Real Estate Blog - Thank You All from Karen and Michael

Home : Blogs : Michael and Karen George : Home Loans & Stuff >> The Arizona Home Loan Lady

Thank You All from Karen and Michael

The last time I posted, I wrote for my wife and ActiveRain blogger, Karen George. When I wrote that last piece, Karen was very sick, although I did not realize just how sick she was. Anybody that knows Karen knows that she is extremely upbeat and positive and, frankly, afraid of nothing. To be totally honest, even though I am her husband, I did not know she was so close to dying. How I would have done things differently!

On August 23rd, 2008 my beloved wife and best friend of 15 years passed away and she was finally given relief from her poor, sickly body. I know- from the hundreds and hundreds of emails that I've recieved-- that Karen was well-loved. Her funeral had seating for 150, and it wasn't nearly enough. People were standing. Besides that, we had all of the wonderful ActiveRainers offering support via email. All of your thoughts and prayers have brought me comfort in this extremely difficult time.

To George and Brad, who both wrote posts about Karen; I can't thank you enough. For all of you that sent me messages of peace and love; I can't thank you enough. I am actually in Michigan right now, but when I get back, I intend on answering all of the personal messages she recieved from her friends "in the rain."

Today is Monday, October 6, and this is the first day I have been able to sit down at my computer and actually type. I have been crippled with grief.

Starting later on this week (or maybe first thing next week), I will be blogging in this spot. Karen had some projects that she was too sick to complete-- does anybody remember GeoZoodle?-- and I will be completing those for her as well. She had so much on her plate, it was impossible for her to finish everything and find the time to fight terminal cancer.

I hope those of you that enjoyed reading Karen will enjoy reading my posts. Her and I were like two peas in a pod and I think we have a similar writing style.

Remember her breast cancer blog is at www.fighting-breast-cancer.com. We ask that every woman take a few minutes to read the very first post, and the PDF file that is attached to it. You don't have to read the whole thing-- just the first post.

I still have to work of course, so any Realtors out there...looking for an honest and very experienced Arizona mortgage broker, please consider calling me at 877-551-8188.

Michael George

Posted by Michael and Karen George on 10/06/2008 08:21 PM

Comments (92)

arizona mortgage

92 Comments on Thank You All from Karen and Michael

OCT

2008

Michael - I have been thinking about you lately, and was wondering how you were. Karen will always have a special place in my heart. She was an impressive woman, and was loved by so many.

I look forward to reading your posts.

Michael,

I'm glad to hear you're going to continue this blog...I haven't unsubscribed in honor of Karen's memory, and I look forward to reading your posts!!!

The tragedy of losing a wife and best friend is inconceivable...but I will pray for strength for you to carry on!!!

Thanks, Fran

Michael,

I'm new to ActiveRain and didn't have the pleasure of knowing Karen but I was touched by your post. Good luck to you and my prayers are with you and your family. I will definetly keep reading your future posts as well. Take care and God bless!

Regards,

Tony DeLuke, ABr, GRI in OHIO

Dear Michael,

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Cancer is an insidious disease and it should be eradicated in our lifetime. It is good of you to continue her work. Karen will be remembered and missed within AR and beyond. I am sure that your efforts will be seen as a lovely way to cherish her memory and to keep her thoughts alive among her friends. Thank you and God Bless. Don't give up!!

Betina

"Crippled with Grief" is EXACTLY how it feels...I will pray for you Michael...and your family. This is the hardest thing you'll ever experience. God Bless you. Today October 6th was a really big step towards your healing process.

Wow Michael ....I never new Karen......i'm sorry to say. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be for you. I think its terrific that you will be stepping in the carry on some of Karen's work and add your own.......I'll be watching and reading and hoping that this process will help you with the incredible grief you must have. God Bless.

Hello Michael, I am fairly recent to AR and sadly never had the opportunity to know Karen but from all I've read in many of the blogs that talked about her I can tell how much she was loved. My heart and prayers go out to you in this most difficult time of losing your wife and best friend and I appreciate the message you are carrying on and out to all of us here on AR about breat cancer awareness. I look forward to returning to your posts and hope with time that you will feel peace and the never ending presence of Karen. As the Irish say "May God hold you in the palm of his hand." God Bless. ~Anne Marie

Michael - I don't know you from Adam but I promise you my prayers today. God bless you and bring you through this amazingly difficult time.

Michael, I had not heard of Karen's passing. My heart goes out to you. I have gotten to the age where I cherish every moment I have with my family. God bless my friend...

Words cannot expree how sorry we are to hear of Karen's passing. We are thinking of you during this very difficult time and what a great way to honor Karen by continuing her work on AR. God bless.

