Karsten’s father passed away yesterday. He was 84, and he’d been dealing with a variety of illnesses including emphysema (despite having never smoked a day in his life) and prostate cancer (which he beat — it was the treatment that led to complications). So while his death was not entirely unexpected, it was still rather sudden.

He hasn’t decided if he wants to be present for the visitation, but I think he’s leaning towards going. I’m navigating this as carefully as I can, because even though I know Karsten and his dad had a complicated relationship, I think Karsten is more affected than he expected to be.

We’ve been through so many shades of loss in the ten years we’ve been together, from the long, drawn-out, excruciating loss of my own father to the abrupt and devastating loss of Karsten’s mother, and now the sudden and emotionally puzzling loss of his father. We could really write a book. I suppose it would be more appropriate if we just wrote a song. Maybe that’s the project for this week.

Sad news about Karsten’s dad

5 thoughts on “Sad news about Karsten’s dad

  • August 9, 2008 at 11:02 am
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    I just want you to know that I’m thinking about you both today.

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  • August 9, 2008 at 8:39 pm
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    I’m sorry to hear about Karsten’s dad. I hope for peace and serenity for you guys.

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  • August 9, 2008 at 10:56 pm
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    Oh, I am so sorry to hear the news. Please accept my condolences.

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  • August 10, 2008 at 7:24 am
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    Send Karsten Stephanie and I’s love and thoughts during this difficult time.

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  • August 11, 2008 at 4:45 pm
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    I’m very sorry for you and Karsten. I’ve come to read this late so I suppose the visitation has already passed. But if it hasn’t, I would urge Karsten to go.

    My husband and his father had a very tumultuous relationship and didn’t speak for many years. When his father died from cancer I didn’t know if we’d even go to the funeral. We did go, however, and the closure turned out to be very important for Tim.

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