LJ's Long and Winding Road to Healthy Eating

[ljmusicmom]

Hi, WB!

Family's good - twins LOVE swimming, and DS1's baseball team is doing well thus far. School's plugging along, and all my concerts are done - I've learned I can't compete with all the spring sports, so I do mine before spring break, usually in March. We did, however, raise almost $300 for the Make-A-Wish foundation through both fo them, so that was stellar!

Food has been off and on this week ... but exercise has kicked much ass, so it's balancing out a bit. Need to get a grip on the food thing, but mentally am not in a good space - should have more answers tomorrow, and do realize that, regardless of the outcome, drowning my fears in food will not help. Still want the comfort of it, though.

I thought grandparent's day was back in the fall? No major events 'round these parts. I do, however, get to attend "Special Ladies Day" at preschool next week, with a special program and lunch together. We get all dressed up and everything! Should be great.

Hope you're enjoying your winding down time - well-earned. Take care!

[anneg1116]

[RedRox]

Laura's long and winding road is finally coming to an end. Say a prayer, do a dance, play some music! She would have loved all of those things! Thank you dear lady for your time on this planet and your time here and the many lives you touched, both near and far, in such amazing and wonderful ways. You will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Godspeed on your journey elsewhere. They are the lucky ones now!

[need it gone]

Laura's long and winding road is finally coming to an end. Say a prayer, do a dance, play some music! She would have loved all of those things! Thank you dear lady for your time on this planet and your time here and the many lives you touched, both near and far, in such amazing and wonderful ways. You will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. Godspeed on your journey elsewhere. They are the lucky ones now!

That was beautiful!! A great tribute to an amazing lady we are all going to miss so much!! You are so right..she would want us to sing and dance and rejoice her life!!

Love you Laura!! We will miss you much!!

[anneg1116]

Nothing is as sweet as true friendship.

You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met - love & hugs to you. Always.

[wileybosco]

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you...

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

(Elphaba):
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you

(Glinda):
Because I knew you

(Both):
I have been changed for good

[wileybosco]

This is a beautiful poem written by Jhderm(Judi) Thank you for sharing this with all of us who are sending love to Laura and her family.
Missy Jan1st, 2006

I am living in the shadow of death
A soft presence of an invisible threat
Not a fear but an anticipation
The hovering wings of a constant dread

It's hard to withstand the loss of the love
The loss of the self that dies when it's gone
In the constant subconscious expectation of pain
Death brings relief and life will go on,

And I know that someday I'll be the last one,
The sole survivor of the story now told
And I dread the shapeless hovering presence
That will take away what tomorrow may hold

I wish you to go on your way without pain
May peace find you there where you'll have gone
I live in the shadow of death every day now
For with my love for you I too feel torn
From the chain of life
From my innocence
From my hopes from
the next dawn
jhderm

[happymo4]

I am praying for peace and comfort for Laura's family and friends. I was so shocked and saddened to see this journal last night. I have been looking through and have seen what an amazing, honest, funny, caring, and hardworking woman, friend, and mother she was. I loved the entry about her visit to the greenhouse and at the end of the day, her daughter climbed up on her lap and she could smell the sun, the plants, and a chocolate chip cookie. She really noticed and documented the most precious moments. She was a wonderful writer and so easy to relate to. I am praying for everyone that is hurting and missing her.

[RedRox]

Laura's journey in this world came to a close Saturday night. Since I am at a loss for words, I'll just re-post the entry in her CaringBridge journal posted by her husband Sunday morning. (You can find her complete cancer related journey/journal at the CaringBridge.org site here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lauralekan )

Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:42 AM, EST
Laura died (she was not fond of euphemisms for death - tell it like it is) last night at 9:20pm. She had two very calm days and gently drew her last breath as I held her hand.

Peace and Love,
Joe

[RedRox]

As her own signature reminded us daily: Vita Brevis. Carpe Diem.