Randy's Birthday at Court

This is how I looked

yesterday.

Yesterday was extremely hard for me. I wanted Randy to have a good birthday, but I was especially emotional and stressed all day. The Defense Attorney wants to have the last psychiatric examination excluded because the Dr. that did the exam had seen Andrew once for an hour in 2003 in his second year of residency at UAMS. He did an intake eval and did not remember Andrew at all. However, the attorney made a big deal of it and it will be awful if his report does not get included. It was very thorough and he spoke on the stand as a knowledgeable professional who would be a great asset to Trav's justice. We did offer a plea bargain of 40 years if Andrew will plead guilty. That way we can get this behind us and not have to deal with a jury trial and the possibility of someone taking pity on his retarded appearance. I'm so ready for all of this legal malarky to be over. I want our lives to get to some sense of normalcy. I don't know when or if that will ever happen, but I know that these continuing visits to court are driving me batty! I feel like I make progress and then I go to a hearing and slide back to GO! Luckily, Becky, Sharon, Rachel and Kenny were there to support us. Beth met us for lunch at HB's and they served us birthday cake and sang to Randy. That was a hoot! He really doesn't like that kind of attention in public. Neither do I.

Trav, Dad and I are doing the best we can to obtain justice for you, sweetie. We ask questions of the Prosecutor and make suggestions as often as we're allowed. Please be patient with us. We're doing all that we can do. We love you with all of our hearts. Mama

On the Road Again

We spent the night in Louisville, KY, and just left for Columbus, OH. It's been a comfortable trip. We haven't been crowded with two to a seat in the van. We sure will be glad to get settled in Columbus. The conference will be a new venture and packed with distributors. I'm anxious to hear the leaders in our organization and gain more information about the product and sales. It's going to be a very busy weekend, I'm sure. There are meetings scheduled at the conference through Sunday. We probably won't return home until Monday. Love to everyone. I hope you're all doing well. I'm mssing all of you. Take care and keep in touch. I've got the laptop with me, obviously. Randy says hi.

Karen

I'm Free

Since I've been out of school I've tried to update all of my Dr. appointments. Good news from the mammogram..no signs of cancer. They don't need to see me for another year. That makes 7 years now from my diagnosis. I have something scheduled almost every day this week in order to get caught up during the summer. This weekend Randy and I have decided to attend the national TEAM/MONA-VIE conference in Columbus, Ohio. We'll be riding with others from central Arkansas and look forward to getting to know several new people in our organization. I imagine we'll be back by Monday. This will be a tremendous step for both of us to be with a group of people for the entire weekend that we hardly know. I'm a little nervous. Hopefully, we'll gain a lot of information and enthusiasm about our product that we can come back and share with our teammates. Keep a good thought for our journey. Love to everyone.

Karen

Changes in Maumelle

I wanted to share the latest pictures of our new home. It seems like the changes have been going quickly lately. The agent there pointed out that things will slow down a lot once they begin the interior work. It's fun to be able to tell where all of the spaces are now. It seems larger than it did when it was just the concrete foundation.

I only have one more meeting tomorrow. I'll be off at 3:30 and I won't return to school until August 5th & 6th for registration days. I'm so ready for a break. Randy's team did well in the tournament over the weekend. They placed second and Randy did well even with playing 5 games in one day and 2 the next. I don't know how he does it. I'd never be able to stand the heat like he does. The real estate agent is coming tomorrow to bring the contract to put our house on the market. I hope things go smoothly and we have a generous offer very soon. Love to everyone.

Karen

May 31, 2008 A Memorable Day

We remember laughter, loving, singing, caring, FUN, genuineness, respect, hugs, sports, FULL OF LIFE, a man of true character.

Friends Forever
Beautiful Hearts & Souls Everywhere!












Josiah
reaching for OG!

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL SMILES!

There were about 40 people on Saturday to have a brief memorial time with our friend, Bob Torres, and HB's provided a wonderful meal. It is a true GIFT when friends come together to support each other during difficult times. Randy and I appreciate all of you for taking the time to be with us on a difficult day. We read all of the wonderful messages you left in the Memory Box. There was a common theme that we discovered in them. When we think of Travis we remember his contagious laughter and "lively" singing. However, more importantly, we remember a warm-hearted, true friend, respectful and loving person who always showed each of us how important we were in his life. Those are things that will remain in our hearts forever. Thanks to everyone. I hope you enjoy the pictures from Saturday.

Karen

Looking Forward to Saturday

We are not really sure how many people are coming on Saturday, but we're looking forward to seeing all of you. We'll be at the Mountain Terrace Estates Clubhouse at 2:00 and will plan to eat supper together at 5:30. I'm not sure if I've given you directions in the past, but it's very easy to find. From 430 follow Maumelle Blvd. to Odom South on the left (It's the left turn after the Region's Bank traffic signal). Turn left and follow Odom for about 1 mile. Turn left into the Mountain Terrace Estates. The clubhouse is straight ahead behind the circle drive. Enjoy the area as much as you'd like. We'll be at the clubhouse when you'd like to visit. Bob Torres, our counselor, has planned a brief memorial time before our meal. I hope you're all there to be part of this. Have a good week and we'll see you on Saturday. If you want to bring a snack to share during the day, or a dessert for the meal, that would be great. Love to you all.

Karen

May is Going Fast

I returned to work this week. I was actually able to accomplish a lot of record-keeping and professional development during the week. I let the teachers know that I would not be doing any more classroom guidance and they seem to have accepted that o.k.. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on May 31st.

We have concrete! We were shocked to go out to Maumelle this week and see the foundation had been poured. I guess we better get our house sold before long. If not, Randy will have to stay here and I'll move into the new home. I know he'll go for that. We sure don't need two mortgage payments. Maybe when you come on the 31st, there will be more than concrete to show all of you. Think of how you want to remember Trav that day. We have a brief little memorial time planned before our meal at 5:30. Bob, our friend and counselor, will be leading it for us. If you have something you want to say you can do it at that time. I know that Travis will be there with us in spirit. It will be so good to see all of you. Lots of love.

Karen