Lori battled with cancer (starting with breast cancer) for about 6 years. She is a wife to Steve and a mother to Mikayla and Austin. Her courage and strength in the face of so great a challenge inspired those who were lucky enough to meet her.
At the concert, Brooke, Soni, and I were able to talk with Lori. Honestly, my thoughts were, "I could be really good friends with her." I found myself wishing that I could know her better-- spend time with her, maybe take our kids to the park, talk about books we just read, agonize over laundry, complain about the weather.
That's the kind of person she was--even when you first met her you felt like you'd known her forever.
The concert was amazing. The energy and excitement were strong, as was the spirit. It was a night of celebration but also one of somber realization that Lori didn't have long.
And two weeks later, she was gone.
Lori passed away on Friday, April 17, 2009...only 14 short days after the concert. Her funeral was today in Florida, and all day long I was wishing that I could have been there. But instead, I wanted to pay tribute in this way--to honor a woman whose very smile inspired me to be better, count my blessings, and thank Heavenly Father for every single day.
Thank you, Lori!
Beautiful post, Whitney. Beautiful tribute. I'm so grateful that I got to meet her.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for all that you did for our family. Your music touched our hearts.
ReplyDeleteWords cannot fully express my deepest appreciation for what you have done for Lori, myself, and our kids Austin and Mikayla.
ReplyDeleteI knew that Lori was close to passing from this life, but had no idea that it would be shortly after we returned from the concert that her health would turn so quickly.
It was ironic that just prior to Lori going unconscious she had just finished making a joke about herself and about men.
The funeral was magnificent and I witness that the lord did not leave us "comfortless" but "came unto us" as he promised (John 14).
Just as Lori was an example thru her life, the funeral acted as a vehicle to bring souls unto christ and we heard numberous times that it was the 'best' the most 'spiritual' event that have ever attended.
I appreciate that you allowed us to play "The Robe" at the opening of the funeral as it captured the faith and hope that Lori had that "thy will be done".
Austin and Mikayla were also a great part of the wonderful spirit as they were strengthened in that they were able to sing "I Like to Look for Rainbows" "I Love to See the Temple" and "I am a Child of God". I was so proud of them and I knew and felt that Lori was there in "spirit."
As the weeks have passed, we have felt emptiness, sadness, gratitude, thankfulness, and regret. But each time the Lord has "come unto us" and comforted us.
I can't tell you how much comfort I personally have felt as I have played over and over "The Robe" and each time knowing that Lori is now in the presence of her saviour and that he truly has made her whole.
Music was a huge part of Lori's life and through her example has made it a great part of ours. It is thru the medium of music that Lori taught Austin and Mikalya the truths of the gospel and why they are at this time feel comforted and at peace in this difficult time.
Please know that we love you and again our grateful for your service rendered in our behalf. May the lord continue to use your talents in bringing souls unto christ.
-Steve Udy