It is fitting that the FMF topic is friend today….I already had plans to introduce you to my friend Karlena. Today would have been her 38th birthday….but instead of celebrating with her here she is celebrating in heaven.
The picture above was the last time we saw each other. I was 15 weeks (give or take) pregnant with our daughter…her namesake.
She was so excited that we were finally having a girl – and that we had chosen to give her, her name. It was a really special time. But we both knew that Karlena’s time here on earth was short. We both cherished the friendship we had.
I learned so much from Karlena about authentic faith. About walking with God through difficult times and trusting Him, regardless of my circumstances.
Karlena’s faith was amazing…it was real…it was evident in all that she did.
She challenged me and yet loved me for who I was.
It is one of the many things that I miss about her.
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Here she is holding Elijah…..we had so hoped (and expected) that there would be pictures of her holding my girl as well….
On November 1, 2010 – just 6 weeks from the time we would welcome our daughter into this world….Karlena slipped from us here and into her Father’s arms….I honestly believe that she is dancing among angels today.
Her friendship is a loss that hasn’t been replaced….not in the same form at least.
And I miss my friend.
She is not forgotten and still so loved.
Happy Birthday Karlena – I know that you are having a birthday celebration that couldn’t be matched here. I am honored to have shared life with you.
Join the rest of the FMF girls who are posting about what the word friend means to them!
what a beautiful tribute, what a lovely friend … blessings as you grieve, as you remember …
This is beautiful. Giving your baby her name is such a wonderful way to uphold her legacy.
So sorry about your friend- I know that left a gaping hole in your heart. What a blessing – to have a friend to love you so deep. I am always blessed by your words on Friday – thank you!
So very sorry for your great loss. Happy Birthday to your precious angel friend.
beautiful.. your friend was blessed to have you 🙂 what a tribute!
This is an amazing post, friend. What a tribute to your friend…and I’m so sorry for your loss. I think it’s beautiful that you named your daughter after her…what a gift, both to your friend and your sweet little girl. So blessed to call YOU my friend…I really can’t wait to meet you (in)RL! 🙂
Thank you for sharing about Karlena. What a beautiful friend!
Aw. Making me all teary eyed…
What a beautiful tribute to Karlena. I can see why you miss her so much. Very touching post. Also, I love all the new additions to your blog. The header is SO COOL. It’s very welcoming and grabs your eye. Like always I’M SUPER PROUD OF YOU!
Thanks for sharing! They’re never really gone if you can remember them, right? God Bless!