Hi Michael,

You are truly an amazing man to be able to do what you are doing in Karen's memory. May her memory be for a blessing and may her memory be inscribed in the book of life.

I am sure she is looking down and smiling at your efforts to keep her memory alive. God Bless You.....

Sincerest Condolences,

Lori

Michael, I am so glad to see your post. I have had you on my mind and have said prayers for you and Karen's loved ones. My entire church family has prayed for you as well.

I owe Karen a lot - she helped me a great deal with getting my blog launched and my website fixed...and getting my real estate career going... and for that I will be forever thankful.

I'm glad that you will be continuing to carry on Karen's blog.

Michael, It is wonderful to see your post! You have so been in my prayers; I can't even imagine what you have went through. I wrote a post putting all the post written about Karen in one spot. I will send it to you.

I look forward to seeing your upcoming post. If I should hear of anyone in Arizona needing a mortgage I will send them your way. My parents spend 6 months in Mesa. They are actually getting ready to leave Colordo for Mesa tomorrow.

Michael - Karen had written 137 posts. How do I know? I've read them all and some even more than once.

I'm pleased that you're carrying on with posts here on Active Rain, Michael. In fact, I've actually found myself hoping you would.

Kathy

Michael-I too know what it is like to lose a loved one and how hard it is for you to pick up the pieces. Everyone who read Karen's blog and watched her fight knows that you will do her proud as you pick up the mantle of her blog. I look forward to more great information from the AZ mortgage broker, even though I don't live in Ahwatukee anymore, if I ever hear of anyone who needs a mortage in AZ you will be top on my list!

Michael - Welcome back. I'm not sure how it feels to be in your position, but I'm sure the members of AR wiill help you in every possible way. Being in Tennessee, i don't know of any way to send business your direction yet, but I'll find a way,

I was so sad to hear about Karen's passing. She was one of the first people I met on AR and a very memorable friend that lived inside my computer. My father had just been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and she had written a blog about health insurance. I too was going through the agony of our marvelous health insurance industry. So I knew what she was talking about.

karen was so upbeat right to the end. From our conversations via email I realized that she understood the seriousness of her situation. But she faced her treatments with tremendous courage and strength. She was an inspiration to everyone and will be sorely missed.

May God bless you both, Karen & Michael.

I am still subscribed and will gladly stay that way!!

Michael, I'm sure Karen would have welcomed your stepping in and completing her projects. She was a lovely lady. God bless you as you learn to move forward. ;-) As someone who recently lost a sister, I know that time will heal....it always does. Cannot imagine - though - losing my spouse.

Michael - my condolences. I'm sending positive thoughts your way - be strong.

Michael, I am sure your post will be just as great and looking forward to them.

Hi Michael - It's so good to hear from you. While the depth of our pain and sorrow pales in comparison to what you are feeling, we all loved Karen and will surely embrace you, as well. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and being apart of your A/R journey. - Calie

Michael, pick up her torch and continue to light the way. I'm sure she will be smiling down at you when you push the "submit" button for each and every post. Carry on.

"The bridge between life and death is love" A. Thornton

Michael - My heart goes out to you. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through.

Michael, I admire your strength. I have read all of Karen's Breast Cancer post and have past them a long to a few friends. Karen was a good friend. I look forward to reading your posts. Thank you and God Bless.

Michael, I am so sorry for your loss!! You are a very special man to continue with Karen's blogs. We look forward to them. I subscribed to Karen's blogs and was so surprised to see her smiling face pop up. Thank you.

Michael - Karen was one of the first to "reach out" to me when I started blogging, and I looked forward to reading her posts. I thought it was you when I noticed that there was a new one under her name--please drop by at least once in a while to let us know how YOU are doing.

Michael, I can't even begin to imagine losing your spouse. I have tears in my eyes now, thinking about it. I pray that the Lord continues to comfort you with memories of Karen and your life together.

Michael, Karen will be truly missed by Active Rainer's who read her blog. I will definitely continue reading this blog. I appreciate all Karen has contributed here and look forward to reading your posts. I can't imagine what a difficult time this must be for you and I will be praying for you.

Michael,

I didn't know Karen, but I have lost several friends and family members to cancer. My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish I had had the opportunity to read her blogs, but I will read yours now. God bless...

Dear Michael,

My heart breaks for you in the loss of your best friend and soul mate. Karen was a delight to meet through the AR network. Nobody ever wants to imagine that "crippling grief" you have described here in what must have been a very difficult post to write. We will all miss her but her spirit will always be present and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, we will be happy to have you in the Rain writing whatever you feel a need to share. Your Active Rain family is here for you always and we reach out to you and say our prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your memories of Karen with us.

