Laurie's Gift...

I don't know if i will have time to write these next few days so I am doing it now. My birthday is in a few days and I was feeling very thankful for my friend Laurie. I met Laurie in April 1990, she lived across the street from us. She took me in right away. She was always there when I needed her. Nate, Chrys and James considered her their second Mom. She loved my family as her own. She stood up for all my children when I wasn't there. She was our rock. I remember when she first got cancer. She didn't want to tell me because it would ruin my weekend. So she waited till Monday. She was always worried about how everyone else was. We would talk about how hard it was for her. We celebrated when she went into remission. That only lasted a short time. She again didn't want to ruin my Christmas and wasn't going to tell me till after that her cancer had come back. I called her and we cried on Christmas eve together. Then we made a plan. We took care of each other. My last birthday was perfect. Our ward had helped with a sub for santa for them. It was the hilight of Christmas. Then on my birthday we went to see "A Christmas Carol" and after to sizzler after to eat. We laughed, hugged and just enjoyed each others families. They left and we went to Temple Square ( my birthday present). I was so happy and sad, it was the perfect birthday. I lost my Laurie on July 26th. We went to see her in the hospital the day before just to send our love. Saying goodbye was an eternal blessing. We held hands, looked and each other through our tears and she said " I love ya Boo". I told her I loved her back. We just held each other then smiled the most loving smile. Her eyes were so blue and full of love for everyone in the room. She was able to donate them so they would have the gift of sight. I am forever grateful for all my Laurie moments. They are in my heart. So this Christmas I look back in love and miss my dear friend. I am putting the beautiful clouds that were in the sky the morning after she left us and the sunset after we said goodbye at her funerel. I know she left them for all of us to say everything is ok. Thank you Laurie for showing me what true friendship and love are supposed to be. I will hold you in my heart till we see each other again.