Well, we helped her family finish packing up the house and loading the Uhaul truck, and I can't begin to say how heart wrenching that day was. The suburban was still in the driveway with all of Lauren's school things in it. A friend and I packed up her books, backpack, sunglasses, music, earrings, and other personal things, and we both just cried. It still is so hard to wrap my head around. How does a daddy do this to his own babies? This was just a beautiful family, going away for Thanksgiving, completely expecting to be home the following week to continue with life. Instead, they became the victims of the ultimate, horrible act of domestic violence. I can not even begin to imagine the grief that her family and close friends have suffered, and even further beyond my scope of comprehension is the loss that Sean has, does, and will feel for the rest of his life.

I guess I'm writing this to ask all of you to please not forget as time passes. Please don't forget this beautiful family and those that are still grieving. Please don't forget Sean. And please, don't forget to LISTEN and LEND HELP to anyone who may be a victim of domestic violence. Please be a voice and speak out for those who can't!

Shay

Vigil for Karen at MU Campus

I just received an email from the School of Health Profession at MU, and because Karen was such a valued member of the MU community , they are hosting a vigil for her tomorrow night at the MU Campus in the AP Green Chapel at 5:30. Please plan to attend and honor Karen's life, a life that was lived to the fullest and cut short by the ultimate cruelty and evil of domestic violence.

The Vigil

The vigil at the ARC for Karen, Emily, and Lauren Kahler, and Karen's grandmother, Dorothy Wight, was simply beautiful. I was touched to see that so many people turned out on such a frigid night to remember and honor all of these beautiful women. The song played during our time of silence was "Fireflies", and it was so perfectly fitting for Karen. It was one of her favorites. Milton, an elderly gentleman at the ARC, wrote a beautiful poem that was shared. I will post his poem later today. Milton loved Karen and would always hang out in the outdoor area where we had our bootcamp classes, with a friend of his, throwing a baseball back and forth, just to be close to her. Just as she touched many of our lives, she obviously had a great impact on his and added a little extra joy and love to his days. In honor of Karen and her family today, look around at the people you come into contact with and ask yourself what you can do for them to add a little joy to their day. Let's take what Karen gave us all and pay it forward.

Please remember the vigil for Karen and her family tonight at the ARC, at 5:30 p.m. Candles will be provided, and we will have a basket for any donations or cards that anyone would like to give. Thank you!!

I just have to say that Karen's entire family carries the same inner strength that Karen and her girls were all known for! What an amazing family!

I'm correcting my last post. Memorial services will be held at The Federated Church in Burlingame, Kansas on December 5th, at 10:00 a.m. It is my understanding that friends are more than welcome, but it is a small church holding about 200 -250 people. If you live in Columbia and are interested in carpooling, please let me know. We are organizing a group that will meet at the ARC on Saturday morning and carpool to Burlingame.

I just received information that the funerals will be held on Saturday, December 5th in Burlingame, Kansas, at 10:00 a.m.