Lisa

My deepest sympathies - I too have lost a loved one to that dreaded disease - also on the 23rd, many years ago. I took a few minutes to jump over to Karen's blog and read her first and her last entry. What a loving spirit shines thru. I have come to learn that the beauty of the spirit will live in your heart forever.

Michael, Karen taught me everything I know about blogging, I will never forget her. I could write a book on everything she taught me. Where are you in MI? I live in Ann Arbor. I look forward to you being here, and I know Karen is pleased.

Michael - you have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. It's nice to know you'll keep Karen's Blog up and running, I am really looking forward to your "peas in a pod" writings. I am so happy to see you carry on and just know you have soooo many family and friends here that sincerely care and love you. Welcome back home my friend. :-)

Michael - I never actually "talked" with Karen but I learned so much from her here on the Rain. I kept her subscription, hoping you'd one day share with us. Thank you. Karen was a gift to us here and you are as well.

Michael, I never did get to "meet" Karen but she has touched me through George Tallabas. He has helped me tremendously with SEO, blogging and my website but has given all the credit to Karen. He said she had helped him so much and he felt he needed to pay it forward and when my time comes to pay it forward to someone else. Thanks so much! pippa

Hi Michael!
I "met" you and Karen through your last blog...I wish I had gotten a chance to meet her "in person". It is good to hear from you, as difficult as I am sure it is. My prayers are with you...and I pray that you find strength in Karen's memory. Best Wishes, Paula

Michael, Thank you for the update. I really enjoyed Karen's contribution to the blog and I look forward to your posts. Hang in there.

HI MICHAEL,

I look forward to reading your posts. I can only imagine how difficult it must be. In some way, you may find it therapeutic for you to write in her place, perhaps feeling a closeness to her. I wish you all the best and I haven't been a subsrciber, but I will be one now. Many blessings to you and if I need a lender in AZ, I'll be calling you.

Michael - my condolences. I'm sending positive thoughts your way, you are amazing to contiuue her work

Michael, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am a 3 year breast cancer survivor. It's very sad to me when I lose a sister to this awful disease. Know that she is feeling wonderful now!

Hi Michael-My heart and prayers go out to you as you deal with the grief of your soulmate. It is indescribable pain, of that I have no doubt,. Cancer is such an insidious disease and it seems to strike at will. I haven't been on AR that long so I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Karen but I can tell from all the comments and tributes that she was well loved. I will enjoy reading your blogs and I sincerely hope it will help you in the grieving process. I know Karen will be smiling down at you as you continue on where she left off. All my best

Michael, we will remember Karen always and with great love. What we would love is for you to continue the path that Karen wanted to forge. You and your writing will help to keep Karen and her spirit alive. Write for her Michael. We will be there to support you. And, God Bless you for the pain you have had to endure and thank you for the effort you are making for her soul and memory.

Later in the rain~Deb

Michael- Thank you for the update. I will be looking for your Posts, and funny but I was on Karen's Cancer Blog yesterday.....I thought for sure there would be a Pink Ribbon for downloading....:) I also re-read so many of her Posts. It's hard to lose someone like that....and the strength you are now showing is a testament to Karne and to yourself. Thank you for continuing her work.

I absolutely adore Karen. I wish I had had the time to get to know her better. I hope that she understood what her writing and her strength have meant to me in my trivial health battles. She was an amazing woman, and the fact that she chose you, Michael, as her life partner says a lot for you and your character. I will continue to subscribe to her/your blog.

Michael,

Thank you for keeping Karen's blog going. I am looking forward to your posts. I was a Karen George groupie and miss her very much. Now I'm a Michael George groupie as well.

God Bless,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss! I am glad to see that you are continuing where Karen left off. What a wonderful tribute to her life, and your love.

Michael I am glad you will be completing some of the projects Karen wanted to work on. My thoughts and prayers are with you that you will find the strength to get through this.

Michael - I know there is little that anyone can say to take away the pain, but please know that our thougths are with you. Karen was much loved and valued her on AR and sorely missed. We look forward to hearing more from you, adn will always think of her when we read your writings. Time will heal the pain, but the memories will last forever.

Jeff

Hi Michael...We're all here to give you a helping hand, and I for one will be keen to follow and support your posts here. As you know Karen touched a lot of us, with her Giving then herillness. I Love Karen's welcome mat she so willingly gave us to post on our Blogs and web sites Many here asked who did that for you..Karen George that's who!

Thanks for Letting us know how you are doing and your Plans to be here, if I lived in your area you certainly would have my mortgage referrals, I certainly will refer anyone I hear needing a mtg. in your area.

