In Remembrance of My Daughter Lauren
For those of you who have been following my posts here on the blog and on social media about my daughter Lauren, she passed away on September 17. A few weeks prior to that she suffered from multiple seizures and I had to stop working and care for her.
Lauren had been battling brain cancer, which started May 2018. It started as a tumor in her thalamus, which spread to another tumor in her cerebellum a few months later in November. In June of this year, we found out that the cerebellum tumor spread and several new tumors had formed and that it had spread into her spine. She went through 3 different radiation treatments, took several types of chemotherapy and also participated in an immunetherapy clinial trial.
Through it all, she never complained. When she was first diagnosed, she told me “I feel that God will use me to inspire people with my story.” She was right! So many people had prayed for her and she inspired so many people with her courage and bravery trying to fight the cancer. The school which she attended, Westbrook Christian School, raised money to help our family pay for some medical bills. A week ago, they dedicated a portion of their homecoming float to Lauren.
The last couple of weeks she was alive, she was bedridden. She had a couple more seizures and was sleeping a lot throughout day. She had a couple of spiritual experiences, one I saw her have where she was talking to more than one person/spirit and another she told me about where she saw two girls who came to her. She said saw my mother, known to her as “Granna”, who passed away in 2015. My Christian faith was strong before all this happened, but it is even stronger now. Lauren’s heart was pure and her faith was strong. She loved to talk to people about God and Jesus. Our family always thought she was an “old soul”, as she was more mature for her age. I know she is in Heaven. She was not only my daughter, but my buddy. We did a lot together. We would have movie night or spa night at least once a week. We loved to go shopping, go to movies and go out to eat together. She loved to just sit and talk about everything.
I miss her so very much that it hurts. I had always heard that is is hard losing a child. It is the hardest thing I have ever experienced in my life. I have so many good memories of her. I feel like I have been robbed of a part of my life. I won’t see her grow up or have children. I won’t have grandchildren. It’s difficult. For those of you that have also lost children, I empathize with you. I know how you feel. I think about her everyday, throughout the day, sometimes feeling panic and anxiety because I feel like she’s lost and knowing she’s not here.
You know how you hear that death comes in 3’s? That happened to our family recently, but there was also a 4th death. Exactly a week before Lauren passed, my dear paternal grandmother, who was 96 years old, passed. I was very close to her. She was sick for a few months with a bad infection in her foot. She was hospitalized with an infection so bad that whoever visited her had to wear protective wear so they wouldn’t be infected. I wanted to see her so much but I was afraid that I would bring something home to my daughter Lauren, who was so sick already. A few days later I felt so compelled to go see my grandmother since she wasn’t doing well at all. I had a strange feeling, almost like someone was telling me to go see her. My husband and I thought if went to the hospital to see her that when I come home I could go straight and take a shower so that I would bring anything in Lauren’s room. When I got to the hospital, everyone she was closest to was in the room. When I told her I was there, two minutes after that she passed. She didn’t have her hearing aids in her ears and her eyes were closed, so she couldn’t hear or see that I was there, but yet she let go and passed. A week before that my previous mother-in-law passed. She was in her 80’s and had been battling cancer. I had known her for years and she was very dear to me. A few days before she passed, my ex-husband’s brother-in-law, who I knew very well, passed from cancer.
The hospice chaplain recommended a book to read, “Within Heaven’s Gates”, by Rebecca Springer. She wrote the book about her experience with dying, sharing what she experienced in Heaven and coming back to life. I highly recommend it to help cope with the death of a loved one. I’m currently reading “To Heaven and Back” by Mary C. Neal. It is about her story, a doctor’s account of her own experience of death, heaven and return to life with a new realization of her purpose on earth. Also, what helps to cope with her passing is keeping busy. My husband and I went on a road trip last week to the mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. We visited Williamsburg, Jamestown, Thomas Jefferson’s home Monticello and drove a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers for Lauren and our family along the way. When I posted about my daughter’s health update several weeks ago, my inbox was flooded with emails. I read each one of them, but it was impossible to reply to all of them. I sincerely appreciate everyone expressing their concern.
