This isn't from Laura.  It's from Lynita, but Laura was logged onto the computer when I sat down.  Sorry.  
Being an "in-law" I didn't get to visit with Irene very much, but the moments were precious.  Irene reminded me so much of my Dad and his brothers who also grew up in Montana at about the same time.  Her stories of school, social life and work when she was younger were all an adventure into the past for me.  I still thank her for that.
In addition her lessons in patience and quietness and goodness were a welcome change from the quick response life we all seem to lead.   
I'm sure the rest of the universe is still enjoying Irene.  Thank you for sharing her with me. 

Sunday morning 7/30/11

Thank you thank you for my life.  I am so blessed.  How I get to live & be & love-- to keep growing to keep returning to my inner god -- to live in the now and enjoy every moment of it --to find ways to share the love and caring that comes through me,  Just be & let it radiate out into the world-- the way will happen without input from me as I go to move about in my life.  So many opportunities just come everywhere at anytime without any planning or any expectations just knowing that my inner god is always there always available at the turn of a thought-- surrender and give over and let God and let the joy come through and out everywhere all the time every place---

Last weekend my Grandmother Irene Stephens passed away suddenly without warning, at the age of 95. She was born in 1920! We celebrated her birthday only a few days ago. She was self-sufficient until the very end -- cooked her own meals, did her own shopping, drove her car...and passed quickly in her own home. She was a great artist and writer, having practiced drawing and other arts for 30+ years. She learned how to use a computer and was a regular Facebook user!

But more importantly, she was a deeply spiritual and inspiring person. She lived the life of a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being. She was unafraid of death, was gracious, loving and compassionate to all without judgment, and effortlessly saw the positive in all people and things. No matter what happened in her life, even things like cancer, she embraced it! She never studied Zen a day in her life but she lived the principles far better than I do after years of study.

No one can be surprised when a 95 year old woman passes on. But I am surprised by how much I miss her. I love you Grandma.

You left too soon

I had a little bit more to say

I had a little bit more to hear

What was the rush?

I know you had somewhere else you had to be, but

I wasn’t quite ready to see you go

I thought we would share a bit more time together

What was the rush?

I know you had an appointment, but

I didn’t realize it was so soon

You didn’t tell me that it was so soon

What was the rush?

I thought we had more time to spend together, before

We always had tomorrow and the next day

I didn’t realize how few days we had left

What was the rush?

I know you were excited about going home, but

I wasn’t prepared for your sudden departure

I didn’t expect the time to come so quickly

What was the rush?

I know I’m being selfish wanting you to stay longer

It was not fair for me to want more time with you, but

I wanted my mother here just a little bit longer, so

What was the rush?