Storico has gone home to be with the Lord

[dizzle]

I have just received word that Storico passed away last night. I am going to be giving her parents a call a little later to see what we as a forum can do.

I do know that they would appreciate this thread to be use as words of tribute stating what she has meant to us.

I am sorry, I just can't write any more right now.

[spiritmech]

Lord, have mercy.

[Philosophickle]

:frown:
I guess someone needs to take care of the igloos in heaven. I am really, really going to miss her. Peaches Storico...

[Bill the Cat]

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now



Lyrics to Mercy Me's Homesick...

:sad:

[Meta Knight]

:bawl:

[lao tzu]

Home is the sailor, home from sea:
Her far-borne canvas furled
The ship pours shining on the quay
The plunder of the world.

A.E. Housman

For what she leaves behind, our endless gratitude.
For what she has taken with her, our boundless regrets.

As ever, Jesse

[SteveF]

She was much loved.

She will be much missed.

[Ice Angel]

The Awesome Miss Lwill forever be carried in our hearts.

The way she used her life experiences for the positive is spell binding.

She is the only person I know that openly took a horrible event in her life and turned it into something that people admired her for.

Miss L helped me through many difficult times and I'm grateful for the help and support she gave.

If there is anything I can do please let me know. For my help and support are yours.

:hug:'s, love, and thoughts are going to you and your family and friends.

Jenn

[Michelle]

:sad: I am undone. It was an honor to have known Laura.

[Warcraft3]

:sad:

[Red Wine]

Oh no. That's terribly sad news. I remember that Storico rededicated her life to the Lord a long while ago now. So that is the comfort. My thoughts and feelings go to her family. Storico is deeply missed...

:( :(

[Amazing Rando]

Go, silent friend, your life has found its ending;
To dust returns your weary mortal frame.
God, who before birth called you into being,
Now calls you hence, his accent still the same.

Go, silent friend, your life in Christ is buried;
For you he loved and died and rose again.
Close by his side your promised place is waiting
Where, fully known, you shall with God remain.

Go, silent friend, forgive us if we grieved you;
Safe now in heaven, kindly say our name.
Your life has touched us, that is why we mourn you;
Our lives without you cannot be the same.

Go, silent friend, we do not grudge your glory;
Sing, sing for joy deep praises to your Lord.
You, who believed that Christ would come back for you,
Now celebrate that Jesus keeps his word.

To the tune of "Danny Boy." Lyrics by John Bell.

[FreezBee]

:sad:

But rest in peace, Storico


- FreezBee

[Sparko]

I am going to miss Laura so much. she really had the heart of Christ. Everyone loved her, and she will be missed by her friends all over the world.

I wish I could be there to give a hug to her family and close friends, but I know Jesus is there with them, and Laura is with Jesus.

She came here to theologyweb, full of doubt about her faith and questions, but her loving and generous nature reached out to us even then. She instantly got along with ApologiaNick and many others who befriended her and answered her questions. And all of us were overjoyed when she decided to come back to Jesus. A lost sheep had returned.

Since then she has continued to inspire me and others to be more like her, more like Jesus.

Laura was loved, and will be missed greatly. The world is a bit grayer today, but heaven is brighter.

[Pilgrim]

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,
“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG;
WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.”
37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

`Romans 8:31

[T-Shirt Ninja]

What an amazing sister I had in Christ. I wish I had gotten to know her better here.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!
-Annie Johnston Flint

May God's grace abound to all who mourn today and in the coming days for such a wonderful life He has put upon this earth.

[LGM]

Darling Storico

This small world loves you, and it won’t let go,
A young angel’s voice, that we’ve come to know,
A warm igloo waits, amidst frozen snow,
Your words touched our hearts, darling Storico.

In just 14 months, we have watched you grow,
And face the hardships; a cruel world can throw,
In the face of pain, you remained, aglow,
You’re our shining star, darling Storico.

Our somber hopes and prayers cannot bestow,
A desp’rate wish, to be there with you so,
We'd hold you close, and whisper soft and low;
How much we love you, darling Storico.

Your cheery posts, we simply won’t forgo,
Your humble faith and love, they overflow,
These memories of you, we shan’t outgrow,
You live on in us, darling Storico.

[NeilUnreal]

just one red berry
has fallen --
frosty garden

- Shiki

[Crow]

2 Timothy 4

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

[LGM]

A Storico Sonnet

Warm smile beckons from beyond the grave,
Loving heart laid low by a virus mean;
She stirs my passion with a cheerful wave,
An epitaph wanders across my screen.
Her thoughts seem older then just one score years.
Can youth be concealed by an avatar?
Laura’s wisdom birthed out of hopes and fears,
Her journey cut short, but traveled afar.
But her insightful prose shall not yet fade,
Nor lose possession of the truth within,
Nor shall death brag she wanders in his shade,
Her mem'ry lives in us, to death’s chagrin.
So long as mouse can click, and eyes can see,
So long lives this, this still gives life to thee.

[Littlejoe9763]

I am at a total loss for word! My coworkers probably think I'm crazy setting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. But I just don't care!

Goodbye for now Laura!

LJ

[Shadow Phoenix]

I don't even know how I'm making it so far today. This has been one of the saddest events I've seen in a long time.

I remember telling her in an IM that I did pray for her every night and her only response was that she wanted me most to pray that she would be a light for Christ to those around here. There she was dying and that's all she cared about.

The world just doesn't seem right today.

