It's just crazy how easy it is for something to go wrong
 

My friend Laurie is just the sweetest and happiest person I have ever known. She is one of the strongest people I have known. The kind of girl who could run five miles without breaking a sweat or backpack 120 miles in the mountains (which she did three times with my brother on group trips). The kind of girl any parent would trust to watch her kids. Just the absolute picture of health and happiness, with the whole world ahead of her. The kind of woman who had the energy I had when I was ten. Just a woman who enjoys life, the kind of person you love to be around.

And then in February she couldn't eat anything without throwing it up, and was eventually diagnosed with gastroparesis. Everyone was shocked. I had never even heard of this disease and as I researched it things got so scary to read. It seems like no one knows anything about this disease or what to do to stop it. There were a few months initially where she was losing so much weight and everyone was frightened, but then she bounced back very strong, put on a good 20-30 pounds and looked great again and we were so excited that she was beating it. Everytime I'd see her or her parents, who are also good friends, we'd talk about the meatball subs she loved from Subway (though she couldn't eat the bread) or the refried beans she loved when we'd always meet up to eat Mexican food on Thursdays. Every Thursday she'd give me some good-natured ribbing about bringing math and physics books to the table and tell me I really needed to start watching the Big Bang Theory, which she was a huge fan of. And she was right; when I started watching it I instantly became a really big fan too.

Laurie began to take a bad turn a few weeks ago, and passed this morning. I'm heartbroken to lose such a beam of sunshine who I looked forward to seeing every Thursday evening. She was only 21 years old. Always ate right, always excercised, never touched tobacco, alcohol, nor drugs, always had such a positive and happy attitude. I just can't imagine what it's like for her parents, for her brothers. I didn't have any idea what to say when I hugged them today, and I don't think my father nor my brother did either (they were really close; my dad called her the daughter he never had). Aside from the personal loss, this is the woman the world needs more of. Sweet, funny, hardworking, smart, volunteered for her church... I mean she was the kind of person we should all strive to be. I wish I was as good a person as her. I don't know why the good have to die young.

RIP Laurie :crying:

At least Laurie had a really good Christmas eve and Christmas with her family. I can't believe I'm never going to see her at our table on Thursday nights anymore.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I suddenly lost my best friend at a young age and I know that you heart hurts. She has made a special mark on your life that you wont forget. I hope that the coming weeks and months will bring you some peace.

I am so sorry to hear of your friend's passing especially at such a young age. Sending my prayers and deepest condolences to her family and friends.

I am so sorry for your loss of such a special friend. God has gained a special angel and know that she will always be with you in spirit and forever in your heart!

So very sorry for your loss!

oh my that is so very very sad. i often wonder why the good ones go first....and I hope it is because they have a big job to do that only they can accomplish.

RIP Laurie and sending many prayers to your family and her family at this difficult time. very sorry for everyone's loss, it sounds as if there are a lot of people who she touched. heartbreaking.

I'm very sorry... sounds like the world has lost a very special person. Praying for her family and friends. RIP Laurie.

I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful friend. Now you know an angel by name.

so sorry for your loss

I am so sorry that you lost your dear friend Laurie. I wish we had more people like her in this world because it would be such a better place. I am so sad for her family and friends.

Such a terrible loss. Laurie sounded like a very special person. Hugs

I am so sorry. Terribly sad story. I was told the good ones go first because they already have their wings in Heaven. The others ones are given another chance. Don't know if you believe that or not but it really made sense to me. Your dear sweet friend is pain free now. RIP Laurie.

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I will keep you and her other friends and her family in my thoughts and prayers. Such a tragic story.

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. May her light shine down on you and her memories add a little light to you during this time Rest in Peace Laurie

That's beautiful. Thank you.

Some friend I am. Just realized my friend's name is spelled Lori, not Laurie. I was watching her dogs and her house for her family during the memorial (since idiots try to rob houses during funerals sometimes) and her dogs were so sad. One of them kept pacing up to her room. I do say prayers for her family every night. I know she doesn't need them; I'll surely be in limbo for a long while when it's my time but she has to have a straight ticket!

How sad! I'm so sorry...

Praying for you and Lori's family and friends. Losing a loved one is so so hard on the heart. But, when it is to a stupud disease and takes them so young, it is sheerly maddening. Hold onto those memories that you just shared. They can make you cry right now, but (from my experience) they will eventually be what makes you smile again.

Rest in peace, Lori.

I am saddened by your loss, I know she will be missed by many that loved her dearly, including yourself. Sometimes there just is no explanation...only God knows why she was called home at such a young age and had every reason in the world to survive. Sending you a much needed hug, I am so very sorry.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Memories of Lori will live on in your heart.... Prayers to you, her family & friends.

I know everyone is very sorry for your loss, as am I. It has to be devastating for all of her family and friends. If there is one thing I could say to you, I would like to tell you, you seem like the kind of person she knew was in her corner and loved her very much. I'm sure she loved you very much and all of the things you did for her. Please take comfort in knowing that. I'm sure you will keep all of the happy times in your heart. She was blessed to know you as well.

I'm so very sorry, truly there are not enough words to express sincerely the sympathy I feel for you and all who knew this sweet girl.....her life was full, short but beautiful...rest in peace Laurie.

I couldn't put it better, Mandie. I'm so sorry for your niece Jada being dealt a similar raw hand.

condolences and poem
 

Sorry for your loss of a special friend/person, who touched your heart in a big way. Condolences to you, her family and many other people whose hearts touched. Seems that you have many sweet memories that will forever be with you, that no one can ever take away.
Not sure if this poem helps you, but it did me when my dad passed. We put it on his memory card during the celebration of his life:

I am so sorry you lost such a dear friend. My condolences go out to you and Lori's family.

It still doesn't seem real even though it has been a week now. Just still in shock that this could happen to a woman who was about the healthiest person I knew (until February).