Caring for Karin

Sometimes, if you say 'caring' especially if you're like me and talk really fast like a chipmunk OR
if you have an accent, the word can sound like you just said, "Karin".

So, Karin...this is For You.

I've watched my friend, Karin, now for a few days mope about her house in her ex-boyfriend's sweatshirt trying to hold it all together.  I've seen her frown and scowl more often then I'd like to admit and for the first time in...well, ever... she kind of snapped at me and at first, I was a little hurt but then I also realized how much she was hiding her pain.

A few days ago, her heart was broken by someone whom shall remain nameless.  What truly matters as of now is Karin.  And right now she is struggling and it's heart wrenching to see.  I feel a bit helpless so I pondered on what I could do.  So, as I'm curled up in her favorite fuzzy purple blanket on her couch that swallows you up, I'm thinking of all the different ways she has helped me.  I'm remembering all the amazing things she has taught me.  I also wanted to dedicate this writing piece to her so that whenever she needed a reminder, she can refer back to this at anytime and turn that frown upside down.  :0)

I'm quiet sometimes. I also listen to not just words but the words that are not spoken.  I observe.  And what I've noticed with Karin is her strength.  She is strong.  She is strong for her family, especially for her son, Trent.  She is strong for her Sisters.  She is strong for anyone and everyone.  She is even strong for her ex-husband and now ex-boyfriend.  The very same individuals who have caused so much pain and grief but because Karin is well, Karin...she is now the more stronger for it.  She is so strong, even for HerSelf, that crying and releasing has been difficult.

So, Karin, my sweet Sistar...let the tears flow and allow yourself to grieve.  You don't have to be strong all the time.  We are stronger because of You, let us return the favor...

Here's something else you may have already suspected.  Karin has one of the biggest hearts on the planet.  It's GIGANTIC.  From her love and devotion to her family and friends, to the care and nurturing of the environment/Mother Earth, to the various causes especially the ones directly involving children, to her ginormous love and passion towards children in and of itself, to her love of Truth and the discovery of Self...she amazes me in ways that have expanded my consciousness and my own heart.  The deep love and gratitude she has shown and given to countless others is reflected by my own desire to show up fully and meet her as well.

Thank you, Karin.  Thank you for showing up even though you sometimes want to crawl into bed and curl up with your favorite fuzzy blanket that I may steal from you one day.  Thank you even if you do stay in bed.  Thank you for showing me that I can have gravy without mushrooms because that is a miracle in itself.  Thank you for trying food prepared by me with the knowledge that it has nutritional yeast and I know you don't care for it but because of who you are, you'll eat the food anyway.  Thank you for listening and being there for others even though your heart is broken.  Thank you for making so many children and babies feel loved AND thank you for making them laugh.  Thank you for allowing yourself the experience of loving again even though you were probably terrified at first.  Thank you for forgiving those that have caused you pain, stress and heartache.  Thank you for being HERE not only for Trent, not only for your family, not only for US but also because it just wouldn't be the same without you.

To the Yummy Dessert that You Are, Karin.  To the Beautiful Goddess that reflects back at you in the mirror, Karin.  To the Beloved Daughter, Sister & Mother that You continue to Be, Karin.  To the Shining Star that will forever Be You, Karin.

We Love You.
You Are Amazing and Loved Everywhere.
(And just in case you forget, your Iphone will remind You.)

In Loving Gratitude,
Athena