14,000 days we have spent together, round numbers, but who really counts things like that until you get news that cannot be true. These past few days have been the hardest of days. I am numb. My heart aches. But we walk on together. I’ve never loved you more than I do now. In the car, tuned to Sirius 70’s channel, we sing ABBA’s “Waterloo”, easily and with familiarity, as if nothing has changed in our lives, although our emotions lay at our feet like shattered glass. We watch the Phillies playoff game and I remember one of the first feelings of jealousy when we were dating was seeing a picture of you in Veterans’ Stadium with Phillies right fielder Von Hayes and he had his arm around you. For years, I couldn’t root for the Phillies. Now, despite Von, I am cheering for the Phillies to win it all.
Last week, Karen was diagnosed with masses in her lungs and liver. We await biopsy reports and evaluations for treatment. We covet your prayers and treasure the love and support that have already helped us through so far.
This morning, listening to Christina Perry sing about a millennium, I saw a flock of geese flying over in a giant “V”. We carry on with the same majestic “V” formation, a signal of victory, for we know we have won whatever may come our way.
Christina Perry-A Thousand Years
Bespoke 
I’m “All In” with our thoughts and prayers, hang in there, old friend, God’s got you both. David Padgett
Hey friend: I just saw Steve Osborn Sunday at church services here in Bartlesville. It was good seeing him. Your name came up in our conversation. Someday we should all get together. Especially is you and Steve relocate to Dallas…bt
I called Steve this morning to check in if he knew and/or status update. DP
Brother Brent and Karen, Anila and I and our boys love you and we commit to pray and bring Karen before the throne of grace , so our Father in heaven can do more than we can imagine.
Çimi
Cimi and Anila: Thanks for the note of encouragement. I’ll pass this along to Karen. It was a pleasure getting to know you better recently in our home. Say hello to the boys and send them our best wishes and love. Grace and peace to you and your family as well as the church in Albania.
I’m a friend of Rudy’s, through the Prairie Star. I also follow your ‘Bespoke’ writings, so I feel like I know you, even though you don’t have the foggiest idea of who I am. I just want to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Karen’s diagnosis, and to let you know that I will be praying for both of you fervently. God can, and does work miracles every day, and you can rest assured that you’re both lovingly held within his hands.
Stay positive, trust and believe. That’s all you need. In Christian love, Connie
Hi Connie: Rudy has taught me a lot about writing and about life. We love the Kansas Taylor family! Thanks for your note of encouragement and we appreciate your prayers.
Praying fervently for all of you. Praying for the doctors treating my old friend Karen and for you all caring for her. Praying Karen fights with all her might to overcome this. Our God is an Awesome God!
Hi Arlene: Nice to hear from you. I’ll mention to Karen that you sent a note of encouragement. Hope you are doing well!
Sending Karen, Brett and family lots of prayers and love your way. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for your prayers and love!
Many prayers on your journey. God is with ya all the way. Praying for good answers!
Carolyn Dyer and Alex
Hi Carolyn: Thanks for the note of encouragement and support. Tell Alex I said hello. We appreciate your prayers.
Sending hugs to you both and will definitely be lifting Karen up in my prayers 🙏
Thank you, Donna. We can use all the prayers and goodwill we can muster.
Karen and Brent, know that you will be in my prayers daily. He will be walking the journey with you.
Thank you. We appreciate you and your love and prayers!
We love you both so much. I know you know. Prayers are being lifted constantly on my dear friends behalf. Her name is being spoken over and over to our Father. May his miracles and peace be all over you 💜
Beautifully written Brent. Karen and I have become friends through Yoga and honestly, it caught me off guard how quickly she has become a valued friend. I think it’s because we have a similar humor that just jives well. I always leave her classes happy and love every moment. She has a unique ability to guide a very non-athletic person, with both patience and humor. She keeps me on my toes and always keep me laughing. She’s one in a million and I am soo thankful to have gotten to know her. Sending prayers and love for you and your family! 💕
Prayers for Karen and your family Brent.
Praying Brent and Karen. We are stunned but hopeful. We love you.
My tears are flowing as I read your blog. Karen has been our daughter of the heart for 50 years. Roger saw the goodness in her in grade school and never wavered in his love and support of her as an athlete, student and Christian. My thoughts and heart are with you. Karen has always given her best in any endeavor…that quality will serve her well as she wages the toughest battle of her life. I love you both, my dear children, and pledge to do battle with you in prayer.
Thank you momma Carolyn! You’ve been through a lot yourself this year. Karen and I send our love and are grateful not only for the sweet note you left here, but mostly for the life you’ve lived coming alongside Karen and me and many others down through the years. You are a treasured friend and we love you deeply! Know that we think of you and Roger often and that Roger lives on in Karen through her fighting spirit and her love for Jesus and those she befriends. Love and hugs, Brent and Karen
Will be sending prayers for answers and healing to our Great Physician for Karen. Praying for you and your family. You are a strong family and will get through this with all these prayer warriors in your circle.
Thank you Dorene. Karen sends greetings and love to you and your family.
Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers multiple times each day since she let me know. You expressed your heart so beautifully, as always. My heart is touched.
Please know that you both are in my thoughts and prayers multiple times each day since she let me know. You expressed your heart so beautifully, as always. My heart is touched.
Thanks Helen. We appreciate your friendship and love.
As usual, very well said Brent. The Ward’s love the Taylor’s and we are praying for you guys!!
Thanks Mike. We love the Ward family as well!
Hi Brent. You may remember me – I was Karen & Michelle’s suite mate at HU her Jr year although I met her at NCJC when visiting my sister, Lydia Rollins.
I read your post and I have been praying for Karen and anxiously looking for an update. I want to be sensitive to your privacy but I also want to share a potential treatment option if her biopsy results weren’t what we had hoped.
I live in SoCal, near Dawnie but I lost touch with her a few years back.
I will leave my email if you would like to reach out, I will be happy to share details.
I continue to pray for you both during this difficult time.
God bless,
Sarah Owen
Sarahowen918@msn.com
Hey Brent, Scotty and I are just learning of Karen’s diagnosis. Please give her our love and know we’ll be praying for the two of you (and the kids). Let us know if we can do anything.. I’m grateful for the legacy of faith in the Taylor family. It will sustain you.
Thanks Jill! Hope you and Scotty are doing well.
We are so saddened to hear of Karen’s diagnosis.
Karen has been a beautiful friend and role model to so many.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do! We will keep you both in our prayers!
Love you guys and your family!
Cheryl and Bill Bridendolph
Thanks Cheryl and Bill!