Rachel Barr
Karen Corn was one - if not the most - faithful of all my friends. I met her in 1983 when she was a high school student and worked part time at the day care center where my children stayed while I was at my work. She offered her personal babysitting services on weekends, and we soon became unlikely but close friends. She was a wonderful listener and confided in me, much like a baby sister. And she took care of my small children as lovingly as though they were her own.
She loved parties and party planning. When my husband and I moved from the Dallas area in 1994, I was almost 40 years old. We knew no one where we were moving, and she stayed in close touch because she knew I was homesick and missing my friends. "Hey," she would greet me. "How ya doin? Ya busy?" And I was never too busy to stop and have a good talk with my friend.
As my 40th birthday approached, I received a package one day from Karen labeled "Do Not Open til August 31st." Aw, a gift from Karen! I thought. What a gal! And so I waited. On my birthday, I opened the package and found not just a gift but an entire Over the Hill party! There were hats and horns, black birthday candles, home made cookies with black icing, and black-and-white napkins and kitchen accessories decorated with Lordy Lordy, Look Who's Forty!
Who does that? It was such a great idea. She knew there would be no one to throw me a landmark birthday party, and she stepped up long distance and made sure I celebrated in style. It is one of my most cherished memories. And there are SO many good ones!
I will miss my old friend, her confidence, and her anecdotes about Thunder and Tornado. Go with God, Karen. Sing and sign with the angels.