38 Comments
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Alicia's avatar

So sorry for your loss. What a special relationship you shared.

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Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you. I was extremely lucky.

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Leigh Brelsford's avatar

Sorry for your loss

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Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you.

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El Jordan's avatar

You’ve perfectly captured the deep sorrow brought by the death of a dear and significant friend of your youth and the loss of an adult relationship that brought you joy. I hope sharing this poignant story of how beautifully your lives were intertwined will help you heal.

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Kevin Carlin's avatar

What a beautiful tribute. I was also lucky to have a wonderful girl friend who accepted and loved me despite being “in love” with me, when I told her back in 1976 that I had sex with a guy in Atlantic City. We lived in Philly. She laughed and jokingly said: “well this is the year of the bi-centennial!” We remained friends for years until she allegedly took her own life while living in Seattle. Ironically and cruelly, I may have been the last person she called that night and left a voicemail asking me to call her, but I had been out late that Saturday night “clubbing,” and didn’t have a chance to return her call before I received a call from her daughter late Sunday morning telling me the sad news. That was many years ago, but I think of her almost every day and smile when I remember the crazy things we did together and how much joy she gave me. I know you will never forget your dear friend and will always cherish the joy she gave you. RIP

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Ann Panda's avatar

Oh wow, what a wonderful woman and a fantastic friendship. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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Cathe's avatar

So sorry for your loss, what a friendship and relationship, she treasured you and you adored her ♥️once in a lifetime friends are so special.

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Sierra Tango's avatar

Beautifully written. What an a wonderful tribute to an exceptional friend.

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Charlotte Rains Dixon, MFA's avatar

This sure puts things in perspective. What a wonderful tribute to Laura and a life well lived.

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JJ's avatar

So extremely sad for your loss of a such a dear sister-friend (I cried for you and everyone who loves her this morning). But also, how amazing that you found and had such a strong and special relationship in your adult lives. Your piece is a powerful reminder to those of us who are still working and following your and Michael's travels, planning to do the same soon, but waiting just a little longer before taking the plunge, that no one knows what the future holds. We do know that F*CKing.Cancer. F*CKing.SUCKS. Whenever I complain to myself about wrinkles and hair that isn't brown anymore, I think about my friend Gail who was 49 for 6 days. It's rough to be away when the ones we love die. I can only remind myself that no matter what we do or where we are, we miss out on something else. Sending you love and peace.

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Alison J. Glapa's avatar

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful friend. She sounds like a rare gem of a person. Peace and comfort to you.

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Mike Cipolla's avatar

What a beautiful story and the light that was Laura shines through in every word. I feel sad that I didn’t know her. That’s how powerful your characterization is. Sending you light and love and hope for that future contact. I’m sorry for your loss.

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Ellen's avatar

loss is so hard. I too am grieving a loss. It gets better, promise.

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Leslie Thompson's avatar

Beautiful story and memories

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Tomesha Campbell's avatar

Sending my deepest condolences. May you hold onto these memories of Laura and continue to feel her presence whenever you need her.

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Pam Goen's avatar

A beautiful, eternal friendship 💙 Deepest condolences to you, her family and friends.

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Victoria Webb's avatar

May her memory be a blessing. This is my biggest fear, being out and about in the world or trying to set up a new life in a new country and missing out on time with very close friends and family. All I can do is do my best to spend some time with them while still doing what makes me very happy. Lots of love and support being sent your way during this awful time for you.

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