Michael....thanks again for sharing Karen with us all!

OCT

2008

Hi Michael,

I do not know you or Karen but I just spent the last 30 minutes or so getting to know her through her blog. My heart goes out to you and this family. This is a horrible disease and I am truely sorry for your loss.

Michael-

May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding. You will be in my prayers. JB Brookman Ladera Heights, CA

We have been keeping you in our thoughts. We miss her a lot and will look forward to you being here on the "rain". All the best.

Morning Michael,

Thank you for coming back to the Rain and sharing with us. I read Karen regularly and will continue reading as you post from here. Time will help you with your loss. My heart goes out to you.

Hal

I wish mere words could express what I want to say, and how I feel right now. They can't. Please know there are many people in the world who adored Karen. I look forward to reading more from you as you carry the torch that lights Karens work.

Thank you, Michael, for stepping in to continue Karen's projects. What a wonderful gift to her, and to all of us! I enjoyed (and still enjoy) reading her posts. Bless you.

Michael - That's sad news to hear of Karen's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family! It is inspiring that you are continuing Karen's work. Somehow, I believe, she will be guiding you in that endeavor.

Michael,

Karen would be so proud to know you are continuing her projects. My best to you and your family. I'm so sorry you had to travel this road. Prayers to your family.

Michael: I think about you quite often and the grief you may be going through. As you know, Karen touched me (and many others on this network) in ways unimaginable and I miss her a lot!!

I think about her and you every time I implement something she taught me. What a lasting impression!

Hi Michael - you have no idea how many times I've thought of you. I am walking the same walk as you, in that I lost my best friend, my love and partner of 17 years this summer. And it's a horrible nightmare, the grief is overwhelming much of the time.

I wrote a post shortly after he left, and Karen left a wonderful comment on it, and we had exchanged emails over time on different things on AR. She was a wonderful lady, one who touched many many people, as you've seen from the posts and comments on her posts, and on this post. If you feel up to reading her comment to me, here's the post..... I have gone back and re-read her comment many times since she wrote it for me.

My heart goes out to you, and I've been keeping you very close in my thoughts all this time.
Just keep taking one day at a time, one hour, one minute - whatever it takes to help you get through the pain and emptiness you're feeling now.

Many hugs to you,
Ann

Michael, It is good to see you back here. I can only imagine how difficult this time has been for you. Take comfort in knowing that Karen is in a much better place now and is finally pain free.

I will lookfoprward to your postings.

Michael...

It is good to see you back and I to shall look forward to your posts. I can't even begin to imagine all you have been through. Hopefully the passing of time will ease the pain you feel inside. I shall ask the powers that be to give you peace of mind.

TLW...ROAR!

Michael - although I did not know Karen, she has already touched me and I honored her along with my special lady in my latest blog in the cure of breast cancer. I'm looking forward to your blogging.

Hi Michael, It's so wonderful to hear from you. I cannot imagine what you are going through but the Lord does. He will see you through this. I am so very grateful for Karen and her blog as you know she was very special here in the Rain. It's wonderful that you will be continuing the blog. God bless you my friend.

Michael...

15 years is a long time and your in our thoughts and prayers. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer last year...what a battle...and my father lost his best friend of 48 years. God Bless you in your time of grief, it is a hard battle but I guarantee you it gets better and you will feel her around in your time of need. Continue to blog, that will help your process even more. :)

All the Best!

Cheron Lange

Dear Michael,

There are no words that any of us can say that would even remotely relieve your grief. However, one day...when the word begins to come back in focus...our words and love will still be here for you. Just know that Karen...even when she was weak and close to death...continued to share hope with everyone around her. She was a light in the darkness.

We will welcome and love you...as we loved her. GBU!!

Michael- I always feel so helpless when it comes to comforting in times of loss. Always afraid I will say the wrong thing. I pray that you can hold on to the hope that springs eternal from God. He is our comfort!

I look forward to your posts and will see them as I am a subscriber.

What an act of love to pick up her unfinished writings and allow her legacy to live on. She adored you, and will be smiling down on your efforts to move foreward and live your days with gratitude as she did. We all welcome you and look forward to the continued lessons she had in store for us !

Michael,

I acknowledge your courage and feel your pain. May blessings shower upon your heart and lessen your grief in time.

Karen was one of the first people I met on this site. She helped give me a lot of tips and will always remember her. I'm sad to hear about her passing. I look forward to seeing how similar you're writing style really is.... :)

I've been away for awhile but I remember Karen. I remember how much she enjoyed being a part of this community and how much I enjoyed reading her blogs. I am so sorry for your loss and I know she will be greatly missed by everyone here.