I have resumed working here on Classy Yet Trendy. It’s been difficult to get back in the swing of things and be creative again. I know that Lauren would want me to get back to work on my website and blog. She was always proud to tell everyone about my blog and that she was the one who got me started blogging. She was right! When I first discovered a fashion blog back in 2014, she told me that I ought to start one since I loved clothes. Well, I did and now it has grown to my full-time job!
I won’t be publishing any more of the Fall edition eBooks, but will resume all of them next month in November. I will be resuming the blog posts and also have plans in the works (hopefully soon) for a weekly newsletter. I absolutely love helping you all get dressed quickly everyday, whether it is with my Capsule Wardrobe eBooks or fashion tips blog posts!
What a lovely tribute to an obviously beautiful and vibrant soul. I have one child – a daughter – and cannot imagine what you are going through. But I can send my love and prayers, which I know I would want as well. You have such a powerful impact on those of us who rely on your talent and expertise in fashion, and I know your daughter’s life and experience will have a powerful impact in the world as well.
I read this today, with great sorrow, and I want to express my condolences. My heart is breaking for you, and I am praying for you, that the beautiful memories of your daughter bring you comfort. She really looked so much like you……You are such a beautiful person, inside and out….and I don’t know what it is like to loose a child, I can’t even begin to imagine. Love and Prayers……
Leanne, you have inspired me so much with your capsules and I can’t imagine what you are going through right now, but I am sure that your daughter has inspire so much people and that your tribute to her will continue to do so. I will pray for your family 🙂
I am so very sorry. I will keep you in my prayers. It breaks my heart that you have had this loss, yet I know Lauren will always be with you. You are incredibly brave. Much love to you and your husband.
Dear Leanne, I am so sorry to learn that your daughter passed away, my deepest condolences. Your tribute was beautiful. I look forward to your next blog when you feel ready x
Dear Leanne,
I am very sorry for the loss of your daughter. She sounded like a beautiful young woman inside and out. You and your family will be in my prayers. I love your blog. We all have Lauren to thank for that.
I send you the biggest hug. I can’t imagine what you’re going through xx
You and your daughter’s journey have touched me.
Thank you for mentioning the books that have been helpful to you.
One of the books I found to be inspiring and helpful is Hello from Heaven. It’s amazing to read how those have passed over find ways to communicate with us.
I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely daughter. She will continue blessing you with her presence from above. <3
How can you miss someone you didn’t even know? Through your writings, I feel like I have gotten to know Lauren a little. I miss what her faith and energy would have meant to this crazy world we live in. I read somewhere that some candles burn so bright that they are not meant to last for long. Lauren’s bright light will live on in your heart and the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory be a treasure and a guiding light to last forever more.
Mama bear. I am so sorry to hear this. There are no words, but I hope from all these messages you can feel our emotions pouring out for you! God bless!
Leanne, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to write about Lauren often. It sounds like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree and that Lauren shared your helping and loving spirit. I am so, so sorry that she is gone. I appreciate your willingness to be open with your followers, and send you prayers for peace, comfort and calm.
Thank you for updating us on how you are doing. Even though I don’t know you I think about you often. I wish you would have had more time with her here on earth. But, I am sure she is with you always.
Such a lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. My heart is breaking for you.
I would like to share a poem given to me when my father died at age 56. It has and is so helpful. Thinking of you and thanks for your wonderful blog!
MISS ME
When I come to the end of the Road
and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little – but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared;
Miss me – But let me go
For this is a journey we all must take
and each must go alone;
It’s all part of the Master’s Plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds;
Miss me – But let me go.
Author Unknown
A beautiful tribute to your daughter. Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. ????
You and your family are in my prayers. The strength you have shown through the tribute to your daughter is incredible.
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your husband.
Dear Leanne,
I am so sorry to read this post. Your daughter sounds like she was such a wonderful girl and will be so missed. Sending love, hugs, and prayers your way.
My heart goes out to you. I pray you find comfort in your happy memories and knowing you will be reunited someday.
I am so saddened to discover this news in my inbox. My prayers go out to you and your husband at this most difficult time.
My Condolences! Your memories will give you comfort.
So very sad to hear about your daughter! I wish you and your family all the strenghth you need….
What a wonderful tribute to your daughter. I could sense her beautiful soul. Sending you a large dose of prayers and comfort.
