Laura

Today marks the 6th anniversary of my younger sister Laura's death. She was just a few weeks shy of her 16th birthday. But she wasn't like other girls her age...Laura was mentally and physically handicapped. She had been that way since soon after birth, but she was a joy to her family and all she met. Laura taught us so much about life, love, gratitude and patience. She had such a bright spirit and a beautiful smile. Sometimes when people would meet her they weren't sure what to make of her. She had such a sweet little face...but then when you least expected it she would grab your hair with one hand and reach into your purse with the other. Her death was sudden yet not unexpected She had been diagnosed 2 years previously with cardiomyopothy. She had always been healthy as a horse but due to the death of 2 of my other sisters from the same heart disease it was not a complete surprise when the diagnosis was given. Her death was just two months after the birth of E. I am so happy that Laura got to meet her first niece. The meeting was sweet, Laura was very weak but still had the strength to grab! So as I brought my new daughter to Laura's body I was ready to quickly pull away if needed...but she didn't grab at her socks like she loved to do to babies...she looked at her and gingerly touched her and put her head on E's face. It was such a sweet moment just 2 days before she died. We were all with her when she died, including my sister who was able to come home from her mission just in time...although we believe that Laura was waiting for us to all be together. The spirit of the Lord was so strong as she was taken home...I have been able to draw on the testimony that was gained and strengthened from the events of that day and in the days that followed. We were so blessed to have Laura in our lives...she is missed but we know that she is in a better place where she is free from her earthly body and doing a great work on the other side with her two sisters Beth Anne and Elena.

Here is the obituary that my parents wrote up:

Laura Elizabeth
On March 30, 2002, in the loving arms of her parents, sisters and favorite brother. Her fifteen years were ones of joy for those who knew and loved her and countless others who only felt of her spirit. Afflicted in both body and mind, her spirit shone like a beacon. She joins her sisters Beth Anne and Elena and leaves behind her parents Jack and Maria; sisters Alicia, Kassie and Lillian; her favorite brother Hyrum; brother-in-law Cannon and niece Elyse. United together as a family for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, those remaining, look forward to a joyful reunion in the life to come. Services were held Wednesday, April 3, 2002 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, McLean Stake Center Chapel, 2034 Great Falls St., Falls Church, VA, at 11 AM. Burial followed at Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, DC. Expressions of love may be made in the form of contributions to the Hospice of Northern Virginia. Published in The Washington Post from 4/2/2002 - 4/4/2002.