Well my Laurie, to say I miss you is an understatement.

I'm so grateful for the memories of 67 years.

Thick as thieves 

Miss her every second- this totally sucks.

I miss my best friend!

Laurie was one of the most beautiful, kind, loving, giving, strong, bad ass women I knew. She was also one of the most knowledgeable women I knew. Boy did she truly experience life.

Laurie had a huge impact on the woman I am today.

Some of my early memories of Laurie was watching her love , patience and gentleness taking care of Mema, her mother. No matter how tough it got Laurie stayed positive and had the most beautiful gentle smile on her face and gave her mom so much love and comfort.

Laurie opened her doors and arms for me and made me feel like another daughter of hers right away once my friendship with Gabrielle began.

From California to Colorado I’m so blessed to have made so many beautiful memories with Laurie.

I don’t think I ever left her house with an empty stomach or a new hair product for my curls.

Every time I cut Meyer lemon I see Laurie bitting into it like it’s nothing. I remember being 15 years old and her telling me “your taste buds will change when you get older watch.”

Here I am almost 30 years old and she was right now I’m doing the same thing!

Gabrielle and Chad my heart is with you guys.

I know your mom loved you both more than absolutely anything. You both were truly her world. She knows how much you loved her too. ♥️

My heart is so happy that she was able to experience being a Grandma to your beautiful children Gabrielle.

My deepest condolences to you both. I love you guys so much. 

The question given to me was “what did you learn from Laurie”

Well of course I cried -

She was 13 months older than me, the question should be “what didn’t you learn from Laurie”

She taught me how to be a good friend.

She taught me unconditional love.

She taught me how to laugh so hard it hurt.

She taught me patience ( still struggling with that one )

She taught me good grammar ( is that good grammar)

She taught me how to help others in need.

She taught me about feelings ( having them hurt you and having them help you)

She taught me that if I was pissed off at her and wanted to throat punch her, all I had to do was tighten my lips and make a stupid face that would render her weak and unable to fight me. So we laughed instead.

She taught me that sharing a bedroom was all we needed to rule the world.

She taught me how to wash her hair, well I volunteered because her back was too weak.  So after an hour of working through her llama tapestry of wool, I realized now at age 66 why she took hour long showers .

She taught me how to love sushi

She taught me how to make the best street tacos 

She taught me music 🎼 ya know all the great music 🎶 from the 70’s.

She taught me how to play guitar ( I have no patience remember)

She taught me how to be the craziest silliest person ( she made me do things I never thought I would do to be silly and crazy with her)

She brought out my authentic self.

She was patient and kind with me.

Fuck I’m missing her everyday in all the ways.

She could always be found in any store in the hair care products isle.

She taught me how to use an iron ( before straightening irons were invented) yes we’re that old. We get the ironing board out, put a towel down and use dippity doo)

She taught me how to question everything. Especially men in the workplace. She always said “don’t be scared of them, they put their pants on just like us”

She taught me the art of negotiation for salary.

And soooooo much more.

I will always hold you in my heart Laurie forever. Without you it feels as though I’ve lost a limb. With time I’m learning how to nurture it back to life.

Oh mom, 

I’m so heartbroken. Words can’t even describe the loss and pain I feel. You were my everything. I knew I could call you anytime of the night or day and you would answer, always. I’m going to miss calling you to talk about absolutely everything and nothing all at the same time. My heart aches when think of the kids not having you around to be silly and play with “boop boops” all day. I loved watching you with the kids because it reminded me to slow down with them. Watching you read to them encouraged me to read to them more. Everything you have ever taught me whether I liked it or not will always be in the back of my head and I will do my best to always make you proud. I love you so much and you will forever be missed. RIP Mom. 🤍xoxo I love you so very much 

In the short time that I knew Laurie, she treated me like one of her kids, making it a home away from home for me by making meals and volun-telling me to assist her in the kitchen or by simply watching a movie and joking through it the entire time, often making a bad movie bearable.

You brought joy, love, and laughter to my life as you did to everyone you met. I will miss you til the end of my days until we meet again. I love you, mom. You truly were one of a kind and no one can take your place in my heart.

I loved my Mom with all my heart and will always. She was the sweetest, most kind, and caring person I've ever known. She taught me so much that I will always carry with me. My Mom spent her final years trying to get me the mental health care I needed and she made more progress than she knew. I want to continue the journey knowing she is still behind me 110,000%.

I love you so much, Mom. I hope you can finally rest well without any pain. 💙💜