Your daughter Lauren has eternal life! She will always live on. Remember the reason why Christ came to earth – so that we could have eternal life. We are all everlasting. This is not death as in final. This is a life experience of which there will be many. I hope this brings you comfort. Grief can be worse without a belief system. You have your faith so you can hold on to that to help you get through those times when things feel at their toughest. I am genuinely sorry for the passing of your sweet girl. She was so young. Please look at the gifts that you have been blessed with – Lauren herself was a great blessing on your life and whilst it might be difficult to see past the possibilities that the future may have held, she blessed your life significantly by just being a part of that – your life! You blessed her also by being a part of her life. Looking at the blessings and gifts will help you through this time of sorrow and you will one day meet up with her again when it’s your turn to walk the path to heaven. May you continue to be shown the love and blessing from our Heavenly Father each and everyday. God bless you xx
Leanne,
I am so sorry for your daughter’s passing. You have written such a beautiful tribute to your daughter and her Faith. As a mother, I can only imagine how painful your grief must be. It is comforting to hear that you and your daughter were sent so many spiritual consolations. May the Holy Spirit continue to bless and comfort you and your family.
I’m so sorry to read this and so sorry for your loss.
Dear Leanne
How brave of you to write this wonderful tribute to your beautiful girl. My heart breaks for you but I do feel that parents are truly chosen for these very special children. Your talk of strengthened faith will be an inspiration to many.
love and prayers to you and your husband
Pamela
So very sorry to hear the news of your daughter’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your husband. Sending love and sympathy ❤️
I’m so sorry. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Leanne. Thank you for being willing to share your grief and your love for your daughter. Lauren sounded like a beautiful soul, and I’m sure she is in heaven, shining brighter now than ever. My deepest condolences to you and your husband. You are both in my prayers.
Leanne, my heart goes out to you at this time. I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious daughter. Mine is also named Lauren, and it seems our Mother-Daughter relationship is quite similar. I’m glad for you to have so many special memories together. I also am a Christian and have often had to lean on Faith to get me through as well. God’s got ya! I’ll continue to pray for your family.
~Danielle
Beautiful words… my heart breaks for you.
May I also suggest, “Imagine Heaven” by John Burke and “All Things New” by John Eldredge.
Prayers for all.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss on earth but as a Christian a beliver as well I’m glad we have hope and assurance that you will certainly see her again and your mother in law and gramma and most importantly Christ again one day for sure and live and eternally and have their new glorified sinless heals bodies will be a blessing to reunite and see and live for eternity forever once reunited
Psalm 116:15 King James Version (KJV)
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
2 Corinthians 5:8 King James Version (KJV)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Matthew 25:21 King James Version (KJV)
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
And as for you rember
Philippians 4:13-17 King James Version (KJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(you can and will )
2.
Romans 8:37 King James Version (KJV)
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (You are )
Anyway I will continue to keep you in prayer and the church and that the lord continues to give you the comfort the peace the will to keep getting stronger everyday until you meet all of the saints that have passed again and we as Christians know to die is gain and Romans 8:38-39 King James Version (KJV)
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Love your family in Christ
Hugs and prayers from Charlottesville. May God give you and yours extra strength and comfort this upcoming year.
My prayers are with you and your family – what a bright light your daughter obviously was and she did indeed sound so very wise. It sounds like her short life was impactful and full of meaning. Please take care of yourself. You know that you will see her again!
Sending lots of love and hugs to you Leanne and your family.
May your faith keep you strong and your wonderful memories sustain you through the journey.
I feel your sorrows and I can’t comprehend further as I know losing is a big thing. I just lost my dad and I am still carrying that pain. You are not alone I wish I could have a magic wand to just wave that out of your mind. Stay strong hon! Xxx
I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I can’t even pretend to know what you are going through but am so happy for your strong faith. May the assurance of where Lauren resides, and that you will be with her again, be a comfort to you.
Leanne,
Though I don’t know you – my heart is breaking for you and the loss of your daughter. What a lovely and heartwarming tribute to your daughter. As the mom of two daughters (one also named Lauren) – I understand the beautiful relationship between us girls.
My wish for you, that beyond the heartache; your beautiful daughter, Lauren’s, legacy will live on forever.
