Friday, January 25, 2013

Family

This picture was taken in 2007. It was the last picture we had taken with all of us before our step-mom Diana passed away. I will always cherish this picture because this is our whole family. It never felt the same when Diana passed. She was so special and I felt like she was taken too early. I also felt that Lori was taken too early, but I have come to realize sometimes those that touch so many lives in their short time on earth, may be needed in heaven. Lori & Diana are both such caring and giving angels and both lit up every room they entered, and touched countless hearts. I'm so glad Lori had Diana's loving arms to run into when she left this earth. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family. While we miss those that pass away, they never leave us and we have so much here to be grateful for.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Jaden's Tribute To His Mom

Jaden spoke at his mom's funeral in Utah and I was so impressed with him. He is such an amazing boy and it has everything to do with the love Lori has for him. Here is Jaden's beautiful talk.
Over the last couple of days I have recalled things I love about my mom. One of the many things I loved about her is that she was not afraid to talk to strangers. I remember the first time she came to visit us in Florida she walked up with an older couple she had met on the plane. The first thing she said to us was that she had invited the couple over to our house for dinner that night. Shawn and Kelly were relieved to hear the couple had turned down the invitation. I could go on and on about things I loved about my mom but the thing I loved the most is the sacrifices she went through so that I could and can live a better life. In John 15:13 it portrays the kind of love my mom had for me. The Savior said “Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” To fit this scripture perfectly with my mom in my life it would read, “greater love hath no woman than this that a woman lay down her life for her son.” An early example of this was when she allowed me to go live with Shawn and Kelly. She knew at that time in her life she wasn’t ready to raise me and provide everything she wanted me to have, so I could and can live my life to its fullest potential. I know from conversations with my mom that that was a challenging thing to do but she willingly did it,  hoping that it would give me a brighter future. Seven years ago, she would also sacrifice her life in Utah with the family, friends, and mountains that she loved so much to move to Texas where I had recently moved. She did this so that she could be there and be a second mother figure in my life. And when she felt like just being there by me wasn’t good enough, she again laid her life down and went back to school to earn her RN and provide more for me as much as the circumstances would allow. Going back my personalized version of John 15:13 “greater love hath no woman than this that a woman lay down her life for her son.” I know that by going through all these sacrifices she truly loves me just as Christ loves me. I know that she is up above watching over me. And is finally able to do what she has always wanted to do which is to be with me all the time and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Hugs from Lori

It has been nearly a month since Lori passed away. One of the many things I miss the most is her hugs. She gave the best hugs. I have found a new way to hug her. I have switched my laundry detergent and softener to Tide and Downy since Lori used those. Everything smells just like her. I washed a t-shirt of hers and put it on a pillow. I gave it to Ethan because he was super close to Lori. He called her his other mom. Ethan hugged the pillow and his face lit up and he said, "it's Lori. I love you Lori!", and he just squeezes it. I tried it out myself and hugged it wrapping my arms as far around my back as I could and closed my eyes. It felt almost like I was hugging her. This new found thing has been a life saver when I miss her. It's the little things that mean the most right now.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Mother & Son

 
The first time Lori came to visit us in Florida was so much fun. Never had I seen her sparkle as much as she did then. It had been 6 weeks since we left Texas. She and Jaden shared a bond like no other. This picture shows just how close they are and clearly Jaden has her same "sunshine" smile and glow. I took a lot of pictures of them on this day and they are priceless memories of the love shared between a mother & her son. Jaden is very lucky to have such a wonderful mom who left quite the legacy for him to be proud of. We are blessed to have Jaden in our lives. He is an amazing young man.
 
3 years ago Lori could carry him.

2 years later she was shocked to learn he could carry her.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Living with Memories

 
It is so hard to believe that 3 weeks ago tonight I was sitting with my sister making our plans for the next day. We both had a lot of Christmas shopping left. Bella, our dog, was trying to jump in her purse with hopes of sneaking to spend the night at Lori's apartment. She picked up my 3 youngest kids clothes for the next day, and we hugged goodbye. That was the last hug and I love you we would ever share in this life. I had no idea what would happen the next day.