[Sparko]

For those who haven't read Storico's blog, I wanted to quote a bit from her next to last entry, it shows her heart:


From Storico's Blog...

"Trusting God with something after this life is, I've found, just fine. Easy, almost. The part I'm trying to work on very hard is the here and now -- what can I do to be an effective witness today, a practical Christian today, and a help to people around me today? I want to just be there for friends, listen to their issues, try and understand them. I've been blessed with wonderful friends and family and a great community online and offline. Now is my time to start really reaching out, and I pray God'll guide that in my life. It's something I have to work at understanding and doing as much as I have to let God help.

I pray for friends and family every day. For their various ministries, situations, lives, dilemmas, concerns.... but the biggest challenge, sometimes, is not being able to effectively do anything. Trout posted on it. I think I really understand him now. I feel so blessed, and I need ways to give back and help and show to others what's been shown to me. I need to be able to sit with a friend who needs an ear, or hug someone who's hurting, or run errands for someone who needs assistance. I'm just trying to work on that, one little baby step at a time here. My friends deserve the world -- they're beautiful, wonderful, funny people. And I'm thanking them."


http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=11966&entry=10949

[$cirisme]

All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.

—Romans 5, the Message (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205;&version=65;)

I love this verse. I have a lot of history with it. I remember last year about this time, I was talking to a 14 year old friend of mine on IM and he told me that he was afraid of death, and wasn't sure about what would happen next. Well I was praying as he's talking, furiously thumping through my Bible, and DDW and boom and I were meeting at the same time so I asked them for suggestions as well.

Well, I "just so happened" to come across Romans 5 in my Message Bible, and I immediately fell in love with it. I gave it to him as a comfort.

And ever since then, Romans 5 has been very meaningful to me. I hope that it will be meaningful to someone else too.

Our God is bigger than death, and conquered it long ago.

[Abigail]

See you later Storico ...your posts were always a pleasure to read.

Abigail

[mossrose]

You have NO sting, death! You have NO victory, grave!


Goodnight, little sis.

See you in the morning.

[LGM]

The part I'm trying to work on very hard is the here and now -- what can I do to be an effective witness today, a practical Christian today, and a help to people around me today?


The Effective Witness

Humble,
Caring,
Cheerful,
Wond'ring…
How I can help those around me today?

Hugging,
Listening,
Sharing,
Trusting,
Loving your neighbor whose world is dismay.

Thoughtful,
Faithful,
Prayerful,
Mindful,
Living a witness mere words don’t convey.

Thankful,
Modest,
Laughing,
Honest,
Your mustard seed has become a bouquet.

[Rayado]

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."


The last enemy to be destroyed is death.


1 Corinthians 15:41-44, 26

[Spinyn00bman]

There are many beautiful expressions of grief and remembrance here.

It will take me a few days to sort out what my feelings.

For now, thank you Storico for making this place better simply from the joy of being in your presence. I learned a lot from you. Some of it I know now...some of it I will know in the future.

[Frogwarrior]

I can barely believe this. I'm shaking over here.

[JB]

I can't count how much I've wept today. Of all the people I've lost, I've perhaps shed more tears already for her than for all the others combined. She was one of the most amazing individuals I've ever had the privilege, the honor, to know. If I can ever attain to her degree of kindness, selflessness, generosity, and warmth, I'll have advanced far more than halfway the distance from where I am now to perfection. I've always admired Storico immensely. She had strength of will, strength of character, and a truly loving heart, molded by God Himself.

I lament that I haven't the words to articulate just what I feel, just what I'm thinking. She's in the care of the God whom she served, and on the day of resurrection, I stand resolute in saying that I know I'll see her again, shining with the glory of our Father and healed of the accursed disease that brought her such pains. As it stands, she's with the only One who brings liberty from these things, and restoration from exile. May He draw near to those she's left behind yet on this earth in this age.


From Demon Hunter's "Carry Me Down":

Save sorrow for the souls in doubt
Bleed every care out

Will you carry me down the aisle that final day,
With your tears and cold hands shaking from the weight?
When you lower me down beneath that sky of grey,
Let the rain fall down and wash away your pain.


From Demon Hunter's "Undying":

One final heart-break
And blinding lights will guide our way
Free us our blind state
They will call us by our name
Undying

Tearing through these days I find the tolerance to strive and push on
I know what lies beyond this life for me is already won
No one can take away the blood that covers over my fall
Without the blood of perfect life I know I’m nothing at all
So now I reign forever hallowed in eternity’s hand
No man can shake me from the everlasting ground that I stand

[Brandalf85]

I have cried last night and will so again today and probably many times more.

I am going to write a blog in her honor soon but I must make it good for her.

I only wish I had the chance to say goodbye... :bawl:

I am glad I know I shall see her one day and when it comes we will have a huge Tweb Convention and we'll all share laughs and hugs and memories.

:glomp: for Storico.

[Spiritus Naturae]

I just signed on after a long hiatus a week or so ago and read that great editorial that Storico penned for her fellow TWebbers.
It seems especially pertinent now.

Even in death she knew she'd live forever. She really knew it.

May God comfort her family and friends

[Lili]

I wish I got a chance to say goodbye, too. I am glad I got to know Storico. She is one of the nicest, most honorable people I ever met.

[norwegen]

Storico;

Christ, who has called you, has taken you to Himself. And how thankful we must be that He has left the memories of you with us.

