Last year I walked in memory of my Mom, Karen Kripas. 1957-2023.

This year I'm joining my friend's team: Don and Corky.

They’re 2 peas in a pod and some of the best people I know. It’s hard to think of them ever NOT together. 

I fell in love with Don first. We were in a Caregiver Support Group through Wellness House together.

He was one of my favorites - he crowned himself "the old guy" of the group.

He was friendly, authentic and strong - that one hour every week was his hard-to come-by respite.

This was the time we could really laugh or really cry. It was a beautiful space for our group. 

I was in the Caregiver Support Group for just shy of a year when my Mom passed away.

Everyone from our group showed up for me at my Mom's wake. Don brought Corky.

I remember my mind being completely taken over by “OMG! This is THE Corky!!!”

I hugged her so tightly that I think we almost fell over!

In that very moment, I swear I forgot my mom had died.

I was so overcome with JOY from meeting my favorite-person-from-group's wife!

I’ll never forget that energetic feeling Corky brought with her. 

My mom and I fell in love with the show Grace & Frankie which is a hilarous story of two very different women:

Grace who stood for tradition, obligation, thank you notes and the proper way of doing things

Frankie who was led by her eccentricities, quirks and a "ride your own wave" vibe

My family was more like Grace’s side, and I never had (and always wanted) a Frankie. 

Corky is my Frankie. And I truly believe my mom brought Corky to me just when I needed a Frankie. 

I am so proud of myself for finding my path and working with my grief.

It led me to the Caregiver Support Group where I found Don. That was such a gift.

And then Don gave me the greatest gift, Corky.

They’re truly life savers after losing my Mom. I don’t know what I would do without them. I love them so much. 

If you'd read THIS far, hit that DONATE NOW button so other people like me can find their Don & Corky;)

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