I remember the first time I met my sister-in-law. January of 1987 when I first started dating Robin Rodrigues. Lori was over 8 months pregnant with my nephew Aaron and came home from work. As expected, she was in no mood for visitors but she still scared me. Then right before Robin and I married, Lori brought another nephew, Brad, into this world. Robin and I eventually moved across the country and within a couple of years Lori moved herself and 2 boys across the country and lived with us while looking for a job and apartment.

Over the course of 32 years I have had the blessing of sharing so many life events with her. Even though I have "sister-in-laws" and a "brother-in-law" I have realized that after 3 decades, the term "in-law" disappears. I lost a sister and will miss her.

It's so hard to let you go
Cuz I know I'll never see you again.
I didn't want to see you leave
And say goodbye to a friend.
But you left anyway
And took a part of me and all that I can say is
Its so hard to let you go

Auntie Lori, the magnificent soul that spent her life rightfully earning the title of “My Crazy Aunt” for all the right reasons, passed away decades too soon. She introduced me to Madea, for which I will forever be indebted to her. No matter what life threw at her, she handled it with a level of grace, humor, and strength that never ceased to amaze. She was the life of the party, yet selfless and loving. She took the definition of friendship, sisterhood, and family and turned it into something tangible. She fiercely cared for her friends and family, and we can only pray she knew that the same adoration was showered upon her in return. If there’s one thing that stands out above all the rest, it’s her independence. I always admired her fearless and unstoppable spirit, and hope that some of that rubbed off on me. Thanks for the lessons, memories, and laughter my Crazy Auntie Lori. You’re loved and missed more than you could ever know.

Lori and I shared a super bond when it came to prayer and talking about Jesus.  Lori always offered to pray for me, and I for her.  Lori volunteered so sweetly to make my step daughters wedding cake this summer.  This is the kind of help that Lori always offered.  I know in my heart she is dancing in heaven with Jesus, but not seeing her here every day, that will take along time for my heart not to ache. 

Many prayers for comfort to Aaron and Brad, and also the whole family.