Leanne, I also lost a child. Please reach out to your local Compassionate Friends Support group. Also, husbands and wives grieve very differently- and this is ok. You may pm me if you ever want to talk privately.
Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for your entire family. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Leanne,
So sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your daughter is beautiful. Thank you also for sharing this with us. Through this blog you have helped many people with our fashion and now we can help you with prayers. May God hold you in His arms and give you peace.
Leanne,
I am weeping now as I just read your tribute to Lauren. My heart aches for you and your husband. I am also a Christian and was so glad to hear of her faith and yours. I have been praying and will continue to pray for you. It won’t be long until we are all with Jesus for eternity. How sweet that will be. You know she is with our sweet Lord, who loves you and loves Lauren so much. Thank you for being an inspiration. Love, Pat Biggerstaff
Oh, my heart goes out to you Leanne. The loss of your beautiful, bright daughter is just crushing. You are a strong, amazing woman and such a wonderful mother. I wish you love and peace as you struggle to pick up the pieces.
I feel compelled to send my condolences to you. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I pray that your faith be strengthened during this difficult time. Cling to Jesus and be comforted in His arms.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. I also wanted to let you know how much your daughters teen capsule has helped me and my own daughter shop. Your post here is so kind and encouraging.
My heart breaks for you, Leeanne. I am grateful you have allowed us to bear witness to your challenging journey. Your beautiful daughter will always be with you; your bond is eternal. You were blessed to be her mom, and she still needs you to know she walks beside you. Keep reading those helpful books and paying attention to your daughter’s signs. Your relationship has changed ,and that is a singular heartache on the physical plane, but there is so much more. You can still have a relationship with your daughter in spirit. We are the ones who are limited here. Her journey continues and she is not alone. Wishing you comfort, peace and hope.
I was very sad to see the news about your daughter when I checked my email today. I can only imagine how it feels. I have been praying for you. It is wonderful to hear that you and your daughter believe in Jesus, and that she is with Him in Heaven right now! What amazing hope and comfort we have in Jesus!
All can say is, I am sorry. Your daughter sounded like wonderful, strong, and loving young lady.
Praying for you.
Leanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I’m so sorry for your loss. I am thankful for your faith. I will be praying for you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family as you grieve this unimaginable heartache.
What a heartbreaking journey and a beautiful tribute to your daughter. So very sorry to hear she has passed. My sympathies to you and your husband. I’ve thought of y’all often.
My heart breaks for you. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I lost my first husband to a brain tumor when we were both very young and I understand the particular agony that comes with this kind of illness. Give yourself LOTS of time and don’t be in a hurry to return to “normal.” You’ll return to something else, entirely–a new normal–in time. Be gentle with yourself and know that grief will come in waves. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re drowning but have faith that you will surface again.
Leanne thank you for sharing Lauren’s story. I have been praying for your family since you first shared this heartbreaking news after your Disney trip. Cancer seems to affect everyone I know, and just 6 months ago my husband was dx with stage 4 prostate cancer. How much I hate cancer and how it robs us of precious time with our loved ones. But your story shows us there is so much more with faith and love. Thank God we have that to give us strength to continue to grow in love until we are reunited in God’s love. Keep on with your gift if fashion, and minimalism to help us find what’s important in our lives. Prayers for you and your husband!
I wish you all the strength to overcome this great lost. I was shocked to hear the news. Such a lovely young lady she really looks like her mother.
I wish your family also strength to give this great lost a place in your daily live.
I am looking forward to read about the advice about classes yet trendy.
My pry is for you and your family.
Awwwww. Leanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Lauren. May she rest in peace and may her memory be eternal. May the love of family and friends lift you and your family up during this time of sorrow. You are surrounded by people who care that you are hurting. In deepest sympathy, Valerie
Oh my gosh I’m so very sorry to hear this news Leanne. I wish i could just hug you and comfort you. Your daughter is healthy and whole again in Heaven. She inspired you and you have inspired countless others. Thank you for all you do and thank you for being so brave and sharing your journey with us. I will pray for you and yours. Che
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Thank you for all the hard work you put into your brand and how it has inspired many of us to feel and look better in our own lives. I was happy to hear that it was your daughter who encouraged you to start blogging. Both of you have had a great impact on many women ❤️
I was so sad to read this when I got this on my inbox. I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what it’s like to lose a child. Just trying to imagine it already brings tears to my eyes. I may not know you personally, but please know that my thoughts are with you and your family during this very trying time. Your faith in God is strong, and I believe it will see you through this. Please know that there are many of us who support you, and the time and effort you put into the capsule wardrobe e-books. I continue to support you because the quality of your work is exceptional and it’s very obvious the amount of work you put into it. Lauren is very proud of you.
