A quote from Ray Coleman's book on the Carpenters, The Untold Story, this quote from Karen stuns us with its bluntness and stark portrayal of living with the deadly disease Anorexia. It wouldn't be too long after speaking to Mr. Coleman that Karen would pass away from this very disease.
At one point she said, "I may not be in control of anything else, but I am in control of my body."
A beautiful life melting away.
How the world mourned her passing! Oh, the what should of and what could have been! The songs unsung. The life cut short. The joyous adventures unexplored. Surprisingly, I discovered a Bible verse that unintentionally applies to her struggle:
"They acted like fools in their rebellious ways, and suffered because of their sins. They lost their appetite for all food, and they drew near the gates of death." (Psalm 107:17-18)
Karen was just like the rest of us- created in God's image but sinful and in need of a Savior. (Information about her last hours are here.)
I've seen too many friends struggle with all sorts of issues. Me, too. Yours may not be anorexia. Some admit they need help, and get it. Others never do.
Don't let your life be cut short by not getting help.
Please- if you or someone you know is struggling, get help. Be courageous and lovingly come alongside them and speak truth. You'll never regret that you did.
Thank you, Karen, for your contribution to our world. Please know that you're remembered for much more than your illness.
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2025 Note: This is part of a continuing series on the music and lives of Karen and Richard Carpenter. There are so many stand alone posts highlighting different aspects of their career, recordings, rare photographs, and life that I've lost count.
Below is the list of my "Revisited /Fresh Look" reviews, the more extensive articles than my initial ones a decade earlier. Each have different photos and clippings and focus on various aspects of the individual disc's creation, promotion, and public reaction.
My Revisited / Fresh Look at the albums:
My Initial Reviews of the albums:
