There is no way to sum up what Laura means to me in a few words. Honestly, a few volumes wouldn’t be enough. From the moment we met (Laurel was SO excited to introduce us to each other!) our lives began intertwining in the best possible way. There is almost no part of my family’s homeschooling lives and treasured memories that Laura isn’t a part of. From co-ops to field trips to history studies to science on the Connecticut River to crafting to martial arts to music to Shakespeare to hiking to celebrating birthdays and holidays and all of lives little events, Laura was always a key player in everything my family did. She introduced me to some of the most important people in my life (she is famously known for making lasting, impactful connections between people). Some people make positive ripples that spread throughout the world — Laura launched tidal waves.
While it is impossible to pick a favorite memory from the millions, one that will always come to mind was one of many lovely walks at Mansfield Hollow Dam while our kids were still quite young, with our group of friends. We were discussing plans for fall homeschooling classes as we walked and the kids romped, and Laura mentioned to another mom that she had purchased a 12-pack of safety glasses. I wasn’t really a part of that particular conversation, but I overheard that line and started laughing, and pointed out that I hang out with the kind of people who need a 12-pack of safety glasses. Given that our kids were all experts at having random accidents, we had a really good laugh about that. And we joked that our four boys, who were all still in the early stages of taking music lessons, would someday form a rock band called 12-Pack of Safety Glasses. And, as with most of Laura’s visions, that is exactly what eventually happened, and 12-Pack of Saftey Glasses recorded their first 2 original songs this past year. Unsurprisingly, she was their biggest fan and supporter.
Laura will continue to be a blessing in our lives — through our children, our lives together will never end, and even our future adventures and memories will be ringed with her undying love and passion. On Thanksgiving Day, during our final conversation, Laura told me that wherever I go, she will be there with me. And of course she will — she always has been.