Karen Leigh's Blog

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you who sent me emails – cards – or comments on my blog regarding Ruby.

Your kind words and sweet thoughts regarding the loss of my dog has made missing her so much lighter on my heart.

Thank you for being so thoughtful.

It means a lot to me.

If you caught Vic’s sportscast last night – you heard the words for yourself.

If you missed it here’s a link with Gloria Neal commenting on it Tuesday morning: Neal: Fat Little Girlfriends? Oh No He Didn't.

I don’t know if it’s just his “jerky” personality – or it’s a desire to be heard nationally – whatever the reason – it’s just pathetic.

Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach was upset with the way his team played against Texas A&M so he berated the players’ girlfriends – calling them numerous times – fat.

While it never shocks me what comes out of the mouths of people – it does shock me that the school allows their Head Coach to set such an example, and not force him to apologize.

Maybe he should focus on his coaching and not so much his players girlfriends.........

Do you ever feel like your life has taken on a “life of its own?”

That’s how I’ve felt lately….so I decided when I woke up this morning – to hit the floor running.

Get things done…..run errands, go to the gym, talk to friends I’ve been neglecting.

I needed to “clean house” so to speak.

I needed to gain more control of my day.

Sometimes, we let others control our path or our moods (unknowingly) and when we do, I think we really lose a part of ourselves.

I came across this quote today and thought it perfect for the mood I was in.

It struck a chord with me…..I hope you find inspiration in it too.

“We are still masters of our fate……We are still captains of our souls.”

----Winston Churchill

In November of last year I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing the story of a remarkable woman by the name of Jolanta Stettler.

She was taking part in an experimental cancer treatment at Swedish Medical Center….one she hoped would not only extend her life, but possibly save it.

She was receiving chemo – directly to the organ with the cancer – up to six times a normal dosage.

During the day I spent with her – she called herself a “guinea pig” and laughed aloud about blazing new trails.

I’m sad to say her time with us has passed.

I received a phone call yesterday telling me that after fighting so bravely, for so long, her body had finally given up.

She was a mother, wife, friend and so much more to so many.

She had a quick laugh and bright smile…I loved her instantly.

So today, if you are like me and you are blessed with good health, will you take a moment and think of Jolanta?

Her only wish was for good health.

Read the story:  Liver Cancer Treatment Helps Determined Denverite

After a tough week it was nice to take a few days off last weekend and relax with the family.

It was just what I needed.

My boyfriend Jimmy was able to go home with me, and meet my wonderful grandmother – Jackie.

She’s just a ray of sunshine……as is my mom.

We even got to cheer on the Arkansas Razorbacks to a big win over the Auburn Tigers on Saturday.

My dad is a die hard “Razorback” so we traveled to Fayetteville to watch the game and spend some time with him.

Family sometimes is just the medicine you need to heal a wounded heart.

I know my family does that for me.

I wasn’t sure if I could write this today, but decided to at least try….so here goes.

I wrote a week ago about my Basset Hound Ruby being diagnosed with cancer.

I’m sad to share that yesterday, she passed away.

For nearly 13 wonderful years I’ve gotten to come home to the pitter patter of her paws on the hardwood floor and her tail wagging uncontrollably.

To put it mildly, she’s been a “gift” to me.

She’s been my baby.

I’ve loved her, scolded her and cried with her.

From hip dysplasia, to Cushings’ disease to most recently cancer….she’s been a brave tough girl..

I’ve known for awhile now that she was nearing the end of this journey with me, but I didn’t really want to believe it.

But this weekend, her little body just couldn’t take anymore.

It was possibly the most tearful weekend of my life….

Saying goodbye, letting go….is never easy, is it?

How do you let go of something you love with every piece of your heart?

I decided to have faith – faith that it was time – faith that she was ready to go – and faith that both she and I would be okay once we parted.

I am so blessed to have had Ruby as my pet…she filled my heart with endless love and kept the loneliness at bay..

So thank you my dear beloved Basset…..you were a dream pet…and I will miss you always.

And thank you Jim, my sweetheart of a boyfriend.

Thank you for loving Ruby too – and holding us both as we let go.

It’s no doubt a living nightmare.

Imagine this scenario…….

You’ve always wanted to carry a child of your own but after trying time after time unsuccessfully – you finally put your child bearing future in the hands of “medicine.”

You decide to undergo fertility treatments and have viable embryo’s implanted.

The invitro takes – and you’re finally having a baby!

Now – after all you’ve been through to conceive – you discover the child you’re carrying, isn’t yours.

The fertility clinic made a terrible mistake and mixed up the embryos.

You’re carrying someone else’s baby.

What would you do?

Would you carry it for that other woman or couple?

It’s something that recently happened, not once but twice.

In both New Orleans, and Ohio, we’ll have more on the story at ten tonight.

It’s definitely a story that makes you think.

For those of you who have loved ones giving their lives to this great country…..

I know you never - for a minute – forget that this world is a dangerous place.

You never take our freedom – or the peace we enjoy – for granted.

I would like to think I never take what our soldiers are doing for granted either, but I admit I go about my day living as if there is no “imminent threat.”

I wake each day believing it will be a peaceful one ahead.

But that comfortable peace has changed a bit recently.

Guilt or innocence aside – the arrest of Najibullah Zazi makes me stop for a second and realize we are still at war.

Overseas and here at home.

Everyday.......the FBI, homeland security and our local law enforcement agencies fight the good fight.

Watching over us as we walk about enjoying life.

So for today, and the days ahead, I’ll give more thanks to those working dangerous jobs to secure our safety...whether it be our soldiers or law enforcement.

We want our world to be a safe one...but truth be told....it just isn't all of the time.

I hear ESPN is going to take a minute to remember and honor Sal Aunese this weekend as part of its college football coverage.

Many of you CU football fans know of Aunese…..he started as quarterback for CU in 1987 and 1988, and died of stomach cancer 20 years ago.

If you’re interested in catching the story – it runs Sunday morning on “Outside The Lines” at 7-am.

CU is also planning a tribute to Aunese that will appear online next Wednesday on CUBuffs.com and Buffs TV.

If you’re planning on cheering on the Buffs tomorrow – I’ll see you out there.

Let’s hope this is their week to shine!

See you there, and have a wonderful (safe) weekend.

It was a tough week last week….

I learned my basset hound is - indeed - 13 years old.

No more denying she’s getting older.

Two weeks ago I took her to the vet to have a cyst removed, and then last week I received the news it was a mast tumor – and malignant.

I knew the day would come when she would get sick – or time would catch up with both of us – but I just kept hoping it would be later than sooner.

The good news, the cancer has not spread to her lungs so who knows how much time we have together.

It could be anywhere from six more months to a year or longer.

If you’re like me, your pet is like family.

Ruby was the first dog I bought as an adult – and she’s been with me through so much over the years.

My goal now is to love her more today than yesterday, and keep her from experiencing too much pain.

She’s a gem of a dog – and one I think the world of.