[Brandalf85]

I like this quote:

"A hero need not speak. For when he is gone, the world will speak for him."

Storico was very much a hero in many ways. Now, we will speak for and about her, as we did anyway.

[Vigilante]

I only wish I had known her more, always a pleasant and bright character.

Surely God will pass on our prayerful sentiments to her as we say our final goodbye's.
Surely the world will miss her, but Heaven needs igloo contractors too!

Hardly seems fitting to sign out with "peace", as she is now in the presence of a peace my words cannot express.

We will see you soon and rejoice together!

[Kelp]

:bawl:


25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26)

That verse really sticks out in mind when I think about her passing. Her sojourn among us was brief, but we were fortunate to know her. She was a truly lovely soul with a graciously given heart for God. I for one know that my life will be forever improved from having known her.

My thoughts also return to two other passages. To me they are some of the most beautiful in Scripture.



4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:52-55)

It isn't over. She'll be back. :smile: Until we meet again, Laura :hug::bawl:


To Storico's family, you are in my prayers. :hug:


--Nick

[NeilUnreal]

I like this quote:

"A hero need not speak. For when he is gone, the world will speak for him."

Storico was very much a hero in many ways. Now, we will speak for and about her, as we did anyway.

And yet I think, typical of heros, that Storico's response would be similar to that of WWII hero Sgt. Mike Ranney:

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?"

"No, but I served in a company of heros."

-Neil

[Raphael]

I pray that God would touch the hearts of her friends and family that they may feel Him ever closer at this time.


Storico....you will be missed, and we'll see you soon.

[One Bad Pig]

Lord, have mercy. :sad:

Storico is now part of that great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. As she cheers us on, let us finish the race that is set before us.

[eudyptes]

Not much that can be added to what's been said before.....and with so much having been said...it is a testament to such a wonderful and caring person.


you will be missed, Storico
:penCry:

[Ryokan]

Storico will be missed. :bawl:

[Jedidiah]

Later, Sis.

[Tickle Me Mercury]

I like this quote:

"A hero need not speak. For when he is gone, the world will speak for him."

Storico was very much a hero in many ways. Now, we will speak for and about her, as we did anyway.

Absolutely true.

Can there be a greater affirmation of the strength and beauty of her character than the fact that she managed to touch the lives of so many here?

[Mountain Man]

I didn't really know her, but I am still saddened by her loss. I always remember her showing a lot of courage, wisdom, and humility.

[I-am-batman]

My condolences to the family and friends. Im sorry.

[JB]

:frown: I was rooting around and managed to find the message I delivered at my dad's funeral last October. It's not especially well-written, but reading back over it, it seems like something that might've maybe made Storico smile, and it sure brought me some comfort:

Death. Each and every one of us knows its touch, knows its power, knows how the mere mention of the topic can bring a chilling and somber silence over a conversation. Physical death is a matter that touches deep into the heart of every individual. From the earliest times when death began to reign, we as a species have struggled with the concept. Even in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known literary works, the protagonist struggles with the thoughts of his mortality after seeing the death of his beloved friend Enkidu, and so Gilgamesh sets out on a quest for immortality. Death challenges our very notion of self, our power, and our ultimate meaning.

Is there anything beyond death, or is death utter oblivion? For some, either or both options can be quite frightening! And this isn't simply an abstract topic, but a deeply personal one. It's one thing entirely to pontificate philosophically on the matter, but entirely another to hold a loved one in your arms as they breathe their last and their eyes grow dim as life departs.

How can a Christian approach death?

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:7-9)

Paul admonishes believers to do whatever it is they do for our Lord, Jesus Christ. If someone is living, they should do it with the intent of using each moment to serve Christ in some way. This may take a variety of forms, but it is the object of our devotion that is central. If we live, we belong to Him. Likewise, even if we should depart this mortal body, we remain His, entrusted to His loving care! As Paul says, "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" (Rom. 14:8). Brethren, we need to admit it: we frequently feel like things have spun out of our control. I know I've had that feeling many a time. That can be especially common when impending death is near, whether ours or that of someone near to us. But something needs to be placed next to that in order to harmonize it into a fuller picture of reality: God is in control. Repeat it after me, because it's a vital point: God is in control. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that can alter that, and there is nothing that can dislodge us from God's grasp, save the choice of either party. Be strong in the faith, then, and endure to the end, because our Lord will never, ever forsake you, even when from our mortal vantage point, it seems perhaps like He has. That point was made quite clear by Jesus Himself when He said:

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them everlasting life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. (John 10:27-29)

Returning to the topic of death, Paul likewise said:

For I am persuaded that neither life nor death, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

So what does a believer have to fear? Let us take a moment to ponder, what were Paul's personal thoughts on the matter of death?

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:19-23)

Let us first focus on the famed twenty-first verse: "For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Php. 1:21). What does Paul mean by this? We can readily understand the first part, "to live is Christ," in that by Paul's life, Christ was made more widely known and hence glorified. I think that all of us, as Christians, should strive to that. But what of this latter, "to die is gain"? In what sense can death be regarded as a gain? In this: we are presently dwelling in a fallen world of hardship and sin.

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:19-22)

Returning, however, to the passage in Paul's epistle to the church at Philippi, Paul makes an interesting note: departing is gain in that, through departure (i.e., physical death), Paul will enter the presence of Christ. Indeed, given life here apart from Christ's presence and departure from this world in order to enter Christ's presence, Paul yearns for the latter! Is this not the same blessed option that awaits all believers? It is indeed. Therefore, what have we to fear in death? Liberation from sufferings, age, and infirmity? Being with Jesus? What obstacle does this pose for a believer? None!

