Run, Lauren, Run!!

A couple of weeks ago, Kirk's 23 year old cousin, Lauren, passed away unexpectedly. Lauren suffered from Cerebral Palsy had been confined to a wheelchair all of her life. On Tuesday October 20th, Lauren was able to talk, walk, run, dance, jump, sing, and fly for the first time. I can only imagine the sight as she leapt into the arms of Jesus and hugged Him without feeling pain. Lauren's life was cut very short, but as you read the obituary written by her sister, you can see she was able to see and do a lot.

Lauren

Lauren Nicole (23) was never able to speak words the way most people do, but she spoke with more love and depth than many people can comprehend. Her presence in the world brought a love so sincere and pure, that the hardest of hearts could not help but soften when she smiled. When Lauren was born on June 1, 1986, she unexpectedly came upon cerebral palsy. This condition kept her from the ability to walk, to talk and to move the way most people do. The American society might consider this a disadvantage because of system structures and physical barriers, but in God's world she is so blessed and so lucky. Now Lauren is walking, running, singing, dancing and talking with God in heaven experiencing a love we can never imagine. Lauren was at the least a blessing and was the central force and strength to her family and friends. Her physical end on October 20, caught her family and friends off guard but the strength she bestowed is still present.Everyday she woke up she had a new adventure ahead of her. Lauren got to spend months at Disney World with her mom Mary Janel, her dad Jimmy, her sisters Meagan and Kimber and her brother Alex. There she was able play, just like the other kids. One of her favorite things there was riding in the giant honey pot experiencing the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Last summer she got to ride her honey pot 5 times in a row without getting out.Lauren made her way across the world, sailing through the Bahamas on Disney Cruises, heading down to Key Largo for Dolphin Human therapy, and sipping smoothies on the beaches in Malibu. There was nothing that she could not do and nothing her family and friends would not support.Lauren was active in her community, her family and her extended family Southwest Church of Christ. She was always out attending movies, musicals, festivals and parades. She loved going to church every week and greeting everyone. Thursday mornings she loved to spend time in the church kitchen with her mom and friend, Becky making lunches for the meals on wheels program. Her family was behind her and had a tight bond.

**Jimmy and Mary Jane, I am so very sorry for your loss, though Lauren's new body is perfect and she is in a much, much happier place in heaven, I can not imagine losing a child.