Karen F Goodwater

Friends and Far-Away Family Members... I am writing this post with a loving smile, a heavy heart, and with the help of my son (Christopher Carter).  Warning ... Please be on the lookout for 'HIS' embellishments! As many of you know, I have been battling Parkinson's disease for the last 13+ years.  In that time, I've seen the successful beginnings of a new life for my oldest and favorite son (Kevin Carter), who currently lives in New York.  In addition, I moved from Philadelphia, PA to Titusville, FL to Viera, FL to Melbourne, FL and back to Titusville in search of warmer weather, a wealthy younger companion  and more time with my immediate family. Spoiler alert ... the companions I did find were not wealthy!  Fortunately, I've been able to avoid the northeastern weather, enjoy the Florida sun , visit quite a few Florida attractions (my favorite place is my youngest son's house), spend time with my youngest son (Christopher Carter), his wife (Allison Carter), and see my 3 wonderful grandchildren grow (Jordan, Jace and Jhett).  I enjoyed their football games, baseball games, basketball games, soccer games and even got an opportunity to ride in my son's monster truck  - with the help of a ladder.   FYI ... Samantha has lost weight and is also enjoying the Florida sunshine! Thanks to modern technology, I was even able to stay in contact with most of you through video chat.  Please forgive me if I accidentally sent you a few weird pictures or sporadic audio or video files ... Mr. Technology and I are not and will never be the closest of friends. Over the last few months, I've been staying at the Royal Oak Nursing Home in Titusville, FL recovering from a mild TIA and undergoing physical therapy.  It wasn't what I planned, but the facility was really close to my family.  Unfortunately, the disease has had a tremendous impact on my physical abilities.  It prevented me from writing, calling or talking to you as much as I'd like, but please know that I thought of you often.  Now that I look back, I probably should've given my son the password to my Facebook account sooner, but honestly ... he's too noisy! To make a very long story short, on Saturday, 19 January 2019, at around 3:15, God and I decided that it was time for a new adventure.  I have relinquished control of my life to Him and he has given me my very own magnificent and glorious WINGS.  Please do not worry, as I can assure all of you that I had an amazing and wonderful life thanks to each and everyone of you (too many to name) and I AM FINALLY FREE. One thing is for sure, I will not miss the freezing Philadelphia weather, the visits to the numerous Doctor's offices, the poking and prodding of medical equipment, or the uncomfortable hospital beds.  However, I will absolutely miss the pleasant conversations with my dear friends and family, the joyful company of my previous co-workers, the soulful music of my gigantic personal record and CD collection and the fantastic Cheyney University Choir, or the sound of my wonderful son reminding me to sit up straight (as I used to remind him when he was younger). Over the next few days, Christopher and Allison will have the tough task of organizing my itinerary - Don't mess this up Chris!  I've specifically asked my son to NOT have a formal ceremony.  My reasoning 1. Most of my dear friends and family are scattered across the eastern border and travel would be difficult to impossible, 2. I don't want them to see me without my hair done the way I like it, 3.  I don't want to be upset and haunt people if no one shows up. Instead, I've asked him to cremate my body and mail everyone a spoonful for safe keeping.  An alternate option is for him to place my ashes in the ocean, allowing me to travel the world at the Lords pace.  Please continue to pray  for my family (Did I mention that Kevin is my favorite) as they will need your spiritual and emotional support.  I know this is an unconventional way of saying goodbye, but this is not just any ordinary goodbye.  It is a long overdue conversation with my beloved friends and family that finishes with numerous spiritual hugs and butterfly kisses. Please feel free to post any pictures of you and I together (tag me where applicable).  It'll help my family understand the places I've been and the wonderful people I've had the pleasure of meeting.  Bless you all and I look forward to seeing each of you in your dreams and in heaven. WITH MUCH LOVE Karen Frances Goodwater (with VERY little input from Chris)

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