For all who love Lori,

It's been a little more than a week since Lori began hospice. Not a long time, but it feels like an eternity. A lot of life has happened in these ten short days during which Lori has been surrounded by the tenderest of care, reminded of the happiest of moments, and showered with legions of love. Those who visited and cared for her gave the best of themselves and she knew how deeply she was loved. 

Lori passed away peacefully in her home at 9:17 pm last evening, surrounded by family and her devoted friend, Brenda. She has gone now to take her forever place among the sun, the moon, and the stars where she'll joyfully join those she has loved who have gone before her.  

When Lori's journey began, the maple tree in her yard was ablaze with autumn splendor. Its limbs are empty now, devoid of its leaves, a naked testament to the changing seasons of life. It's as though with each breath Lori took, a beautiful bit of color was set free to drift and dance in perfect grace toward that peace-filled place we can only imagine. 

Losing Lori brings profound sorrow, but in faith, we know that she'll continue to shine in bounteous glory in our memories, our hearts, our stories, her beautiful girls, and her precious grandchildren. 

Lori's battle with COPD was a constant and valiant struggle for breath. She fought the good fight, for a very long time, with her usual wit and strength, and without complaint. She was a warrior and she is already missed.

Author and artist Kahlil Gibran offers us comfort in these words from his book, The Prophet, where he says:

               " For what is it to die, but to stand naked in the wind, and to melt into the sun?

                And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, 
                                that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

                          Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

                   And when you have reached the mountaintop, then you shall begin to climb.

                       And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."

                           
                                                 Godspeed and dance, dearest Lori.

                                                           You are forever loved.

                                                       Draw your deepest breath 

                                                                  and DANCE!