Happy New Year 2010

The start of a new decade! As we continue to remember Kara in our hearts and feel her presence around us, we also continue to cherish her 2008 and 2009 themes. To help honor Kara, please make this a wonderful year in your life, full of hope, peace, love, and joy! Yes, we all miss Kara so very much. But know that she wants us to remember that Life Is Good!

11-29-09

Today was Kara’s birthday, and we remember Kara with love. She changed our lives forever, and for that we are eternally grateful. Of course we are sad she is no longer physically with us. However, we take great comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the world. We can all feel it around us every day. That is truly a miracle.

Kara’s Life Haikus

I want to hear what
You all would say when I go
If I go sooner

I want to be here
To hear, not gone already
Inspired by Morrie*

Simple, really just
Five, seven, five syllables
Hear the good right now

Kara’s Life Haikus
Admission simple; just write
One haiku of me

Oh and one more thing
You must wear something yellow
My favorite hue

Seven pm this
November, twenty-second
Favorite foods, fun and laughs

Ball Room at “The Chase”
Please won’t you R.S.V.P.
Please come come come please

 

*He [Morrie Schwartz] had discussion groups about dying, what it really meant, how societies had always been afraid of it without necessarily understanding it. He told his friends that if they really wanted to help him, they would not treat him with sympathy but with visits, phone calls, a sharing of their problems…. He was intent on proving that the word “dying” was not synonymous with “useless.” When a colleague at Brandeis died suddenly of a heart attack, Morrie went to his funeral. He came home depressed. ”What a waste,” he said, “all those people saying all those wonderful things, and Irv never got to hear any of it.” Morrie had a better idea. He made some calls. He chose a date. And on a cold Sunday afternoon, he was joined in his home by a small group of friends and family for a “living funeral.” Each of them spoke and paid tribute to my old professor. Some cried. Some laughed.”
                                -Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

This is what I want too, except BIGGER! Cancer changes your life perspective, good and bad. I try to stay strong, but to tell the truth—it’s really my family and friends who keep me strong. I want to share my last moments because I don’t know when the end is coming, none of us do. But, since I’m a betting girl I’m pretty sure my time will come sooner than most of yours. I really want to share this party with you to celebrate life and you!
                                -Kara Aya-Welland

 

On November 22, 2008, Kara hosted an amazing party to celebrate her life, and the ballroom was filled with family and friends in various hues of yellow, her favorite color. We, her family, would like to collect as complete a record as possible of Kara’s Life Haikus. Whether you were able to attend the party or not, please send your haiku by replying to this post. Just click on the “leave a comment” link below, type your haiku in the box, and then click on the “submit comment” button. Thank you!