If I could use one word...how would I describe Kari?
UNFORGETTABLE
Many of my friends, and hers, could think of hundreds of words to describe her, but that is the one word I would use to best capture our friend's personality and spirit.
It's been almost 10 years....TEN YEARS, since she left our lives! I remember a phone conversation with her mother when she said her biggest fear was that people would forget her daughter. I told her then, and I'll remind her today that I just don't see that happening.
Many of us still talk about her and reminisce about the "good ole days!" We laugh about her goofiness, we smile when we talk about her amazing heart, and we tear up as we realize how fast the time flew and how much we still miss our friend.
I promised Kari's mom that she wouldn't be forgotten, as she would live on in my heart forever, but I know others who were much closer who took the same pledge! And if we ever fail...which I'm pretty sure we won't...Steve Ferkau and his family will arise to the test.
Steve, or as I call him "Kari's Lungs", is the perfect fit...both physically and spiritually, for the gift Kari and her family gave him. Not a day goes by where he is not grateful and thankful for his gift...and believe me, I've seen him in action (as many of you have)...he's not afraid to share Kari's story and tell people the importance of organ and tissue donation.
You may be asking, what prompted this post? I was looking through some pictures from our wedding last month and came across this picture. It is a picture of Steve and some of Kari's friends.
Jenn & Joe's Wedding Jan 2010
From left to right: Alanna (Kari's childhood friend/neighbor), Me (Kari's childhood friend/neighbor), Steve AKA "Kari's Lungs", Erin (Kari's close friend), Laura (Kari's close friend)
We all were band geeks with her (minus Alanna), and we all sang in choir with Kari! Many wonderful and dorky memories!!
What I really got from this picture is that none of us have forgotten her...and I doubt we ever will! She may not be in that picture, physically speaking, but she is there...in each one of our hearts!
Let me show you some memories that have been made...all while remembering our dear friend.
Rock Bottom Brewery March 2008
Christian (Kari's buddy and banter partner) & Steve
Laura & Steve
The Bean
From Left: Wendy, Samara, Katie (Close friends and Volleyball Teammates), Laura (Steve's beautiful wife), Steve & Ryan (Wendy's significant other)
From Left: Samara, Wendy, Katie, Kelly (volleyball teammates & close friends), and our Melissa
Iowa Donor Network Gala 2008
From Left: Joe (my husband), Me, Steve, Laura (Steve's wife), Laura & Matt (Friends)
From Left: Katie, (Close friend & teammate), Me, and Alex (Childhood friend/neighbor & teammate)
Jenn & Joe's Wedding- Jan. 2010
From Left: Karen (Steve's sister), Kathryn (Kari's childhood friend and neighbor), Laura & Steve
Alex, Katie, Me & Steve (who isn't paying attention)
Steve & Me
Kelly, Katie, Samara & Wendy
Hustle 2009-Top of the Hancock
Alex, Kelly, Katie, Samara & Wendy
And I leave you with the following picture...a reminder of her spirit! She is not in any of those pictures, but if you scroll back through them and look into each of our eyes & souls you will see a piece of her is still...and always will be a part of each of us!