LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.

'A Special Sister': Brother Writes Beautiful Tribute To His Special-Needs Sister

September 21, 2021

Erik Sydow wrote a beautiful obituary for his sister, Karen, and it's captured the hearts of many.

Karen Ann Sydow

Karen Ann Sydow died earlier this month at the age of 61. She was born with Cerebral Palsy.

Her brother, Erik, wrote her obituary titled "The Special Sister". This is what he wrote:

A Special Sister

In memory of my sister who never had wants or misgivings. She was born with Cerebral Palsy and could never speak more than three words.

1) Mom
2) Donalds (she loved McDonalds)
3) Piano (she love music)

The past 2 years with Covid made seeing her beyond difficult, only recently were we getting back to normal.

Our father passed in 2007 and our mother this year, May 2021.

On my last outing with Karen, we took a sunny bike ride; she laughed and clapped her hands. When we stopped by the lake for picnic lunch, Karen said "Mom, mom".

I held her and told her "mom is not here anymore". Karen totally out of the norm put her head on my shoulder and tears ran down her cheek. Yes she understood.

Two weeks later she passed away; I think she really wanted to be with mom.

Karen, I wish I could have made you laugh one more time. I needed you too.

Love, your brother Erik

Thank you to all that helped in Karen's care for so many years at Valley Village and Tierra del Sol.