Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Re: Karen Laub-Novak, R.I.P.   [Jack Fowler]

It’s brazen to give a public remembrance of someone you barely knew, but, as I saw Karen at what must have been her finest moment, I can’t help but share.

Ages ago Michael and Karen Novak agreed to come on NR’s recent Mediterranean cruise, despite the fact that she was in the midst of a prolonged and rough battle with cancer. Before too long Michael proposed bringing his entire family: All the gang was to be there.

And then, a few weeks before the cruise, a memo circulated among friends: Karen’s cancer had spread widely. “Incurable” short of a miracle. I e-mailed Karen’s daughter Jana Miller: Did this mean they weren’t coming? No, just the opposite — the trip was of great importance, as it would allow the family to spend time together. So on July 8, the guests that boarded the Noordam included Karen Novak. Pushed along in a wheelchair, with a broad smile that never vanished, welcoming all into her aura of happiness, Karen was enjoying every second of her life, and enjoying everyone who was about, whether family member or friend or new acquaintance.

She had one major cruiserly objective: visiting Ephesus. It is the site of the house of Mary, but of greater importance to Karen was its 6th-century Basilica of St. John, the evangelist who was a particular inspiration to her as an artist. We did not arrive there until the end of the day — a very long day, some of it spent crossing terrain that did not seem intended for anyone less than a mountain climber. But here we were, finally, and it was — beautiful. Simply beautiful, as if arranged by the Higher-Ups. And in the midst of it, having communed, sat a woman weathered by her disease but absolutely satisfied, surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, and in-laws, all of whom were immersed in her overwhelming happiness.

You had to be there. I was — and felt slightly like a voyeur. But the Novak joy was irresistible. So was the thought: “Good for you, lady! You did it!” Even the Turk huckster who crashed the scene trying to sell “ancient” coins must have realized he had stumbled into something special.

It was a blessing to be with Karen and Michael (one of the most decent souls I have ever met) in Karen’s final weeks. May she now rest in peace, free of physical torments, in the company of the evangelist who meant so much to her.

08/12 02:12 PMShare