We have had to learn some tough life lessons over the last few weeks. Never have I shed this many tears in all 39 years of my life put together as I have this past few weeks. The speculation about why my sister passed away and how has been so painful. We don't know the cause of death yet. An autopsy was done and we won't have the results for a few more weeks. My children and her son were there and there only 10 minutes that they weren't with her because they were eating breakfast and she was getting ready. It is extremely painful to hear rumors of how she died that are so far from the truth. We would like everyone to remember how she lived not how she left. Many leave this world at untimely times and we don't understand why. I am relying on my faith that I know this life is only a stepping stone to eternity, and Lori still is very much alive.

My sister is an amazing girl who lived a life so full of service. She is special....she touched countless lives. She had a special touch with all patients she so tenderly cared for, and especially difficult patients. She always reached out to anyone in need. She was always there for me. I have no doubt that she is very busy in Heaven helping whoever needs help, and I still feel her hand in my life in a major way.

This picture was taken the last time she visited us in Florida in November. I am so grateful for her role in my kids lives the past 12 years. She was definitely my kids other Mom and an amazing one at that. She is the "Sunshine girl" and will never be forgotten. We love you Lori. You are missed but never forgotten.



Friday, January 11, 2013

Lori's Legacy

It will take weeks to post all of the wonderful memories my sister left behind. She holds such a special place in the hearts of those who knew her. She was beautiful on the outside, but even more on the inside. Just feeling of her amazing legacy she left makes me want to be better. She had some pretty big shoes to fill. I love you so much Lori & miss you beyond anything words could say.

Praying for you Lori. I know i will see you one day. Love you and I am so saddened by you leaving.

Hey. Its me. Sonja. Got my days mixed up and missed the funeral and saying goodbye to you. I'm such a wreck over this and I can't believe that your gone sweetheart. I really was eager for the next time you came to visit so we could go eat food while the two of us did some catching up. Now that will have to wait a while but I'm up for it. Wish I had anything important to say but I'm awful at expressing myself. I do know that you are terribly missed by so many! Remember the time you and I biked up the hill from yr house to mine and me, after my legs got all busted up in that accident just lagged behind because they weren't so strong and you'd stopped several times and waited for me? Probably not but I always thought that was so sweet of you. You waited w/out question. Just know that I won't forget about you love. Now I owe you a visit and I promise to come see you soon. Surround those who love you most. See you later...

Dear Lori, even though I met you only a couple of times in Blinn ADN program, I always remembered your smile, confidence, and friendliness. Will miss a good soul in terra firma. Rest in Peace.
With Love, Babi.
 
I am grateful for the little time that we shared, you will always remain young and beautiful and energetic in my memories. Thank you for always being a beacon in a foggy night. RIP sweet Lori, you were the best nurse ever, as well as person.~~~ Jennifer Havel
 
Lori i miss you so much i have not been bck to the church in so long your loss is felt in so many peoples lives.Time to get bck to the fold wich i come from.Love u
 
Words can not express the way our hearts grow cold without
your friendly face and giving heart. So I say onto you thank you
for the time you have given me to be part of your life. The talks
we had about our sons were very special , As I learn the love you
had for your son, Yes my dear I know you love your son. Until we
meet again in heaven, I'm glad to have an angel watching over me.
Lori
Thank You For Time
Shelia

Lori my heart is broken I love you so I'm going to miss you so.

My dear friend it hurts to see u go but God have prepared a place for you in Heaven. Im going to miss you so much.
 
I love you Lori! I will always remember your sweet spirit.... I will miss you. RIP I will see you again soon in Heaven. Love you so much. Xoxoxoxo

Carmela Cruz My sweet sweet friend I miss you so much!

