It was 5 years ago today...

[JerseyJanice]

That my niece Lori passed away after a long and painful battle with leukemia. She was 23 years old and got sick initially when she 13 so it was 10 years that she fought to stay with us.

I buried both my parents within 5 weeks when they were in their 60s and I was in my 20s. I did not think it would be possible to go through anything worse than that, but then everything that happened with Lori eclipsed even that. There is nothing worse than burying such a young loved one.

Back then, a great many Disers gave me a lot of support and kindness. To those of you who are still around, I want to thank again from the bottom of my heart. I am the type of person who has a hard time leaning on friends and family because I work at being the strong, practical one in real life. Having the shoulders of "virtual" friends to cry on meant a lot to me during those bleak days.

One thing I really want to share with everyone here--whether you were here back then or we've recently met--is this lesson: Lori's life and death taught me what the true meaning of life is and why we were put on this Earth. It is simply to love one another. For 10 years, she could have given up so many times. Her life was filled with so much physical pain and emotional heartache, but she did not quit fighting to stay alive because she wanted to stay with us as long she could because she loved us. Her parents, her brothers, myself and the rest of her family--she stayed among us as long as her body held up simply because she loved us. And that, my Dis friends, is what it's all about.

RIP, Babygirl. I will miss you forever and pray we are together again someday.

 

[C.Ann]

She sounds like a lovely and courageous young lady.. Her lesson is an important one.. Thanks for sharing it..

 

[MidgeD79]

I hear your pain. I've buried 3 children (ages 14 hours, 18 years and 26 years). Sometimes it's easier to share sorrow here so we don't upset our "real" family.

 

[Deb in IA]

I remember, Janice . . .

 

[minniebeth]

Thank you for your words of wisdom...

 

[disney1990]

She sounds like a wonderful young woman.

 

[Kitty 34]

Janice.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

Thank you for sharing with us. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.

 

[Dan Murphy]

It seems like it was yesterday, Janice. 's Your words then, your words now...reach a higher place in us all. God bless, and Lori the angel, watch over us all.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Dan, you were one of the kindest of all back then. I hoped you would see this thread so I could say thank you again. You have been such a good friend to so many here and always to me. You are a very special man with a huge heart.

Deb, you are a wonderful friend. I am blessed to have had your friendship back then and to have it now. Thanks.

To the rest of you, thank you for reading this thread and for your kind words.

 

[MinnieTink]

Janice, I'm am sorry about your niece. It is the worst to lose a loved one so young. I was coming on here tonight for a little distraction. It was 16 years ago today that my best friend died of lymphoma at 21 years old. (about 6 wks later my aunt died, 3 weeks after that it was my grandmother. A few months later a cousin and a month after him, his mother. All together 10 friends/family members passed that year. I was 21. It stunk. (not the word I really want to use!)). It was a horrendous year but the worst was my bf. I was a mess for a long time. Now I still miss her so much but I am also thankful that she was in my life. I learned so much about friendship, love and perseverence from her.

You and your family are in my thoughts tonight.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I wasn't on the DIS five years ago, but I've always liked you, and am so sorry for all the pain you went through.

 

[4nana]

Janice, so sorry about your sad losses . May their loving memories warm your heart forever.

About 3 mos ago my wonderful soul mate was very ill and I almost lost him . I don't think we truly realize how blessed we are and how much we take for granted .
Life is short, we never know what tomorrow may bring, tell those you care about how much you love them every day . Live life to he fullest and don't ever sweat
the small stuff.