Incredible

Just about 3 years ago Allison was getting married to the love of her life Rick.


Her bridal shower was set on Ricky's parents pontoon boat. To most people this sounded like a great time. To me, I was horrified.

I had to wear a wig. On a boat. In June. It was hot! And that hairy hat was not something that I wanted to have fly off my head in a big gust of wind!

But... It was my opportunity to look like a bathing... BLONDE... beauty. And so I did. I rocked that wig and even wore a big floppy hat to shade my creamy chemo smooth skin from the hot Maryland Chesapeake Bay sun.

I drank mimosas and hung out with my girls and celebrated all the love that Allison and Ricky shared.

Now, 3 years later we went back on that boat to celebrate Allison's 30th birthday. My how the times have changed. Kind of.

The girls were there, the sun was blazing, the drinks were flowing. But one thing was different. My long brown hair was glistening in the sun, tapping my face like a feather reminding me of how lucky I am.

Later that night I was getting ready for bed while spending the night in Baltimore talking with Allison about what a great day it was. Allison said "I think it's pretty incredible how far you've come since the last time you were on the boat. You were at the lowest point then and look at you now. It's like ...Kara's back!"

Ricky pops his head in and says, "Kara never left. That's what's incredible. You were always Kara."

Tears filled up in my eyes. Because they are both right. I'm feeling great, looking like my old self again but my spirit never changed.

Thanks to my friends for always keeping me smiling. Seriously - I was smiling so much my cheeks were hurting after this weekend. Love you all!

Goodnight Drew

Just sitting here reflecting on the past few weeks. Memorial Day weekend ... what a weekend. After spending 2 amazing days with my best friends in the world eating Maryland blue crabs, playing Buffalo-born Kan-Jam and drinking Natty Bo beers, the fun came to an end on Tuesday when Nate and I attended our friend Drew Putzel's service and funeral.


I didn't get to know Drew nearly as much as even Nate. Nate had spent much time with Drew at work and many a night after work having a beer. But I only knew Drew in the office and hung out with him outside the office just a handful of times.

Drew passed away just about one week ago and I still can't get over it. He was the cute guy at the office. The guy always smiling, a little shy, but witty at the same time. He was adorable and had so much more life to live.

After attending his funeral on Tuesday, I just can't believe this happened. His beautiful girlfriend Brooke was so graceful. She cried, she hugged and I just couldn't help but think how she must be feeling. I thought about Nate. And how I couldn't go on if anything ever happened to him. I thought about any of us passing away. It's going to happen at some point in our lives, but could it be around the corner for any of us?

I mean, I feel as though I beat death. I guess it just wasn't my time. But why Drew?

I have a heavy heart about losing Drew. About how his family, best friends and girlfriend are feeling now that he's gone. His big pearly white smile will always be remembered in my heart and if I've learned anything, it's to truly cherish every single moment you have on Earth. With strangers, with loved ones and most of all with yourself.

G'night Drew. Heaven is a brighter place knowing you are there.