About Karen
All publishing efforts by KarenK Publishing are dedicated to my sister Karen, whose loving soul left this earth at an early age. We shared many things, but especially a love for lilacs and performing music. All books published by KarenK Publishing are dedicated to her memory. She forever lives in my heart.
Karen Marie Knack
My little sister Karen, first little baby I helped mom care for. Soon she was the little girl I played with, quarreled with, played music with, laughed and cried with.
I still see her twirling in her pretty little dress. We were different in so many ways, she baking cookies with mom and sewing with grandma. Me off with dad, catching passes and shooting hoops.
So many memories and moments we shared:
The news of another sister, a new little baby Karen could now help mom care for, as I did her
Fighting for keyboard practice time, turning into piano duets.
Playing car games and singing our family songs as we traveled. Dad took the bass, mom the melody. And we sisters 3 added a special dissonance to the music that only a family could love.
Memories to last a lifetime
Through our giggles and tears, we made it through those young years,
not knowing our times together were numbered.
A beauty inside and out, with an open heart,
Her willingness to help others never encumbered.
I often wonder what might have been,
the family she would have had,
As a grown woman, the friend she would have been.
Blessed with another sister, for a moment we were 3.
Soon that middle space was empty and will forever be.
Now a sisterhood duo, baby sister remembers well,
there was an older sister about whom she would tell.
Cards and board games they shared,
And bike rides too.
But for my baby sister, her memories are few.
Our sisterhood trio was quite short-lived.
Yet we will always remember that vivacious middle sister
who was always willing to give.
That great big heart of hers,
though her life unexpectedly ended,
exposed the scores of people
she had joyfully be-friended.
That liveliness of hers had stretched to the sky,
Her youthful little heart not ready to die.
And in that church, mournful emotions were wakened.
Every space and every inch in that place was taken.
There was a tear in each and every eye.
All were there to say it,
Goodbye my Sweetness, Goodbye
Written by Kris Knack Noeldner
You will forever be that beautiful and talented young lady I will never forget. Just as we were beginning to create a bond as young women and fellow musicians, You were gone. Yet forever in my heart.
