What I'd like you to know about Lauren...

I'm on draft number 3 of my mother's obituary...I just can't seem to get the words right. I had one that was full of the basics - dates and stats and whatnot - the linear timeline that sets a life's pace. But it doesn't feel right to talk about what she did, when what I want you to know instead, is who she was, even as I am learning more about her each day.

I of course spent a lifetime viewing her through the lens of mom, a role in which she relished. But what I only knew peripherally, was how much more she was than that.

During the last week of her life, we were blessed with so many well wishes and kind words from the people in her life. Notes and talk of her as a colleague, friend, neighbor, congregant, fellow club member, volunteer, and so much more.

I knew her as a devoted daughter to her own parents, Bill & Evie Culver. As the middle sister between her two scampish brothers, Ken & Bill. As a caring friend to the many who called her so. But mostly I knew her as the tender wife to my father, Joe, the ever loving mother to my sister, Jenn, and me, and the sweet Mom-Mom to her 5 grandsons, Aidan, Brady, Codie, TJ, & Troy.

The thread that weaves us all together, is the kindness and generosity she gave to each and every one of us.

She also enjoyed a variety of hobbies and passions...showing us how to live a rich and full life while maintaining a humble simplicity.

Some of the things she enjoyed included her involvement in Toastmasters, holding distinguished positions and wining many awards; as a volunteer with the Teal Tea Foundation, helping with many successful fundraisers. Among her many hobbies throughout the years - music, sewing, reading, calligraphy, crafts, movies or plays with her friends, cross-stitch, crochet. She was an astute observer and loved to watch the people around her, especially those she loved the most. She was always open and available for counsel without judgment, a kind and caring word, and endless support and compassionate.

Selfless to the end and beyond, my mom didn't want a funeral or service or any other fuss over her. But what I know she would want from each and every person she knew, each of you reading this now, is for you to take some time today for you...Do something you enjoy, pay forward a simple kindness, treat yourself with love, and always keep moving forward.

The best gift we can give to her now, is to live our lives fully, keeping her light in our eyes.

With love, Leslie

"And I'll remember

The love that you gave me

Now that I'm standing on my own

I'll remember

The way that you changed me

I'll remember"