Furthermore, the entire story has not been yet told here. For as we know full well, physical death is not the end!

So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)

All believers have this promise, that of resurrection. Not merely resurrection, in fact, but resurrection in glory and in power! We are all familiar with the promises of God as for what the new earth shall be like. No more sorrow, no more agony, no more disease, and especially no more death, for:

For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:53-57)

"Death is swallowed up in victory." In such a brief phrase, has ever there been such an expression of cause for joy? Death does not have the last word! Death is not the victor, for Christ has slain death through His resurrection from the dead! And therefore, life is the champion, and that everlasting life is to be found in Jesus Christ. Death has truly lost its sting, and that is what makes it possible to stare death in the face and not back down. In addition:

The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (1 Corinthians 15:26)

In just another few words, Paul relays to us the promise of God: death is an enemy, yes, but it will be destroyed! And so in the new earth, death shall no more plague us. Christians, my brothers and sisters, I have some good news for you: you'll be there to experience it, and through the absence of death, experience everlasting communion with our God!

To sum up, how are we as Christians supposed to approach the topic of death?

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

We have as our authority none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He has given us assurance that we should not fear those who can kill the body but not the soul. In other words, if our soul lives (that is, if we are in right relationship with God and need not fear the destruction spoken of in Christ's second sentence), the death of our body is nothing to be feared. Of what should we be afraid when God is on our side? Of death? Death, as has been established, is marked for demolition, and God has given us His promise that we will outlast it. We may succumb, for a time, and hence for a time be partitioned from our brethren. This can be a very difficult transition, but when we really think about the time we are apart in comparison to the eternity we shall spend together, this really does put things in perspective.

Is it acceptable to weep at death? Certainly yes, it's a perfectly natural human reaction. Christ Himself wept at the death of Lazarus (John 11:35). But why do we weep at departure? Is it for the departed? Nay, for when the departed is safe in Christ, they are freed from the bondage of sin and suffering, and liberation is no cause for mourning. Perhaps, then, our weeping is for the break in our relationship with the departed, for they are then there and we remain here. For now.

Yet if we trust truly in the Lord our God, and we accept His promises, we have no need to fear. Furthermore, we have another promise, one of peace:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

The "peace... surpass[ing] all understanding" (Php 4:7) is real. I can testify to that from my own experiences. And you can have the same. You, too, can have a peace that stands in defiance against all the agonies of this life. That peace is far, far greater than death.

So, then, sing praises to the Triune Godhead, the Maker of heaven and earth, who sets us free from sin and death and promises us new creation in Christ.


She's in her Father's hand. Praise God she's in her Father's hand. As much as I wish she were in her Father's hand here amongst us, she's safe now.

[Longstreet]

"And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
Blessings to you and yours, Laura. I am sad, happy, and envious of you.

[Pilgrim]

What greater joy can be found than in the life of a saint who has finally lived into the promises made at her baptism...

[JonLanceBarker]

:candle: goodbye, Storico. i hope to meet you face to face at last in the place where joy knows no bounds.

until then, please pray for all of us fools down here, Christian and otherwise.

i pray all of us may see you again, or for the first time.

Godspeed, sister in the faith.

:pray:

[Dr. Jack Bauer]

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until mthe coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be tcaught up together with them uin the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so vwe will always be with the Lord.

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

[Teluog]

I don't understand. This world needed her, the Church could have used her more, I could have used her more. She was a source of strength for me. So why did He take her now? Is He planning on handing the earth over to the birds? We all needed her.

Then again, she did her duty and was extremely good at it. Maybe that's all she was called to do. She was encouraging to me, she listened to me, she was so easy to get along with, and I needed just that during these past couple months that I chatted with her. She even went through her books so that she could give me some names and titles for when I begin to read on Greco-Roman history, which I'm hoping to study for the sake of learning and teaching about the Bible, so even there that little task she did for me could advance the Kingdom in the future, and she would get credit for that.

I remember a couple years ago I was so depressed that I just wanted to die, then I met Christ and woke up one day without any depression symptoms. And now I'm more suicidal than ever; I can't wait to be where Storico is, and I know I'll see her soon, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Yeah, God sure works in mysterious ways. But one thing I know for sure is that God had an enormous igloo prepared in heaven for her, with a shining and sparkling walkway made of ice leading to her front door.

[Xmansmommy]

Quite a few thoughts have been rushing through my mind ever since I heard the news this morning. Disbelief, sadness and even rejoicing. Mixed emotions to be sure.

I didn't really know Storico well but from what little interaction we had as well as from observing here here on TWeb, I know that she was a very kind, loving and gentle spirit. She was very wise beyond her years and she had the maturity to match. Seems to me that she was always quick to encourage someone who needed it.

TWeb and the world that Storico touched will sorely miss her for we are truly at a loss. May we also rejoice for her knowing that she will not have to face anymore of the harsh cruelties that this world has to offer.

For her family and loved ones, may you all be comforted during this time of mourning. But may she live on in all of our hearts and memories and may we think of her and smile, always.

Blessings,
Linda

[D. Medvedev Fan]

I have just received word that Storico passed away last night. I am going to be giving her parents a call a little later to see what we as a forum can do.

I do know that they would appreciate this thread to be use as words of tribute stating what she has meant to us.

