Karna Haugen

When I’m Glad I’ve Read a Book I May Not Have Liked

I am glad I read two novels written by Diane Setterfield, although I’m not sure I can say I genuinely liked or enjoyed them. She is a very good writer, and excels at interspersing thought-provoking and intriguing ideas within the stories she weaves. In the two books, Once Upon a River & The Thirteenth Tale,Continue reading “When I’m Glad I’ve Read a Book I May Not Have Liked”

How Could One Man Be So Lucky?

Much of the following is what we asked our friend and former pastor, Roger Camerer, to read for us at our dad’s funeral service in November 2000. Co-authored with my sisters, it has stood up pretty well over time as the way I remember my dad. One afternoon while my mom and dad (Granny &Continue reading “How Could One Man Be So Lucky?”

With Resilient Eyes

My car stalled. I had just dropped off a library book and purchased a copy of Elizabeth Edwards’ Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life’s Adversities for fifty cents, and then stopped to fill my tank with gas. Starting the car wasn’t a problem, but it stalled and I was going nowhere.Continue reading “With Resilient Eyes”

When Glass Shatters

I recently had to have the front passenger-side window of my car replaced. I had come back to my car one evening after choir rehearsal to find it shattered. Mine was among five cars in the church parking lot that were broken into, and it took me a few seconds to realize what I wasContinue reading “When Glass Shatters”

Closing the Jeff File

Part 7 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. This is my seventh, and final, post in this series focusing on Jeff (Technically, there are eight, but one of them crept in unexpectedly… like flowers being delivered toContinue reading “Closing the Jeff File”

Steal the Rhythm While You Can

One of Jeff’s best friends reached out to Kris, wondering if I’d like to include any thoughts from friends of his back in the day. Would I like to offer another view of Jeff’s World? Obviously. First, meet Zach Jones, center of the group, in the “featured image” for this post. A lot has beenContinue reading “Steal the Rhythm While You Can”

Elegy and Ode to Jeff, the Boy We Love

Part 6 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. In the opening sequence of Forrest Gump, a feather floats and swoops, and lands at Forrest’s feet. He bends down, plucks it up and puts it in his suitcase.Continue reading “Elegy and Ode to Jeff, the Boy We Love”

Love Letter from the Family

I’ve shared my thoughts, feelings and memories about Jeff this week. Now, it’s the rest of the family’s turn. Part 5 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. Grandpa & Grandma K Some time after Jeff’s death, IContinue reading “Love Letter from the Family”

The Boy I Thought I Knew

Part 4 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. My nephew Jeff liked a good roller coaster. The anticipation of the climb uphill, the dizzying heights, the breakneck speed, the swooping freefalls down. He knew what to expectContinue reading “The Boy I Thought I Knew”

Asking the Tough Questions

Part 3 of The Boy We Loved, Once Upon a Time – Posts about my nephew, Jeff, who died of cancer 25 years ago this week. During the year that Jeff had cancer, I found myself wrestling with God about His will, His silence, His purpose in allowing such hardship and suffering to strike anContinue reading “Asking the Tough Questions”