we have more specific information I will post it for all you faithful bloggers!
Thank you!
Jack, for the Harris family
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Karen is With Jesus!
About 12:30pm today, Karen went to be with Jesus. We are saddened by our loss but rejoicing in her gain! More details later.
Jack
Jack
Monday, January 16, 2012
With Love and Thanks to All of You!
There are many things in this world that we take for granted. (Internet service is pretty low on the totem pole until you don't have it!) Far more often we take our health for granted and that is way up there in importance on this journey we call "life". Just one week ago today Karen was using her walker, eating and conversing. Today, she is confined to her bed, barely able to suck on a straw, and only says a word or two at most.
We had a succession of people beginning about 11am. The cable man came first! Just as he was finishing up, hospice social worker, Whitney, and hospice nurse and family friend, Lynda arrived. We were pleased to have Dorothy come to bathe Karen. Then hospice nurse, Susan, and student nurse, Alicia, did the daily medical review and care. We cannot thank these committed hospice caregivers enough. It would not be possible for us to have Karen at home without their help.
Karen was somewhat awake this morning, though she expressed her feeling of not being able to wake up. With the movement we knew would be necessary to get her bathed and bedding changed, she was given pain medication. She was able to greet Dorothy at 1:30pm before fading out for what has been the rest of the day. It is now 7pm. As I stated earlier, she is resting comfortably. She doesn't appear to be in pain unless we need to roll her on her side.
We are continuing with the "open door" policy. That is, if the front door is open it is okay for you to come. Even though Karen will not be able to visit with you, we understand that you may want to see her and visit with us. If the door is closed we are busy or just need to have some time alone with Karen. Please continue to text, comment or call. We appreciate hearing from you! More now than ever, we appreciate God hearing from you as prayers are said for Karen and family.
With love and thanks to all of you,
Jack, Karen and family
We had a succession of people beginning about 11am. The cable man came first! Just as he was finishing up, hospice social worker, Whitney, and hospice nurse and family friend, Lynda arrived. We were pleased to have Dorothy come to bathe Karen. Then hospice nurse, Susan, and student nurse, Alicia, did the daily medical review and care. We cannot thank these committed hospice caregivers enough. It would not be possible for us to have Karen at home without their help.
Karen was somewhat awake this morning, though she expressed her feeling of not being able to wake up. With the movement we knew would be necessary to get her bathed and bedding changed, she was given pain medication. She was able to greet Dorothy at 1:30pm before fading out for what has been the rest of the day. It is now 7pm. As I stated earlier, she is resting comfortably. She doesn't appear to be in pain unless we need to roll her on her side.
We are continuing with the "open door" policy. That is, if the front door is open it is okay for you to come. Even though Karen will not be able to visit with you, we understand that you may want to see her and visit with us. If the door is closed we are busy or just need to have some time alone with Karen. Please continue to text, comment or call. We appreciate hearing from you! More now than ever, we appreciate God hearing from you as prayers are said for Karen and family.
With love and thanks to all of you,
Jack, Karen and family
A Quick Note
Just a quick note now that our internet has been restored! Later this evening I will post about the days happenings. Karen is resting comfortably.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday Update
They say that "No news is good news" but in our case that wouldn't necessarily ring true.
Therefore, internet service or not, my helpers are making a post tonight.
Karen is resting comfortably. Pain is under control, yet the signs of decline are more evident every day. We will try to keep you informed of the changes as time (and internet) allow.
Therefore, internet service or not, my helpers are making a post tonight.
Karen is resting comfortably. Pain is under control, yet the signs of decline are more evident every day. We will try to keep you informed of the changes as time (and internet) allow.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Sleep, sleep, sleep!.......Pray, pray, pray!...........
Sleep, sleep, sleep..........our word for the day. Karen slept most of the day with just brief times of being awake out of necessity for eating, medication, or going potty, for a visiting friend or a hospice caregiver. I will post more tomorrow as it is late and I am blogging at church again because our internet is out.
Pray, pray, pray..............your word for the day. Thank you so much for bringing Karen and our family before the throne of God.
Jack
Pray, pray, pray..............your word for the day. Thank you so much for bringing Karen and our family before the throne of God.
Jack
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Best of all is the Smile!
Lots more birthday cards came today! Thanks again to all who remembered Karen's birthday in some way. We kept the front door closed this morning just so we could rest up a bit from all of yesterday's activity! It was open again this afternoon and we enjoyed visits from several friends.
