Laurie Brubaker

Even for someone who likes to write, I found it daunting to answer the Caring Bridge prompt to “tell my story”.  I wasn’t even sure where to start.  So I guess what I’ll say is that I am incredibly blessed … and in so many ways.  I had a wonderful life growing up in NJ surrounded by loving parents, 4 brothers and sister.  And while my brothers (well some of them) were known to “torture” their little sister, we grew up in family of tight loving bonds and I have wonderful memories.  I also grew up with friends that 50 years later are still my sisters…as in “the seven sisters”.  It was special growing up with them and in many ways, even more special now as I know it is truly priceless to have life-long friends.  Onto Moravian College where I found I was a pretty good student (despite being only average as compared to the brilliant seven sisters) yet even more important was I developed another set of amazing friends – just thinking of my roomies makes me smile and I feel their love.  Then comes Lloyd – who would expect to meet the love of my life crashing a party and having our  first date at a Monkee’s reunion concert – you can’t make that up.   Lloyd is not just my husband…he is my soul-mate, my best friend and when I lay my head on his chest, I am home…regardless of where I am.  Talk about blessings.  And Lloyd gave me the best gift of my life – our children.  These two beautiful (inside and out) kids, Chris and Jess, who are now amazing young adults.  They bring out the best in me and they are my center.  I am so proud of them and they inspire me each and every day. 

I can’t forget to mention a career that has inspired me, stretched me and moved us 8 times.  We have created friendships in states we lived like Texas, CT, AZ and PA – really all around the country.  And over this three decade plus career, I have cherished the friendship of so many people who I now call family.  I have been proud of the work we’ve done together across so many teams (because it’s the team that counts most) and so touched by the people who I consider dear friends and not just colleagues.  I am lifted and supported by all of them every day.  I am so grateful.

So to all of my families and their families; to all of my friends from those I grew up with, to roomies, to Lloyd’s friends, to neighbors, to work friends, to those special people (you know who you are) that are my soul-sisters ….I extend my thanks to each of you with so much gratitude for your love, support and the special bonds we share.  I hold you in my heart today and always. 

As someone just sent me “cancer” is just as word…it’s not a sentence.  I’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the loving support I have received from so many – key words/phrases that have brought a smile to my face are ….strong, a fighter, Jersey strong, scrappy and tough cookie.  You have my word that I am inspired by your love and support…and you can count on me to be in “warrior mode” as I kick this cancer to curb.  Surgery on May 29th and next step – recovery….you can count on it J.

So as someone who loves quotes – I’ll end with this one from Eleanor Roosevelt…“Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down."

Love to all,
-laurie