October 12, 2020
Dear Kari,
I don’t know what I did to deserve you, my beautiful friend. Sometimes I am in awe just thinking about that. What do people do without Kari Laniel in their lives?
How do they get through a happy hour? I love our happy hours where we take on the huge, and I mean huge, problems in education and politics. And share stories and pictures of our families and friends. And laugh our heads off about the silliest things. And cry our eyes out over our dogs and cats.
How do they watch movies in a theatre without someone to hold their hand when they’re about to sob? Or sing out loud when any Bruce song is in the background?
How do they even get through life without you checking in with a text? Or reading one of your blog posts, captivatingly written each time in a style your own. Or opening the mailbox to find a perfect card with a perfect message. Or receiving a gift from you like mermaids, or Christmas Coke straws or Royal Baby word searches or sweet journals complete with prompts. Hand-picked, straight from the heart every time.
How do they survive one single day at work without going into your room to vent, to celebrate, or for a hug? Nobody can hug like you. Nobody.
How do they watch football?? Whether college football at a Husker bar or a live Bronco game, to be in your presence and witness the frustration, anger, suspense, energy, and pure joy of the game is nothing short of magic.
I know I could not exist without you in my life, Kari Laniel. I thank God that he made our paths connect.
Happy 50thbirthday, my friend. May your day be as beautiful as you are.
Love,
Cheryl