Alyson, Angela and I are getting the hang of being caregivers. We are so glad that Karen is able to be at home. Hospice of Fayette County has a lot to do with that. We appreciate each nurse and auxiliary staff member that work so hard to make Karen comfortable, arrange for equipment and provide supplies, as well as, caring for us as a family during this difficult time.
Karen is still very much the person she has always been. She is a gracious hostess even when her eyes are closed! Sometimes we think she is sleeping but she always seems to know what the conversation is about and makes an appropriate comment now and then. She is still very much in charge of her care, giving us orders for the times and names of her usual meds. But best of all is the smile that warms our hearts and gives us the feeling that everything is going to be all right.
Alyson, Angela and I are getting the hang of being caregivers. We are so glad that Karen is able to be at home. Hospice of Fayette County has a lot to do with that. We appreciate each nurse and auxiliary staff member that work so hard to make Karen comfortable, arrange for equipment and provide supplies, as well as, caring for us as a family during this difficult time.
Karen is still very much the person she has always been. She is a gracious hostess even when her eyes are closed! Sometimes we think she is sleeping but she always seems to know what the conversation is about and makes an appropriate comment now and then. She is still very much in charge of her care, giving us orders for the times and names of her usual meds. But best of all is the smile that warms our hearts and gives us the feeling that everything is going to be all right.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Happy Birthday,dear Karen!
Karen is officially 56! If you count cards, texts, facebook, phone calls, visitors, gifts, flowers, food, being prayed for and sung to, she received well over 56 wishes for a happy birthday. Please accept our thanks on Karen's behalf. We know she was blessed by your thoughtfulness.
Though physical weakness comes over the one you love it is bearable because you know they are spiritually strong. Karen's physical body may be perishing but her soul, a possession of the Holy Spirit, will live eternally!
In the words of the hymn writer, Charles H. Gabriel, "When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face Will through the ages be glory for me. Oh, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, Glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me."
"...but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" II Corinthians 4:16-17
Happy Birthday, dear Karen! We love you!
Jack for All
Though physical weakness comes over the one you love it is bearable because you know they are spiritually strong. Karen's physical body may be perishing but her soul, a possession of the Holy Spirit, will live eternally!
In the words of the hymn writer, Charles H. Gabriel, "When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face Will through the ages be glory for me. Oh, that will be glory for me, Glory for me, Glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me."
"...but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;" II Corinthians 4:16-17
Happy Birthday, dear Karen! We love you!
Jack for All
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Thankful for God's Protection and Provision!
Karen was physically weak today. It became most apparent at about 3pm when Angela and I were helping her out of her chair to use the walker and she fell to the floor. One leg was bent under her and she was caught in the walker. We were able to get her leg out and body free with nothing more than a scratch or two on her leg. No broken bones! After we made her as comfortable as possible, I called hospice and the nurse came with 3 local rescue squad members. The guys were great, quickly and effortlessly getting her back in her chair. Before they all came I told Karen and Angela, "I think it is time for a hospital bed and a bedpan!" Guess what?! The hospice nurse thought the same thing. We now have those items in our living room. At one time, we had 3 hospice nurses here helping us with Karen and teaching us the ropes for her care. They are wonderful!
We are thankful today for God's protection and provision! And, as always, your prayers!
Love,
Jack, Karen
& family
We are thankful today for God's protection and provision! And, as always, your prayers!
Love,
Jack, Karen
& family
Monday, January 9, 2012
A Much Better Day!
Karen slept 'til 4:30am this morning with the help of YOUR PRAYERS and the pain medication. She was able to walk to the bathroom again, at a hair-slower pace. She also ate some food I brought to her during the day and participated in our "carry-out" night from The Willow!
My brother, Paul, and wife, Charleen, arrived this afternoon. We were blessed with other company today as well. It was so nice to have the front door open again for visitors!!!!!
(Even after just one day of closure.)
Several of our high school classmates sent Karen birthday cards that arrived today, along with birthday mail from other family & friends. Another highlight of the day was the delivery of a "breath-takingly" beautiful bouquet of red roses from our Aunt Irma.
Even though we have some idea of how many people are praying for us, I don't think we really have any idea how many people are praying for us! There have to be hundreds. And several have told us they are praying multiple times per day. How amazing is that! We thank God for each person and each prayer.
Love,
Jack, Karen & family
My brother, Paul, and wife, Charleen, arrived this afternoon. We were blessed with other company today as well. It was so nice to have the front door open again for visitors!!!!!
(Even after just one day of closure.)
Several of our high school classmates sent Karen birthday cards that arrived today, along with birthday mail from other family & friends. Another highlight of the day was the delivery of a "breath-takingly" beautiful bouquet of red roses from our Aunt Irma.