I am sorry, I just can't write any more right now.
I never chatted with Storico much or feel I can say I knew her well. She was an amazing woman, full of kindness and wisdom. I will miss seeing her posts around. :sad: We'll see you in the great igloo in heaven when we get there.

[JenSen]

Thank you all so much for sharing... it's hard for me to put into words what I am feeling, myself, right now. She loved this place and she was close with many of you and I am so happy about that. I can see from your kind wonderful words how deeply she impacted you all and this community impacted her. :hug: I loved her as a sister in Christ and I will miss her badly until I see her again.

[gharfish]

".....I remember a couple years ago I was so depressed that I just wanted to die, then I met Christ and woke up one day without any depression symptoms. And now I'm more suicidal than ever; I can't wait to be where Storico is, and I know I'll see her soon, hopefully sooner rather than later.

I think I understand you here. Take heart, if you can. There really is victory in Jesus; you know that. I don't pray very often, which is a personal fault. I will pray for you however. Depression has ruined too too many of my years so far. I am very weary and want to be with the Lord Jesus, just as Storico is now. I am afraid to die, but I am convinced that to be in the Kingdom of Heaven would be nearly infinitely better than this--even those days, or parts of...that are marked by some happiness and/or peace.

[Teluog]

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

[JenSen]

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Let's please try and focus on the living part. Laura loved life. She knew that to die is only gain when we're done running the race and until God calls us, none of us are ready to make that choice on our own. :hug:

[gharfish]

Sorry, then. There is negative emotional fallout when these extreme happenings do touch people so deeply.

~edit to add: Only now do I clearly recall that you, JenSen, are her personal, first hand, friend. I sincerely apologize.....and you are [of course] right to say what you did.

[JenSen]

No, please don't be sorry, I didn't mean it in a harsh way. She just really did love life and she told me often how much she wished others could too. Believe me, I feel horrible, I still feel like someone hit me with cold water. I am just concerned when I see a friend of hers bring up suicide because I know she loved her friends here and would want to join them in heaven.... just not now. I hope you understand. She meant so much to me

[mossrose]

We are all torn between a little bit of envy for Laura's condition now of being in the presence of our Saviour.

But we also realize that the timing of our joining her there is His, and not ours.

When our work here is done, He will take us home. Until then, we mourn those who have left us and gone before us, and continue here as He would haev us do.

[Philosophickle]

Let's please try and focus on the living part. Laura loved life. She knew that to die is only gain when we're done running the race and until God calls us, none of us are ready to make that choice on our own. :hug:

I am going to miss Storico very much. But this board is glad to have gained her friend.

[Chaotic Void]

I didn't know her too well, but from what I've heard and read about her, I would have loved to have met her in person... :bawl:

We'll miss you, Storico!

[Meta Knight]

I only ever IM'ed her a couple of times, and then was only about my cat who had disappeared for a few days (see my sig), but she was such an encouragement those two times, and all the times I interacted with her on Tweb.

We've lost one of our best.

:candle:

[Lazarus]

My prayers are with Storico's family and friends at this time of sorrow. May God's consolation and peace be with them.

[semmie]

Lord, have mercy. :sad:

Storico is now part of that great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. As she cheers us on, let us finish the race that is set before us.

ever has she cheered us on. now she does so with a better view.

i love you, dear sis. thank you for cheering me on.

[lilpixieofterror]

What can I say about our beloved Storico? I can say this... she will be missed by me and I'm sure by everyone here. In the past year I've gotten to know her well. From the time I got back from the desert, I thought of her as a close friend and somebody that I loved chatting with. Her age (22) and loving personality makes it all the more tragic for us all, but let us not remember her in that way...

Instead, let's remember all the wonderful times she spent with us, such as paltalk with the rest of us, or when she was professing the truths that RTT is Cruiser and that Mossy is the ancient of afternoons. Let us remember her for her kindness and gentle nature. She will forever be missed by us all, but never forgotten.

Goodbye Storico :bawl: (but not forever :smile: )...

:pix:

[nickcopernicus]

I miss Laura.

Just knowing her made me feel like a better human being.

[Augustine2004]

I never knew Storico, but I offer my condolences.

[luv1another]

Laura was a great inspiration to many here, the love she showed for others in their trials whilst going through so many of her own was amazing.
she was always there with an encouraging word for those she came across that were hurting.
her kindness will not be forgotten, we will miss her loving personality and her thoughtfulness.
I am grateful for the time we had to know her even tho it was very short...she will be sadly missed by all.

[Elegy]

I don't think I can type anything very meaningful right now. I'm really trying hard not to completely lose it. :bawl: I'm going to miss her so, so much. But I know in the long run, it's really only a very short time until we all get a joyful reunion. And then, we have eternity ahead of us.

One song that's reminding me a lot of Storico right now is "Thank You" by Ray Boltz. I believe with all my heart that she will get that kind of reception in heaven. She touched so many lives in the past year-and-a-half!!

Goodbye for now, Laura. You're my hero, and I'll never forget you. You have been an inspiration and encouragement to me and to so many others. I will see you soon! :smile:

[Nang]

Checking in this evening after being away all day . . . and just now receiving this news about Storico.

I selfishly feel broken and bereft, for she was a rare ally of mine here in this place, and I will miss her. But for her sake, I feel peace and assurance she is much better off with the Lord, than struggling in this world with her illness.

The last thing she and I agreed upon, is that God is good.

God is good.

