Since my typing abilities are severely lacking right now I made a quick video to thank everyone and to give a short overview as to what happened in the beginning of June.
I apologize for my emotions getting the better of me but I still struggle with the reality of it all. Also, because of my emotions, I forgot to mention some things, one most importantly are the nurses, especially in the ICU. I complimented my doctors but the nurses deserve the same amount of praise. The nurses at the hospital and rehab center were with me through some of my hardest times and will always have a special place in my heart.
So here it is, my thank you card to you all. I truly believe that it was with the help of your prayers and healing thoughts that kept me here. Well, that and I'm just to stubborn to die. 🙂
Enjoy! And keep an eye out for when I start my blog series about my story. Thanks, again!
(Oh, and PS – No, that is not a nicotine patch, it is a Fentanyl (pain med) patch. I can't tell you how many people congratulate me and ask how long it's been. When one woman found out what it was she asked if I wouldn't mind trading patches. Um, yeah, I would mind! For some reason I don't think smoking, or a nicotine patch, would take the edge off considering I still need other pain pills to manage the pain.)
29 responses to “A Heartfelt Thank You”
I'm so happy to see you're feeling better, Karen. There's a reason you're loved by so many — you're amazing and an inspiration to us all.
Thank you so much, Daniel, that is very sweet of you. But I must say it is the continuing support of everyone that is inspiring to me. 🙂
You got me a little weepy there, beautiful. So glad to hear your voice and see your smile. 🙂
So good to see you on the mend, Karen. (You've still got the sexiest voice I've ever heard.) hehehe
Soooooo good to see you, looking better each day. No need to apologize for the tears and emotions–you are most definitely entitled to them! (And I think most of us watching with you are probably getting a bit weepy, too.) Keep fighting, we can't wait to have you back in full force! The prayers are still coming strong, and won't stop until you are through with your recovery! 🙂 Love you!!
Karen! It's amazing to see/hear you! And if my Evil Dead Hands can type, yours can too! Just keep on with the PT. It will all become easier with time. <3
When we first heard about how sick you were, it was really a scary thing. I know I only know you in our writerly circles, but you've always been a sincere, sweet person. I couldn't imagine what you were going through so glad that you are on the mend and wish you all the best in the coming days. You are a fighter! 🙂
Karen I'm SOOO happy you are feeling better. My children we happy to report to me that my friend who I was so worried about was in church yesterday! Can't wait to catch up!! Hugs and prayers to one of the strongest women I know!! Just remember I am only a block away if you need anything!
*sobs* Oh, God, Karen, I am so happy you're on the mend and so sorry for all you've suffered. You're amazing. Stay strong, my dear.
Your story is so touching, Karen. Definitely gives us all so much to be grateful for!! You are a fighter…stay strong!!!! Wishing you all the best!
I'm still crying after watching this.
You are one of the strongest people I know and we will always be here.
#GOTEAMORANGE!
xoxo
RB
Thank you, for being strong and a fighter. You are truely an inspiration to everyone who knows you. So thank you again for being you. 😉
Karen,
You have continued prayers, and good wishes so you continue your amazing recovery. Many blessings on your and your family as you all travel this road. xoxo
Jeannie
I have tears running down my eyes! You are one of the strongest women I've ever “met” and you're an inspiration to many! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Karen is the only person who can spend a month in bed and come out still thin and in great shape. Unstoppable!
Generally, I find I write wise-ass comments for the laugh (hence, my scotch joke), mainly because I'm usually at a loss for words. Most times, I don't know what to say. I think it's my own little wall I build to keep everyone out. Let me try;
I admire your openness and the trust you place on us when you reveal yourself. I admire the courage it takes to do that with such raw honesty. I absolutely LOVE that you are a fighter. Your kids could not have a better role model raising them. – And flipping off your brother is mad-cool.
Ah, you know what I mean.
Hi Karen,
Just so wonderful to see/hear you, and to hear your story – in your own words – of your recovery. It's a treat for me, too – as I have never heard your voice before! Next trip to the US, and we WILL manage to meet up. I'll bring my family tree stuff and I will show you your special place in it x
Hi Karen,
I wasn't aware you were ill and it sounds like it was very serious. I'm very, very glad to see you on the mend. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
Holly Bush
Thank you everyone for your wonderful comments. I can't wait to be able to write my story and share it with all of you. And yeah, don't piss off a drugged up redhead. 😉
Karen, You are so very much loved. Use both your talent and experience to make others aware of TSS. gosh, I am curious as to how you contacted it. However, I am happy that you made it through this difficult ordeal and continue to heal. wishing you well. Gale
Adversity breeds character. I've said I could use a little less character, yah?
OH karen…..so glad to see you on the mend. God bless!
So happy you are doing better. I had a close friend who got a small dog bite on his hand and went into a coma. He is okay now but lost a year and several body parts. There are some very bad bugs out there and I am so glad your doctors got it under control. Our bodies are strong and sometimes resilient enough to withstand amazing trauma only to be almost erased by a tiny microbe. I am happy for your recovery and will look forward to reading about the journey. I think there might be a book and a movie in it. All the best and will continue to support you with prayer and hope.
Reggie
so happy to see you doing better.I know that you still have along way to go but you keep remembering that you are strong and fierce and you beat that bug into submission. Prayers for your continued recovery.and if you ever need a word I'm one click away I'm usually on twittter.
Sheilagh
Karen,
I know that you are going through a lot but you need to know a couple things.
1. I call you one of my most trusted friends and I will always be just a call or text away for anything, and I mean ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.
2. My prayers always include you–never stopped.
That said, keep fighting, you can do it. You know that!
I am so happy to see you are out of the hospital and continue to update us as YOU continue to heal! Bless you for your testament to prayer and inner drive to over come this! OK I need to go find the kleenex box!
Take care! Keep us informed!
Hugs and prayers,
Barbara
Karen, I happened to see that you were I'll when a friend commented on your husbands Facebook status. We went to elementary school in catty, a long time ago haha. Anyway, when I saw that you were ill I hoped that everything would be ok for you and your family. I cannot even imagine what you all went through during your illness but am happy to hear that you are on the mend! Best wishes as you continue to recover and God bless!
OMG I knew you had been really really sick and hospitaliosed and everything but I never heard any more details at the time, and I don't know I missed this when you did it! I kind of didn't even know you were back up and about a bit until we connected on facebook recently, and that was what made me kind of start digging to fill in the gaps of what had happened – and that brought me here.
All I can say is what a horrific, scary experience. I cried when I watched your video (although I will qualify that with wild swinging pregnancy hormones, just so you don't think I'm too weird, because although we've known each other sometime now in writer circles, I don't want you to think I'm a crazy stalker type 🙂 ).
You are so very lucky to have come through, even if you're not all the way there yet, and I wish you all the best with your recovery.
[…] Some of you may already know that Karen was struck with a brutal illness in the summer. She has been through so much and she has worked through it with courage and grace. […]