Even though we have some idea of how many people are praying for us, I don't think we really have any idea how many people are praying for us! There have to be hundreds. And several have told us they are praying multiple times per day. How amazing is that! We thank God for each person and each prayer.
Love,
Jack, Karen & family
Sunday, January 8, 2012
"Is it Morning or Night?"
It is still Sunday. I did the previous post just after midnight. Karen complained of pain in her abdomen this morning. We started administering the pain medication and the hospice nurse made a visit. She has eaten very little and requested the commode so she doesn't have to walk to the bathroom. She has slept most of the day. A little while ago she asked me for the time. When I told her 7:30, she said, "Is it morning or night?" Sometimes I wonder that, too!? :) We are thankful there is relief for her pain! We are also thankful for all who are praying!
"With Love to All"
It has been almost one month since the neurosurgeon recommended that Karen spend what time she has left at home with family and get hospice involved with her care.
In following that recommendation, we have had the opportunity to have all our children home at Christmas, as well as, my sister and our dear friend, Merilee, who is like a daughter to us. Karen "skyped" with her mom and sisters on Thursday. This week, my brother and his wife will be traveling from Iowa to Ohio, arriving in W.C.H. on Monday.
In addition to family, a number of friends have stopped by to visit. We appreciate each one who has taken the time to come. Karen continues to get weaker and tires more easily. If you are wanting to see her, I would suggest you come soon. We are not sure when or how the tumors will affect her ability to function. I will try to publish a post daily from now on to keep you informed.
Along with the visits from family & friends, your prayers, flowers, food, gifts, greeting cards, phone calls, texts, blog & fb comments have been a great encouragement. We have tried to thank everyone with a verbal or written expression of our gratitude. If we have missed you, please accept our apology and our heartfelt thanks for your kindness to us.
With love to all,
Jack & Karen
In following that recommendation, we have had the opportunity to have all our children home at Christmas, as well as, my sister and our dear friend, Merilee, who is like a daughter to us. Karen "skyped" with her mom and sisters on Thursday. This week, my brother and his wife will be traveling from Iowa to Ohio, arriving in W.C.H. on Monday.
In addition to family, a number of friends have stopped by to visit. We appreciate each one who has taken the time to come. Karen continues to get weaker and tires more easily. If you are wanting to see her, I would suggest you come soon. We are not sure when or how the tumors will affect her ability to function. I will try to publish a post daily from now on to keep you informed.
Along with the visits from family & friends, your prayers, flowers, food, gifts, greeting cards, phone calls, texts, blog & fb comments have been a great encouragement. We have tried to thank everyone with a verbal or written expression of our gratitude. If we have missed you, please accept our apology and our heartfelt thanks for your kindness to us.
With love to all,
Jack & Karen
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Greatest Communication Is Prayer!
The world we live in is very different than when Karen and I married and started our family. The year was 1979 and we couldn't get from Sheldon, Iowa, to our hometown of Rockwell (3 hours away) to give our families the news that Karen was going to have a baby. We tried but the roads were closed due to record snowfalls. I wrote my parents a card for Valentine's Day that made the announcement for us and somehow the U.S. Postal Service was able to deliver it! (Mom saved that card and I still have it.) Earlier this week when Megan didn't feel well enough to make the trip from Dayton to tell us they are expecting, she texted us the news! (I doubt that I can keep that text on my cell phone for the next 30+ years!)
Another amazing technology is called "SKYPE". It has been around for awhile but never attracted much attention from our family until Karen's illness. Today Karen was able to sit at our dining room table with my laptop in front of her and see and talk to her mom and two sisters who live in Iowa. What a blessing for all of them!
We appreciate the use of cell phones and computers in your communication with us. The U.S. Postal Service still works great as well. And to those who stop by the house in person, your visits are a welcome encouragement.
The greatest communication for all of us comes in the form of prayer! "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12
Another amazing technology is called "SKYPE". It has been around for awhile but never attracted much attention from our family until Karen's illness. Today Karen was able to sit at our dining room table with my laptop in front of her and see and talk to her mom and two sisters who live in Iowa. What a blessing for all of them!
We appreciate the use of cell phones and computers in your communication with us. The U.S. Postal Service still works great as well. And to those who stop by the house in person, your visits are a welcome encouragement.
The greatest communication for all of us comes in the form of prayer! "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
FYI
This is not a "special request" as was made a few weeks ago to you who read the blog. It is simply for your information. I know some of you might like to remember Karen with a card for her birthday. It is one week from today, Wednesday, January 11th. She was born in 1956 and thus will be 56 this year!