God was good to spare her more sickness, and God was good to take her to Himself.

Nang

[Johnny MacManky]

Like most of us logging on earlier today, I was sure this thread would be here. It's taken me nearly 12 hours of just wandering the forum to post.

I just want to thank Dee Dee for giving the thread such a beautiful title. I first went to the Prayer thread Michelle had started and followed Kaz's link to here. The thread title loaded just that wee bit quicker than the whole page, so the news was there in blue & white...

... and although I weep, as all of us do, and feel the most terrible loss, I am comforted that Storico has gone home to be with the Lord.

:storico:

[Rusty T]

May Christ, who called you, take you to himself;
may angels lead you to Abraham's side.

Give her eternal rest, O Lord,
and may your light shine on her forever.

[grit]

:candle:



see you soon. what a dear one you are.

[Alucard]

If one good thing has come out of this, it is to show how all TWebbers, no matter what their worldviews are, are capable of banding together and mourning as one.

I never knew Laura, but she sounds like she was an amazing person. I'm really upset that I didn't get to know her well enough. There has been too much death lately.

[Raphael]

Since hearing the news of Laura's passing, I've struggled to put this into words.

First, although I didn't know Laura as well as many others here, I consider myself honoured to have had her as a friend. Laura was a rare person, and those who didn't have the chance to know her have suffered a greater loss than those of us who did.

Laura was one of the bravest that this world has had, no soldier on the field field has shown more courage and valour than this young daughter of God did. Contrary to what the poet Dylan Thomas councils in his poem Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, Laura did not rage against the dying of the light; for Laura knew that the Light was not dying but everlasting. Laura knew that when she left this earth, that she was going into the Loving embrace of our heavenly Father.

In her last article for TWeb, Laura wrote that we have an incomplete view of love if we see it as being without pain. Well we are in all pain now for we all loved Laura, and we are comforted by the fact that this is not the end, but the beginning, that we will see Laura again when we too are welcomed into our Father's arms.

We must not mourn her death, although it does sadden us, but we must celebrate her life, we must celebrate the fact that she ran the race. that she has won the race and that she now wears a victor's crown. A lesson we can learn from Laura's life is we cannot sit back and just dwell on the negative things in life. No; we must focus on those things that are good and righteous, on those things that lift us up, and bring us closer to the throne of God.

Charles Spurgeon writes the following: We, my brethren, who are preachers of the Word, have but a short time to live; let us dedicate all that time to the glorious work of magnifying Christ. Longfellow says, in his Psalm of Life, that "Art is long," but longer still is the great art of lifting up the Crucified before the eyes of the sin-bitten sons of men. Let us keep to that one employment. If we have but this one string upon which we can play, we may discourse such music on it as would ravish angels, and will save men; therefore, again I say, let us keep to that alone. Coronet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music are for Nebuchadnezzar's golden image; but as for our God, our one harp is Christ Jesus. We will touch every string of that wondrous instrument, even though it be with trembling fingers, and marvellous shall be the music we shall evoke from it.

In the short time since Laura came to know the Lord she magnified Christ with her words, her deeds, her attitude and her life. Her maturity in the Christian faith rivalled that of those who have been Christians for decades. Hers was a life worth emulating


I think, in that moment, we can choose to let God in or we can choose to shut Him out. We can choose to see human frailty in light of eternity, or we can choose to see it as a devastating finality. We can decide that our bodies are all we have, or we can decide that our bodies were never permenent to begin with.

May God be with Laura's family and with all her loved ones.
Roger, Tamryn and Jennifer

[mossrose]

That's beautiful, Raphael. Thank you.

[Vigilante]

Just for kicks I did a search for all posts where Storico mentioned my name, only like 8 times. But each one she was encouraging and helpful to me, I guess that speaks worlds about her outlook and perspective.
I also noticed she has a quote of mine in her sig, I remember that conversation, that made her laugh! I'm glad I got to make her laugh at least once. And now her joy knows no bounds!

This is telling because I don't read around the forums about how great she is, she doesn't build herself up I mean. It's when something like this happens that you don't realize what you had when you had it. And then you see what a prize they are. It makes me more conscience of the people around me that are always helpful and friendly, that I rely on, but never ask for anything in return, and don't ever complain that I haven't said "thanks". The sort of people who are true servants and find their reward in Christ and not in the praises of men. The sort of people who are like the glue which holds things together and yet gets unnoticed. Laura has received such rewards as God would give her, the crowns that she has now placed back at the feet of Jesus. She has received her new body which does not cease in energy. She has received her new name which Jesus alone knows. Just as God has named every star and calls them by name, so He has a special and unique name for every one of his children, there are none lost in the crowd! What a glorious time!
I am envious.

[The Curtmudgeon]

I'm glad for Storico, in truth. The suffering is over, the worrying about future suffering is over, and yet she was able to use her suffering as a shining example of how a Christian ought to deal with terrible adversity.

She has also made TheologyWeb a success. Whatever else can be said about TWeb now and in the future, we can rejoice that she was drawn here in days of doubt and struggles with belief, and has left here to go Home with the God whom she learned to love and trust with her life, in part at least because of what she read here and what she shared here with other Christians. Her own posts and blog have been -- in fact, continue to be, as long as TWeb is active -- a source of loving encouragement, and challenge, and especially humour for others. I am glad that I am one who has been immensely cheered and strengthened by knowing her, even though only electronically.

