Karen

A while back when I was more actively interviewing residents (I promise I will get back to it sometime) I asked Karen if I could interview her. She seemed surprised and told me that she was a very private person and it would make her uncomfortable. I respect that so I did not ask her again.

However, there were many times that she and I would end up together in the hallway or at some gathering and we would talk a little. Karen was so friendly and always upbeat and fun. I hope she knew how we all appreciated her. 

There are many of us here who are somewhat frail or who are of a significant age at Everleigh. Some people even speculate as to how much longer we will be around. We even make jokes about it. Karen was not old or frail. I think that is why losing her is such a shock. We thought she would always be with us. 

Well, you never know. I've heard those four words and have said them myself many times. We probably all have. Life is not predictable, is it? We all are doing the best we can. I think the important thing is to keep remembering that. 

Cherish each other. Be patient. Be welcoming. Smile more. Say hello. Remember someone's name and use it. Try not to gossip. Be kind. I know none of us can do all of this most of the time. But we can try harder. No one is promised more than today. Remember that. If we keep working at this it is the another thing we can do in Karen's memory. I think she would love that. We all would really doing the best we can. 

What could be better?