Karen did. Even as chemo brain aphasia was fighting her ability to express herself. I knew she was writing but I couldn't read it until after he passed. In her own words I tried to do the best I could. Sometimes I succeeded, some of the times I failed, but I tried. I was born in 1952 and grew up outside of Schenectady N.Y. I was active in all sorts of outdoor activities; swimming, skiing, hiking and canoeing. After graduating from Schalmont High School I attended Ithaca College where I met my future husband William Evertson. Bill and I were married in 1975 in a simple ceremony on a farm in Ithaca. We lived in Delaware for two years while Bill worked on his MFA and I began my career as a social worker. After two years of school, teaching, work and travel we moved to New York City. In 1982 I received a Master of Social Work from Hunter College. I was hired after my social work training at the Metropolitan Center for Mental Health as the Administrative Director. In 1986 our son Ian was born and we moved to Connecticut where I had a job at Inter Community Mental Health Group as the Executive Director. After about ten years, I was recruited by the State of Connecticut to develop and run Western Connecticut Mental Health Network as the CEO. My last position before I retired was CEO at Capitol Region Mental Health Center in Hartford, Ct. I value the traits that I grew up with that were further engrained by my social work training; such as, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated, helping those in need, honesty and equality. There are people who taught me of course. My father, Robert C Mackeown and mother Gary Wiggin Mackeown. My husband, William and son Ian. My brother, Douglas and his wife Tamzen, their children David and Caitlin. My aunt Georgia Clingen, her son Eric, his wife Kerry and their children Brian and Elaine. My father's sister, Dorothy Mackeown Jeroloman and her children, Charlie Jr, Amy and Robert C. Jeroloman. I have been blessed with very special friends who loved me, assisted me and cared for me. Since my diagnoses of breast cancer I welcomed the chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. They have laughed with me and taught me things so that I could have a wonderful happy life. I am blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. If you think of me and would like to do something to honor my memory here are some suggestions. Volunteer at a school, library or art museum. Write a letter to someone and let them know they had a positive impact on your life. Make someone smile today if it is your power to do so. If you haven't educated yourself on global warming - start. If you haven't educated yourself on renewable energy sources - start. Turn off the electronics and take a kid out for ice cream and talk about their hopes and dreams. And finally as some have said, be kind to one another.
5 Comments
Buhay
10/9/2017 01:01:34 am
Wow
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10/9/2017 02:35:02 am
Even though she is already suffering from chemo brain aphasia, she even made something wonderful. She is still trying to express herself and talk to the people whom she left behind. While reading it the tears are already coming down out of my eye. She tells the story about her experiences in life. There are actually going to be a lot of times where we are not going to succeed, but as long as we are fighting and making everything possible I think there's nothing wrong with it. The things that you want them to do to honor your memory was truly inspiring. Instead of doing other useless or traditional things you want them to do this.
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11/20/2018 12:42:37 am
Death is something that everyone of us will eventually experience. In a manga that I had previously read, the protagonist made a really amazing and great point about death. In his words, he said that the fact of death is what makes life more precious. I completely agree with him. I think that the fact that we will die eventually makes life a lot more interesting. It means that we should do everything we want in our short time here on earth.
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10/1/2018 10:33:27 am
I?d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
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12/9/2018 08:28:23 am
I salute your bravery. It looks like you are living your life to the fullest. Many of us suffers, some are survivors, but few are those who are like you that can do both at the same time. You bring joy to your readers and they appreciate you for what you are doing and what you have done. Continue being one of the inspirations of this nation. I will pray for you, God bless you.
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AuthorWilliam and Karen - Karen and I have been married for 41 years. Karen's breast cancer has reached stage 4. This is what happens next. Archives
May 2017
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