Please leave a memory, tribute or picture at the bottom of this introduction

So.. Lori's obituary says: 

"She lived... she died... she worked at... preceded in death by... survived by..."

It was very pragmatic, very practical and fact-filled.

This page is about Lori, not a newspaper clipping or a screenshot of the obituary...

Lori was brilliant.  She, just like all of us, made mistakes.

Lori was exciting! She drew people to her.  She was (not to sound cliche) absolutely the life of the party. 

Lori was aggressive, a workaholic, a true Virgo in every sense of the definition:  "Loyal, analytical, kind, hardworking, practical, worrisome, overly critical of self and others, all work and no play" 

Lori had a knack for helping people, but not in the most obvious way. She gave amazing advice.  But when she gave you advice it was usually when she was "busy", getting ready, trying to eat, you get it...  

She would act busy while giving you the best advice you could get. She was so caring, but she really wanted to keep up the facade of her "tough", outer appearance.  Afterward, you realized, she really cared, she really loves you!  It was signature, Lori.

Lori and her Mom, everyone's mom, Betty (Betty-Lou, Mom, Gickie) had a very extraordinary relationship.

Betty would indulge Lori and give in to whatever Lori needed, no matter the time.  

When Lori couldn't find a shirt... "Mom!" and she could find it, and ironed even if she didn't ask for that.  

"Mom!  I'm going to the Carribean, so I need to eat JUST baked chicken breasts!"  Voila! They appeared, and Betty was always thrilled to be able to help her.  She was truly in love with Lori, as she was with all of her children.

Lori would continuously bring her flowers. Yellow Roses, they were her favorite, and for no reason at all.  Lori absolutely adored her mom. 

It seemed that they almost "needed" each other. It brings me GREAT comfort knowing that they are together again, most likely surrounded by Yellow Roses and chicken breasts. (sorry. I had to, it was getting REALLY serious in here!)

It's funny because as I was editing some of the pictures for this, it was as though she was looking over my shoulder saying, "Oh my God... Do NOT post that one of me!" or "You need to make sure I look really tan in this one and not pasty!" or "Make sure you get that watch in the picture, it was super expensive!", or just getting frustrated with me, waving her hand at me and walking away... I miss her.

Lori loved her siblings.  I think that she was closest to her younger brother, Tim, her partner in crime.  But with Karen, she and her siblings held a certain respect as she was often, their second Mom.  She knew that Karen would be tough on her, but would never judge her.  Karen can give you a look that says "you know that is such a stupid idea", just by the look on her face and blowing out her cigarette smoke in a certain "sigh".

In the end, it was Karen who would be the backbone that Lori started to lose.  When "our" Lori started to fade, it was Karen who could still see her, clear as day and with an unwavering loyalty and intense love for her.

When we were sleeping soundly, Karen would be making phone calls, praying and waiting for any news she could get.  I think we either don't know or overlook, the people who stick with their loved one when times get tough, even fatal.

Karen had revived her title role of the "second mother".  Karen had so much going on in her life, including the death of her husband, yet still stood steadfast as Lori's greatest supporter.  

It was a big job, but Karen willingly took on the task.  I know Lori appreciated it.  Every attempt that Karen made, every place that she could stay, clothes, phones, etc.  I know if she were here, she would thank Karen from the depths of her soul.

Every one of us has our own memories of Lori.  I intend to remember her as one of my sisters.  Strong, beautiful, successful and one of my heroes.

No matter what your memories are, whatever your relationship and interactions (good or bad), they are yours.  

She left us in a way that none of us would ever dream that she, so strong and willful, could ever succumb to.  I hope that we can all learn from her life:

Never judge people, it could be you or yours that go down this path.

Love while you can, people can be gone in a blink.  

No regrets, try what you can, do what you can. 

And never give up on someone you love.