I am so very sorry for your loss Leanne. My heart goes out to you and your family xxx
Emma
The Word read “those who mourn will be comforted…” Trusting GOD to bring your family through this time. ????????
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful–inside and out–daughter. I wish you and your family peace and healing as you cope with this tragedy.
I have read your blog for a couple of years now, and never has your faith in God shown so boldly as in this poignant tribute to your daughter, Lauren. HE is with you in your anguish, in each step ..and through your words I can clearly see that. So very sorry for your loss. SaraB
Beautiful tribute for your beautiful daughter. My heart breaks for you. Sending my thoughts and love. How wonderful for your daughter to push you to do the things you love while she was here, just imagine her power to inspire you as she watches from above ❤️
My heart goes out to you and your husband. I am so very sorry for the loss of your daughter. This was a beautiful tribute to her and I know she is very proud of you. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
– Mary Elizabeth Frye
Leanne, I feel such deep sadness for you as you go through this trial in your life. I too have a deep abiding faith in our Father in Heaven and in his son Jesus Christ and I know that it is only as we lean on them and look to them for comfort that we are able to continue on each day when we experience such heartbreak in our lives. Lauren sounds like an amazing young woman. Heavenly Father loves you very much to have entrusted such a beautiful spirit to your care for her earthly journey. May your memories of your beautiful daughter and the time you spent together bring you some measure of peace and the knowledge you have of seeing her again, bring you some hope. My prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences to you and your family. What a beautiful tribute to your daughter.
I’m so very sorry to hear this news about your daughter.
Thank you for sharing your daughter’s tribute. I hesitated to open your email because I was afraid this would be the news. Reading the “near death” stories of others has been such a blessing to me in the passing of loved ones. It’s also made me more aware of their presence in our lives after their passing. A friend of mine sees a cardinal whenever she thinks about or talks about her dad. As she was telling me about it a cardinal landed in the yard where we were sitting. I hope you will feel peace in knowing Lauren is near you in spirit. Prayers to your family.
I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family have been in my prayers, and will continue to be. Your Remembrance is beautiful and beautifully written. Remember, you’re never alone. Blessings to you!
Dear Leanne, my heart is breaking for you. I can’t imagine losing your child. Like you, I have one child, a daughter, and I couldn’t imagine being able to go on. I salute your strength in carrying on.
Lauren’s lovely inside and out. I am so glad she had those spiritual moments as I feel God allowed this to give great comfort to you, Lauren, and the rest of your family and friends.
I had been praying for Lauren’s recovery since the first time you posted about her tumors/cancer. I shall pray for you to find comfort and joy and peace.
My goodness, this is very sad. I truly hope when you go Lauren is the first person you see as she will be welcoming you.
All the best.
Leanne, I’m so sorry for your loss of Lauren. A beautiful young woman, inside and out. My heart grieves with yours, lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Thank you for posting that beautiful tribute to Lauren. She was such a source of positive energy and joy. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. What an incredibly difficult road to travel. I can’t even imagine the anger, pain, and sadness you must be feeling. My heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing such a hard time for you and your family. You have touched my heart, and I wish there was a way to help ease your heartache. I do love your wardrobe advice, it’s helped me enjoy my days a little more because I feel more confident when I wear your outfits. I’ll always remember your daughter as being the one who inspires you that inspires me!!! Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss.
Leanne, I write this message with tears swelling in my eyes. You and your family have gone through so much and I extend my deepest sympathy. You and Lauren’s have inspired so many of us. Every moment is precious. You are in my thoughts.
Leanne,
Your daughter sounds like she had a life well-lived, though not nearly as long as it should have been. You deserve to be proud of her, and I hope that your sadness will eventually be overridden by the sweet memories. My condolences and lots of warm, virtual hugs.
