I met Karen when I was working on my National Board Teacher Certification in 2007. I didn't know her at all. She worked in another building all the way across the district and so kindly offered to help me by meeting up and reading thru my projects. Altho we had only been in contact briefly...I continued to think about Karen thru the years... of the time she offered to me.. and the grace and knowledge she held. Not to mention.. just what a nice person she was. I meet and remember a lot of people... But not all people are truly memorable After that we ran into each other, altho rarely... until I found her once again in the hallways at Kellison. It was such a welcomed pleasure to see her with regularity. Always friendly. Always a smile. Always a kind word. When I learned of her diagnosis recently... I was crushed by the news.... I have been stopping to think about her and her family, sending up prayers and thoughts... I know we were not besties or in each others lives on the daily... But this is still a heavy one. That lends to just how wonderful Karen is... I say in present tense b/c I will carry her with me... Sending lots of love, light, peace and compassion to all.