:hug: JenSen, and for Laura's family, and for all those close to her. Parting is never easy, even though we who remain and belong to the Lord know that it is only for a while. I'm deeply sorry that I cannot attend her funeral or memorial service. But I can rejoice in knowing that when I do meet her face to face -- and I know that I will, someday -- it won't be in a hospital or care home, she will be healthy and strong and vibrantly alive.

And, no doubt, talking about what the penguins are up to in her igloo. :lol:

[i]'They knew he was unwell, when he rang his locker bell,
But the little nun who came knew what to do --
"John, put your hand in mine. Your soul is set for flying.
The door is open now, just walk on through."

And he was doing his leaving, but still was grieving,
Not quite believing his course was run.
But now he's got his pass; he's in the Honours Class.
Now the leaving's over, now the leaving's done.'
-- from "When the Leaving's Over", Mickey MacConnell

The (:bawl: but yet :highfive: Laura) Curtmudgeon

[Timothy Leary]

While words can't do much in a time like this, it's comforting knowing that she died at peace - and at peace with God.

I have just received word that Storico passed away last night. I am going to be giving her parents a call a little later to see what we as a forum can do.

I do know that they would appreciate this thread to be use as words of tribute stating what she has meant to us.

I am sorry, I just can't write any more right now.

[Rahab]

I just found out... Laura was such a delightful individual, a blend of sweetness, genuine kindness, wisdom, grace and strength. I saw in her the quality of Christ who, in the midst of His torment, still communicated concern about his mother's care. That is how Laura was... she would set aside her own trials while focusing on the needs of others. You would ask her "how are you sweetie" and her reply was about "tell me about you".

While she passed away, any of us can be close to her as we can read her thoughts and emotions ,any time ,which she shared so openly in her posts.

T Web has the privilege of hosting her legacy. She loved this community very much.

[Jaltus]

I feel the chill of Autumn's wind
seasons changing once again
And every moment's best,
still one moment less we spend
Together my friend
I can't hold back these tears in my eyes
this time I won't even try
For time has come and gone, now we must move on
I'll admit I don't know why



Now we must say good-bye
to find our road ahead
Destiny leads us on to another place
but I'll meet you there...someday


We chase the future into past
only to find it never lasts
And by the time it's gone, the pain is so strong in the end
But listen my friend
Although we've lost what was before
forever will bring us the chance once more
And in that time we'll see,
what was meant to be
A special moment to cherish for all of our lives
and we'll know in time



Why we must say good-bye
to find our road ahead
Destiny leads us on to another place
but I'll meet you there
From the lives we all leave behind
we find there's much more ahead
The Father will lead us on to a better place
And I'll meet you there someday
I'll meet you there someday
I'll meet you there someday

I cannot wait for that reunion.

[TCapp]

*stunned*

[Nicholas]

:sad: I don't know what to say, she was a very enjoyable and kind person to have at Tweb. My thoughts are with her family.

[Timothy Leary]

If one good thing has come out of this, it is to show how all TWebbers, no matter what their worldviews are, are capable of banding together and mourning as one.

I never knew Laura, but she sounds like she was an amazing person. I'm really upset that I didn't get to know her well enough. There has been too much death lately.
She would have loved your avatar.
She could see the light in life in the darkest of places.

[Ryokan]

:sigh:

[wattsr1]

Met her only a couple of times at TWeb and had no idea of who "Storico" was or of her background. But for the encouragement Storico gave at those moments - thank you.


Regards, Roland

[Frogwarrior]

:bawl:

[LGM]

Frozen Tears

The forums echo sweetly still,
Their feckless threads not sewn today,
Untimely death has left a chill,
With somber voice, what can I pray?

The igloo’s flag flies at half mast,
Some frozen tears dot penguin face;
In avatars your smile’s cast,
A beauty that we can’t replace.

Above imagined grave we kneel,
We’ll pledge our faith, and make a vow,
But still the emptiness we feel,
Hangs on our face, in furrowed brow.

We’ll miss you darling Storico,
Your love, your laugh, your caring ways,
You gave us more than you can know,
Your witness set our hearts ablaze.

We pray that now you’ve found some peace,
Free from the pain, the stress and strife,
Your gracious words our hearts have creased,
We’ll carry them, throughout this life.

[{Tim}]

I'm glad there's someone among us who can write such moving tributes to her. I wish I could. :sad: I never really interacted with her that much, which is something I regret a little now; for now I won't have the chance until I see her again. But her article on the front page, and her blogs which I stopped off to read from time to time... she was everything that people have said about her in this thread. When I first heard the news that she was in hospital and had taken a turn for the worse, I somehow felt that she wasn't going to make it... and I was struck that I had read her blog only the day before, as quoted by Sparko earlier, about making the most of whatever time she did have left... I hope and pray that I might face the world with the same boldness she did.

Even after she has moved on, she remains an encouragement to us. She will be missed. :bawl:

[Bill the Cat]

I'm glad there's someone among us who can write such moving tributes to her. I wish I could. :sad: I never really interacted with her that much, which is something I regret a little now; for now I won't have the chance until I see her again. But her article on the front page, and her blogs which I stopped off to read from time to time... she was everything that people have said about her in this thread. When I first heard the news that she was in hospital and had taken a turn for the worse, I somehow felt that she wasn't going to make it... and I was struck that I had read her blog only the day before, as quoted by Sparko earlier, about making the most of whatever time she did have left... I hope and pray that I might face the world with the same boldness she did.

