I am 45 years old, a widow, a mother and a grandmother. In the other pages here you will find pictures, memories, hopes and dreams
I want to share with you the happy and sad times of my life.
On June 15, 1974, I married Gary Harbert. While married to Gary I was able to live in Cape Canaveral, Florida. For a Texas born and raised girl, that was an experience. I also traveled to West Virginia and met the wonderful Harbert family.
On February 11, 1976, I gave birth to my son, Richard Lee Harbert. His start was rough and even though he weighed 8 lbs 6 3/4 ozs at birth, I took him home on March 10, 1976.
On December 3, 1977, I gave birth to my daughter, Melissa Kay Harbert. She was not due until December 20th, but was impatient, very much like her mother.
On February 15, 1978, the divorce that Gary wanted was granted. I say that Gary wanted, since at that point it was not what I wanted. But life goes on and so did I. Gary and I are friends now, even though he is in South Carolina and I don't talk to him much.
On April 7, 1979, I married David Wayne Everett and then David and I divorced in August, 1981 after a short but very abusive marriage. I learned alot during this time..most importantly..that I am a person and I am important...no matter what anyone tries to make me believe.
In September, 1982, I married Stephen Micheal Leist, Sr. and became the step-mother to: Roxanne, Stephen, Jr and Sherry Leist. Steve and I had a different type of marriage...I can't say it was bad, it was just not good for either of us. I started to leave Steve in March, 1986, but his children were living with us as their mother and step-father were abusive and Steve said without me..he would send them back to their mother. Then, in November, 1986, I think Steve saw that the marriage was not helping either us nor the kids and he told me that if I left he would let the kids live wherever they wanted. I left on December 12, 1986 and filed for divorce in January, 1987 and our divorce was final on March 23, 1987.
All I can say about my 2nd and 3rd marriages is that I would never, never wish it on anyone else. I have learned alot. I guess one of the most important things I learned and therefore, will not forget this, is that spousal abuse and child abuse, is something that no one can understand or understand why one would stay in the situation until they have been there.
On May 27, 1987, I married James Walter Hodge, the love of my life. I have a special page here, dedicated to James or as I may refer to him "Pete". James was a twin and they were nicknamed "Pete and Repete" at birth. I have lost my Pete and he is in a better place now. Please see the page on Pete to understand the special man he was.
Since November 28, 1998, my life has been in a turmoil. My wonderful grandmother, Ella Creel passed away on that day at the age of 97. She was and is the "Wind Beneath My Wings". My mother-in-law passed away on January 8, 1999 and then my wonderful Pete passed away on August 13, 1999. On June 2, 2000, Richard and Dawn gave me another grandson and in memory of Pete, named him James. Anita and Roger then gave me twin grandsons, Orion and Aries on September 28, 2000, but I guess Pete needed a grandbaby to hold and Orion joined him on November 29, 2000. Scott & Patty then gave me my third granddaughter on November 30, 2000...Amber Noelle. Then on December 7, 2000, Walter James Hodge, our Re-Pete, joined Pete.
Ah, but the good things in life. Love, life, children, grandchildren. I have dedicated a page to the following: My Pete, My Parents, Richard, Melissa and each of my 4 stepchildren and their families, My Childhood Church, Lackland Terrace Church of Christ, My Paltalk Friends, My Grandparents, My Siblings, My Cousins, My Family Tree and my roommate, Sonja.
Each day I struggle to decide who I am and what I want. I am in no rush, but I wish I could hurry up.
Karen - Christmas 1999
Karen - July 25, 2000
Karen again - July 25, 2000