Too Soon

In the midst of all the political fighting, loosing a neighbor can remind us of the fragile and precious gift we have as a community. Such is the case this weekend when our friend and neighbor Karen Hoover died on Sunday. She was much too young to leave us, but gave greatly to this town during her time in Ruston.

Karen served for many years as a planning commission member, helping to shape the Master Development Plan for the former Asarco site. Dan Wombacher, who served with Karen for over a decade, had this to say: "She was a pleasure to serve with and always kept an open mind... She served the Town well."

Karen often attended council meetings and community events and gave selflessly of her time to this town. Her brother, Steve Taylor, has worked for the town for many years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family ~ as well as a heartfelt thank you for sharing Karen with us with us over the years. We will miss her greatly. May her legacy live on in a vibrant and healthy Ruston for many years to come, thanks in great part to her efforts.

UPDATE, Feb. 27th: I was struck by a comment from Hans (Karen’s husband) today about one of her character traits; that of kindness. Kindness is more than a word or a gift ~ it is in our actions. It’s treating each other with kindness. Sometimes it’s as simple as not responding to an unkind act directed at us. That’s the kindness Karen demonstrated, he said.

It is a concept I know I need to take to heart in the midst of our current political climate. I am grateful for another example of how Karen impacted this community, and how we can carry her memory forward in a positive way.