Even after she has moved on, she remains an encouragement to us. She will be missed. :bawl:

That's the truth Tim! I miss her too. :sad:

[Lady Gooner]

may all her friends and family encourage themselves in the LORD her God, as she would have wanted them to do, may they draw near to Him and know that she now rests with Him.

Bless you Laura and all that you have done, sewn and watered

[Mountain Man]

I can only hope that I am as well regarded when I pass. :sad:

[Gromit45]

Made one of my infrequent visits here to discover Tweb closed in excellent honor of Storico.

I pray for those who knew her best and may God's comfort aide you in your transitions to continuing life without her physical presence. Storico continues on here at Tweb and in the minds of her friends and relatives.

[Adam]

I can only hope that I am as well regarded when I pass. :sad:
I know I won't be.
My eldest daughter's name is Laura. Another reason why I'll never forget Storico.
Apologies for my limerick poem. In spite of the format, it's truly meant as a memorial.
Adam

[Brandalf85]

Frozen Tears

The forums echo sweetly still,
Their feckless threads not sewn today,
Untimely death has left a chill,
With somber voice, what can I pray?

The igloo’s flag flies at half mast,
Some frozen tears dot penguin face;
In avatars your smile’s cast,
A beauty that we can’t replace.

Above imagined grave we kneel,
We’ll pledge our faith, and make a vow,
But still the emptiness we feel,
Hangs on our face, in furrowed brow.

We’ll miss you darling Storico,
Your love, your laugh, your caring ways,
You gave us more than you can know,
Your witness set our hearts ablaze.

We pray that now you’ve found some peace,
Free from the pain, the stress and strife,
Your gracious words our hearts have creased,
We’ll carry them, throughout this life.

Last night on Paltalk, Mankyscotsgit aka Johnny Nazarene was requested by LGM to read the poem out loud on the mic for all to hear. I took the liberty, also at the request of others, to record him.

Here now is the audio of Johnny reading this wonderful poem by LGM.

[MooseOnTheLoose]

"Death is but a servant pale, to carry one to a better vale" - carved on an 18th century tombstone.

[Teluog]

I didn't have the chance to to use a computer that can work Paltalk last night, so I had JenSen, Laura's friend, put the link to my blogpost in memory of her for people to read. So in case anyone missed it, here's the link again: http://teluog.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/in-memory-of-laura-storico/

[mossrose]

I read your blog last night, Teluog. It is a beautiful tribute to Laura.

Thank you.

:huggy:

[Michelle]

I read it as well, Teluog, and found it very moving. Thank you.

[SteveF]

Last night on Paltalk, Mankyscotsgit aka Johnny Nazarene was requested by LGM to read the poem out loud on the mic for all to hear. I took the liberty, also at the request of others, to record him.

Here now is the audio of Johnny reading this wonderful poem by LGM.

Very moving. Great poem and a lovely reading Johnny. Is it coincidence that the recording comes under "blues" in itunes?

[Johnny MacManky]

It was a privilege to be allowed to read such a moving tribute.

I've amended Storico's smilie :s2008:

Oh, and this is my tWeb post #28,000 This one's for you Storico. :hug:

[shadowmaster]

You are on to better places, Storico but you will be missed here at tweb.

shadowmaster

[Thedonhopeless]

i miss and love you

=(

[Dragon]

My condolences to Laura's family and friends. She will be missed!

[technomage]

I will miss you, my friend.

:candle:

[sylas]

I've only just seen this now...

I loved Storico's posts, and for a private memory session I have been looking over posts where we referred to one another -- not many, but all of them very upbeat and affirming, in both directions -- and a couple of PMs we exchanged.

I had no idea she was unwell, let alone dying. She was a model of positive friendly engagement on a discussion board with diverse views; very impressive indeed.

I've been away from TWeb now for quite some time. Basically, I seem to have left around July last year, and have dropped in twice since then for a short period. This time, when I returned I had a couple of PMs waiting for me... the most recent one from Storico, showing the concern which was the most consistent feature of her posts. She hoped that I was well, and let me know I was missed. Four days after sending me that PM, she died. I only saw it a month later.

I'm feeling at a total loss now; but I've appreciated reading this thread and seeing others who were here at the time speak up so well. Frozen tears perhaps captures it best for me.

Goodbye, Storico, and thank you.

[mossrose]

Oh, sylas, I am so sorry that you had to learn about Stori in this way.

:huggy:














































You shouldn't go away for such a long time!

:mossrose:

























































:huggy:

[Chocobear]

I must say, I'm absolutely stunned. I didn't know Storico very well. But going by what guy guys have said about her, she was quite a woman.

Goodbye for now, Storico! We'll see you in heaven!

[CallistoSeeking]

Sorry it's taken me so long to pay my respects...I was sorry to hear about Storico (fiance told me, even though I've been AWOL from Tweb)..She is in my prayers, & may God grant her sweet repose & swift peace. She was a great gal. God be with her family as well ..:pray:

[Rahab]

I was just going through my PMs when I came across a couple of the exchanges I had had with Laura. I copied them to save as one saves a treasure. Her everlasting endurance, resilience and continuous care for others. Her way to be in touch with things some of us would consider insignificant.

Everything took great significance for her from the time she was diagnosed with her illness. She knew life could become very brief for her. So she thought deeper and felt more. And cared more. And we all benefited from it . She gifted us with it.

Laura, I miss you. I reread some of your posts at times. You are so very present here.