Thank you for your condolences

[Guest guest]

Thank you for all the cards, letters, emails, phone calls, and

prayers these past several weeks. Each one of them gave me strength,

courage, and focus. I left Indianapolis, Indiana, ~ March 1, 2004

(or thereabouts) and drove to Fayetteville, Arkansas to what was to

be the last week I would spend with Mother before she died.

What an experience. Everything ... from the phone call I received

from her asking me to come, ... from the time of her passing, ...

from the memorial service in Fayetteville, Arkansas, ... from the

transport of her body Monroe, Louisiana, ... from the graveside

service at Riverside Cemetery, ... from the large extended family I

met at the wake following the service, ... to the time I finally

returned to Indianapolis, Sunday, March 22, 2004.

I found great comfort from those who have previously lost a parent,

as there is no other way you could possibly understand. I thought I

would, but to my surprise I did not have a clue. I have been saying

weird stuff. For instance, one of my Mother's oldest and dearest

friends came to her funeral. Afterwards, when I was talking to him,

I said, " Wait until I tell Mother I saw you here! " ??Duh?? First,

I

can't because she already died; Second, she already knows because (I

believe) she is fully aware of who was at her funeral. It was just

weird, that's all.

We were able to visit and make many plans before she died, which was

such a pleasure, as many people don't get that chance. I was touched

when, in lieu of flowers, she wanted donations made to the PAI. Our

accountant is creating the Lucille Fern Day Memorial Fund. I

don't think a phone call ever went by without her asking what was

going on with the organization, and especially the Symposium.

If you want to read the obituary (Which we had to write) and see her

picture (She was beautiful), you can do so at:

http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/nelsonberna/obituaryDescription.jsp?

domain_id=67 & deceased_id=22948. They have a guest book which has

been a wonderful way for people to send their condolences.

Again, thank you all for your love and support. I still need some

time before I get back full stream ahead. Just some time to catch my

breath. But, then I am looking forward to an incredible year getting

to know some pretty incredible people. (That means you)

Love,

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director

Pancreatitis Association International

http://www.pancassociation.org