Karen Harris
1297 Dayton Ave. NW
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Thanks,
Jack
Karen Harris
1297 Dayton Ave. NW
Washington Court House, OH 43160
Thanks,
Jack
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
"Silence of the Blog!"
I apologize for the "silence of the blog". The last few days our internet service has been undependable. They aren't coming until Thursday so I am at church composing this today.
Karen is pretty much home-bound now. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, she was able to attend the Christmas Eve. Service with family and friends at Fayette Bible. On the way to church that night, Karen told me it might be the last time she would be able to make it. Regardless of whether that is true or not, what a wonderful memory for all of us. Thank you, family!
We have seen some changes in Karen recently. Thankfully, the rash has run its course. She is showing more signs of weakness in her limbs. Sleeping at night can be difficult and she takes more naps during the day. Karen did request the walker and uses it most of the time. Even with a handicap toilet, she still needed a few extra inches more. We are thankful for friends who provided both the walker (McCollim/Larson) and a special handicap toilet seat (Howard/Garren). The lift chair that Hospice of Fayette County had delivered after our initial visit with them is also working well for Karen. She is not experiencing any pain or symptoms of other possible complications at this time. We believe your prayers have a lot to do with that. Thank you, all!
Several visitors have come to the house recently. We appreciate each one who has taken the time to brighten our day! Others have asked about coming. My response is usually..."If the front door is open, you know it's okay!" :) You can always call or text before coming if you are not sure. We were especially blessed by a visit from the Arbogasts on Saturday. Judy (from Wisconsin) and Pastor & Mrs. Randy & family (from Indiana). Pastor Randy shared with us the ministry of prayer that their church has for Karen and family. We so appreciate the churches like theirs who are praying for us. Thank you, churches!
The cards, letters, notes, phone calls, texts, fb & blog comments, flowers, food, etc. always seem to come at just the right time. Thank you for each one!
On a more personal note, there are difficult times for us emotionally. In all honesty, probably more for me than anyone. Karen admonished me the other day saying, "You're grieving for me and I'm not even dead yet!" I needed to be reminded of my own words, "Every day is a good day!" Thank you, Karen!
We know that God cares about us, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7, and this is all a part of His plan for the Harris family. Thank you, God!
P.S. Another part of God's plan for our family this year is the birth of our second grandchild! I just found out a few minutes ago that Megan and Frank are expecting. Please keep Megan in your prayers as she is not feeling well. Thank you, dear friends!
Karen is pretty much home-bound now. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, she was able to attend the Christmas Eve. Service with family and friends at Fayette Bible. On the way to church that night, Karen told me it might be the last time she would be able to make it. Regardless of whether that is true or not, what a wonderful memory for all of us. Thank you, family!
We have seen some changes in Karen recently. Thankfully, the rash has run its course. She is showing more signs of weakness in her limbs. Sleeping at night can be difficult and she takes more naps during the day. Karen did request the walker and uses it most of the time. Even with a handicap toilet, she still needed a few extra inches more. We are thankful for friends who provided both the walker (McCollim/Larson) and a special handicap toilet seat (Howard/Garren). The lift chair that Hospice of Fayette County had delivered after our initial visit with them is also working well for Karen. She is not experiencing any pain or symptoms of other possible complications at this time. We believe your prayers have a lot to do with that. Thank you, all!
Several visitors have come to the house recently. We appreciate each one who has taken the time to brighten our day! Others have asked about coming. My response is usually..."If the front door is open, you know it's okay!" :) You can always call or text before coming if you are not sure. We were especially blessed by a visit from the Arbogasts on Saturday. Judy (from Wisconsin) and Pastor & Mrs. Randy & family (from Indiana). Pastor Randy shared with us the ministry of prayer that their church has for Karen and family. We so appreciate the churches like theirs who are praying for us. Thank you, churches!
The cards, letters, notes, phone calls, texts, fb & blog comments, flowers, food, etc. always seem to come at just the right time. Thank you for each one!
On a more personal note, there are difficult times for us emotionally. In all honesty, probably more for me than anyone. Karen admonished me the other day saying, "You're grieving for me and I'm not even dead yet!" I needed to be reminded of my own words, "Every day is a good day!" Thank you, Karen!
We know that God cares about us, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7, and this is all a part of His plan for the Harris family. Thank you, God!
P.S. Another part of God's plan for our family this year is the birth of our second grandchild! I just found out a few minutes ago that Megan and Frank are expecting. Please keep Megan in your prayers as she is not feeling well. Thank you, dear friends!
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