Tribute to Laurie

My step-mom Laurie passed away last night at around 7:30. She died of complications of cancer. To help you all understand who Laurie is, she actually isn't my real step-mom. She was the long time girlfriend of my step-dad Dave. My mom and Dave divorced almost 10 years ago and Dave and Laurie got together after the divorce. Even though my mom wasn't married to Dave any longer didn't mean he wasn't a big part of my life. He helped raise me and even helped my real dad walk me down the isle on my wedding day. So in a sense, Laurie was another mom to me and a grandmother to my girls.

Laurie battled a long fight against ovarian cancer, had a full hysterectomy, and battled the cancer that continued to spread in her body. She was in remission several times, had rounds of chemo and radiation, and finally lost her battle last night. She is no longer in pain and she is with the Lord, smiling down on us.

Laurie was one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. She had the best outlook on life even though she was sick for many years. She loved me like a daughter and took such good care of my step-dad Dave. Laurie was a lover of dogs and cats, she liked spending time with her family, and occasionally for fun she would head off to the local casino to try her luck at slots. She lost her dog Chloe last year and now they are off playing ball together.

We will be headed out to Spokane in a few weeks to celebrate Laurie's life and remember the good times.

We will all miss you Laurie.