July 13th, it's been 13 years since my sister, Laura, has gone home to be with our Lord. My sons and I stopped by the cemetery to remember her today. There's still something to be said 
for taking time out of our busy schedules to just remember, to remember those we've known and loved and those who've had an impact on our lives. My sister, Laura, is one such person in my life. She was only 13 months younger than me. Needless to say, we grew up doing many things together. She and I were able to communicate at times simply by making eye contact. We could often tell what the other was thinking by one quick glance toward the other. Laura and I attended very small Christian schools throughout junior and senior high. As a result, many of our activities overlapped. We played on the same volleyball teams, softball teams, cheerleading squads and attended the same Spanish Club. We had the same teachers and friends. As an adult, Laura impressed me greatly with her ongoing determination. She endured many health issues while attending nursing school. Because of her credits, she was able to start nursing school at only 17 years of age. The RN program (in only 2yrs) was considered a grueling schedule for most. Many dropped out of the program. I observed Laura push herself, against incredible odds to complete the program and be pinned at graduation when she was only 19 years old. She was even asked to give the benediction at the pinning ceremony. Being hospitalized many times hadn't stopped her from having her IV capped off and driving herself to her classes. She'd get through her studies from that same hospital room. She was hired by the same hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital. In fact, since up until that time CF was considered a "childhood disease," she would go there as a patient on the 9th floor and then work on the 8th floor. She worked even while hospitalized! It was amazing. Laura didn't seem to know the word, q-u-i-t. Even after many complications, including nearly losing her life, caused her to give up her job at the hospital, it didn't mean "quit" for her. She immediately enrolled at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's training program. And after a few months, began serving young women in crisis situations.
for taking time out of our busy schedules to just remember, to remember those we've known and loved and those who've had an impact on our lives. My sister, Laura, is one such person in my life. She was only 13 months younger than me. Needless to say, we grew up doing many things together. She and I were able to communicate at times simply by making eye contact. We could often tell what the other was thinking by one quick glance toward the other. Laura and I attended very small Christian schools throughout junior and senior high. As a result, many of our activities overlapped. We played on the same volleyball teams, softball teams, cheerleading squads and attended the same Spanish Club. We had the same teachers and friends. As an adult, Laura impressed me greatly with her ongoing determination. She endured many health issues while attending nursing school. Because of her credits, she was able to start nursing school at only 17 years of age. The RN program (in only 2yrs) was considered a grueling schedule for most. Many dropped out of the program. I observed Laura push herself, against incredible odds to complete the program and be pinned at graduation when she was only 19 years old. She was even asked to give the benediction at the pinning ceremony. Being hospitalized many times hadn't stopped her from having her IV capped off and driving herself to her classes. She'd get through her studies from that same hospital room. She was hired by the same hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital. In fact, since up until that time CF was considered a "childhood disease," she would go there as a patient on the 9th floor and then work on the 8th floor. She worked even while hospitalized! It was amazing. Laura didn't seem to know the word, q-u-i-t. Even after many complications, including nearly losing her life, caused her to give up her job at the hospital, it didn't mean "quit" for her. She immediately enrolled at the local Crisis Pregnancy Center's training program. And after a few months, began serving young women in crisis situations. I'm thankful to have known Laura, blessed to have had her for my sister. She has been an inspiration in my life.
Today, we also stopped to remember little Haisa. A birthday of nine we would remember this thine. What a reminder her stone is to all who must die, what is most important in this life...Love the Lord your God with all your Heart and Soul and Strength...
Lord, help us to keep an eternal perspective. Thank you for allowing us to know a precious little life in Haisa. Though we longed for more, help us to trust You in all things.
Lord, help us to keep an eternal perspective. Thank you for allowing us to know a precious little life in Haisa. Though we longed for more, help us to trust You in all things.
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