I feel you pain. Karen was a wonderful person who will always be missed. It is great that you will continue her projects. I am sure she is looking down on you and smiling everyday. I always enjoyed all of Karen's writing and absolutely remember the geozoodle. I actually have it embeded on my website. I will look forward to seeing more of you. Take care.

OCT

2008

Michael - I haven't experienced the grief you are experiencing, but my best guess says it is incredibly difficult for you. God Bless You and yours.

OCT

2008

Michael: I can't tell you how many times Karen has crossed my mind. She will and is missed so much and I'm glad to know that you will picking up the torch. My prayers go out for you and may you find comfort and strength to deal with such a tremendous loss. My sincere sympathy.

OCT

2008

Michael - May you find great comfort in fulfilling Karen's projects, I know she surely would appreciate it. She was a strong woman and I admired her strength, courage and love for her family. May you be blessed and comforted at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so glad you are going to keep writing on Karen's behalf, I look forward to your future posts. GBU.

God Bless you and your family. She will always be an inspiration.

Michael~It's so hard to know what to say in a time of loss, but one thing is for sure that the example that Karen has been in the rain is one of an angel spreading her beautiful dust all over this community. I'm so sorry for your loss and pray that each day you will be given the strength you need to carry on her giving heart. She will without doubt be holding you tightly and loving you with the warmth of the sun and the strength of her angel wings. Many blessings to you and I look forward to reading the continuance of yours and Karens blog.

OCT

2008

Michael I have been away for a while and was shocked to read your blog. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Why is it that the good ones always seem to be struck in their prime? My thoughts will be with you. Please stay around here at the Rain.

OCT

2008

Michael, I think part of the reason I have avoided active rain for so long is I didn't want to hear the news. While I never met Karen she was close to my heart. She was such a giver and her acts of kindness touched my soul. I hoped and prayed like so many others that there would be another outcome. I am so sorry for you, your family and all of Karen's friends that this has come to be.

I am one who believes that in all things there is a bright side but in such cases as this; it seems so difficult to find. I trust in the wisdom of the universe and have no doubt that she is near by watching over you. God grant you strength and peace, my heart is with you. The pain you feel is a testament to the love you two shared and I am certain it was a love worthy of what you are now feeling.

God be with you my friend.

OCT

2008

Michael - I have been extremely busy and just got around to reading this post. I hope you received the card I sent you and I hope you know that every time I log on to Active Rain I think about Karen. I have saved all the emails she and you have sent me since I joined AR and I will always hold both of you close to my heart for the kindness you showed me. When you have the time I would love for you to phone me at 208-880-2333. Take good care my friend. George

OCT

2008

Hi Michael - Yes, I was guilty of reading your wife's blogs and enjoying them. I was sorry to hear she lost her battle with cancer.

You will have your hands full in fulfilling her dreams and yours. Trying to do the work of 2! I pray that with each passing day you will become stronger and enlighten the world with your gifts.

JAN

I just found this post. What a wonderful tribute to your beautiful wife who was obviously very well loved. I was so very touched by this post and by your love for your wife.

JAN

Michael: So sorry to hear about your wife's passing. I think it's great that you have decided to take over her blog. Look forward to checking in on you from time to time.

FEB

Michael,

Being a new member of AR, I found a few really helpful posts that Karen wrote so I subscribed. I regret that I did not find her sooner, but her legacy will live on and you continuing her blog is awesome. I look forward to reading your posts.

I am an avid supporter and participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. So many are striken with this horrible disease. Karen will be one more person that I will be thinking about during my fund raising and participation in the event. You have my sincere best wishes for your continued success in the years ahead.

Judy

FEB

Michael, I knew of Karen's struggle, but had taken a break from AR. First thing though I looked her blog up, and was deeply sadden to hear of her passing. The last post I had read was her WaMu post, because alas, they have done the same to me. Karen taught me alot of websites and SEO, even though she was here as a mortgage broker. I will miss her!

FEB

Michael, we missed this post somehow, but wanted to wish you the very best in this difficult time. We're glad her blog will continue by you.

Sincerely, Active Castellum

MAR

I had been following Karen's blog for some time...just thought about her today. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope there is peace in knowing her pain is gone.

MAR

I too had been following Karen's posts and she was on my mind this week as I went to the mailbox for some reason - I had received a sweet note from her a while back. I am so sorry i missed this post in October. My thoughts and prayers are with you Michael and that Karen's spirit is ever present in your life.

This blog does not allow anonymous comments

Thank You All from Karen and Michael

Mortgage Rates