Good morning angel. Thinking of you and miss you so very much. Please continue to help comfort all friends and family. We all love you and miss you dearly. Brandon

 I am grateful for the legacy you left. I am grateful for your visits in my dreams. I am grateful for your amazing son who has your sunshine smile & light. You are so very loved & missed.  Kelly

Missing you my friend!! I love you!! Sad you had to leave us. Will always miss my friend, your laughter, love, kind heart, your smile, our chats, study buddy threw school, and the best nurse I know!!!!!

Thinking of you Lori......praying for peace for your friends and family. Love you......

Anyone can make you smile or cry but it takes someone special to make you smile when you already have tears in your eyes.

Lori, I am so in the dark right now. I have not heard anything. I am sick. I love you girl. I am so sorry I was not there. I have so many awesome memories with you! I love you so much. May you R.I.P. until we meet again. XOXO

Today my sister will rest in her beautiful mountains. The snow makes everything so peaceful and serene. It is beautiful like her and her amazing spirit. I love and miss you.

Rest in peace my angel. You will greatly missed but always loved. Xoxo

Been thinking about you Lori. So glad you are in your mountains. :)
Love,
Your favorite redheaded nurse


Tears of sorrow and loss...With the passing of my dear friend Lori, I'm thinking of the fun times we had together and our hikes up Provo Canyon, I know this should make me feel better but all that comes is tears. I know she is happy and free but oh how I will miss her. She helped save my life when i was broken and lost. She was an example of the woman I knew I could become. I will never forget her and hope someday to see her sweet smile. May You rest in Peace my Sweet Friend...

Thinking of Lori and her family today. Wanted to share some verses............."This is the reason we do not give up. Our human body is wearing out. But our spirits are getting stronger everyday." 2Corinthians 4:16. "Our body is like a house we live in here on earth. When it is destroyed, we know that God has another body for us in Heaven. The new one will not be made by human hands as a house is made. This body will last forever." 2Corinthians 5:1. Love you.  Shelly

Good morning my angel. Words can not describe what I really want to say but I'll try. It has been tough knowing you are physically not here, but I know your spirit still is all around us. Know that I loved you with all my heart and always will. Today you will be returned to your beloved mountains as your final resting place and with you is my heart. Love your husband B.

Traci Hayward Bayley Brandon- never have met u, but thanks for loving my friend and making her happy! Ur posts r so sweet to her! May u find peace, friend!:)

Josh Routt I love you Wolly!!!!!! You were my other little sister in my other family. I can not remember a time where you didn't greet meet with a smile and a hug and a genuine "how are you Josh". Love you lil sis!!!!!!
 
had beautiful Loris memorial today. I sobbed, I cried, I laughed, I threw up, I gave support, I received support, and now all I can do is pray for our broken hearts to be mended. for the strength to smile for her memory. my soul aches with her loss, but what a beautiful angel she must make.
 
Such an amazing woman! We lost a great friend,mom,aunt,sister,daughter but gained a beautiful guardian angel.
 
Kelly Stevens Christensen Doesn't it seem like the sun shines brighter and the snow sparkles more since she left? Love her and her heavenly powers.
 
So awesome to see the impact my sister had on others. Always happy and smiling. 
Photo: So awesome to see the impact my sister had on others. Always happy and smiling.
 
                 

                  Tuesday, January 8, 2013










                  Thank You

                  Words can't even begin to express the amount of gratitude we feel towards all who have shown so much love for my sister and our family. The prayers offered in our behalf have been felt and have lifted our spirits and given us so much comfort at this time of loss. The memorials in Texas & funeral in Utah were so beautiful. It was amazing for us to feel of the love that everyone had for Lori and to see the lives that were touched by her in her short time on earth. There is no doubt in our mind that she had touched more people in her 36 years than many touch in a lifetime. She loved and served with all her heart. I will always be proud to be her sister and am proud of the legacy she left. Thank you all so very much and always remember to LLLLL......Live Laugh Love Like Lori!!!!