Thank you, Leanne, for the beautiful update and tribute to your daughter and for sharing. Beautiful young lady. Nice to see you in the dressing room again. I think Lauren’s spirit is right there with you, and always will be.
Welcome back! You and your family are constantly in my thoughts. Lauren would be happy that you’ve made the decision to return.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I also have a daughter who is my buddy and can’t even imagine going on without her. God bless you, strengthen you and wrap you in His perfect peace.
Leanne,
I’m so sorry for your loss. While I have experienced the loss of several family members I’ve been close to, I have never lost a child. I can’t even imagine the kind of pain you must be carrying every day. Lauren sounds like she was a wonderful daughter. I’m praying for you to feel the consolation of Jesus during the difficult road ahead. Your post made me cry. There just are no adequate words to say how sorry I am that you have been asked to endure this.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you and your daughter often since I read your last post. You’re in my prayers!
I am so sorry. What a special soul! I know she is with God, but that sure doesn’t help with missing her now. Much love.
I am so very sorry to hear this heartbreaking news, Leanne. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for encouraging us in faith in the midst of your deep sorrow. Our most heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family.
Dear Leanne, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter Lauren. I thank you for letting us know that she is now in Heaven. I have been praying for you both. What a beautiful angel in the photos that you shared of her with us, and what a beautiful tribute to her. I will continue to pray for you and your healing from this devastating loss.
Leanne, I was so sad to hear this news of your daughter Lauren’s passing. I can only imagine the pain and heartache that you are suffering. I don’t have any words that can possibly make this better for you, just know that I am praying for you and your family.
So so sorry for your loss and pain. I’m sure if you stop and listen carefully, you will feel her presence especially on days that are difficult for you. Remember them and when you get to finally see her again, you can see how often she was by your side.
Take time to breathe and remember her each day.
You will be in my prayers.
Your daughter Lauren is beautiful. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Thank you for sharing. Your courage is inspiring.
She was beautiful and perfect. No parent should have to go through what you are experiencing. My heart breaks for you. I also have an only child, a daughter named Lauren. May God bring you comfort hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute.
Selfishly, I am glad that you will continue working. I’ve come to rely on you to help me with my work clothes. I don’t really enjoy others’ blogs and posts the way I enjoy yours (and your ebooks). Keep making a difference, my friend. 🙂 And, if some days you don’t feel like it, that’ll be okay.
Your remembrance post is heartbreaking and amazing at the same time. I cannot think of anything to say except blessings and peace to you and your family.
Dear Leanne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. Many thanks to Lauren (as I look heaven-ward) for encouraging you to start your blog! I will also pray for you as you navigate through this very painful time. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Dear Leanne,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Lauren. Thank you for sharing your lovely tribute to her. I lost my 10 month old son three years ago. His 4th birthday is this month. Although he was a baby, he truly was an old soul as well. I wish you peace and comfort today and every day. The pains softens over time. Grief is love and love never ends. Remember to be gentle on yourself.
Also, I recommend “It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand” by Megan Devine. It’s the only book that I found insightful and relatable.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers. You are such a brave mom. No wonder she was so brave she clearly got some of it from you! My heart breaks for you in your time of loss. May God be with you in this time and wrap His arms of love around you.
You and your daughter have made an impact in my life with your story and I’m sure it will continue to!
Thank you for all the work you do as well. I very very much appreciate your capsules. <3
Please be gentle with yourself as you learn to live without your lovely Lauren.
Thank you so much for sharing her story and her photos.
Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and thoughts as you adapt and adjust to your new situation.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Lauren’s passing. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. Praying for peace and comfort for you until you meet again in heaven. Her love lives on inside of you and she will always be in your heart xx
My heart is breaking for you! I am in awe of the light you have shared about your daughter’s life. What a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing her faith and love with us.
I am so sorry to hear of Lauren’s death. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. You’ll continue to be in my prayers.
Leanne,
I feel sad and heartbroken at your loss. Your tribute to Lauren is beautiful and I admire your strength. May you continue to find strength knowing she is proud of you and there are many of us who care and are thinking of you.
What a lovely tribute to Lauren. I know there aren’t any words that can ease or describe your pain. I will be praying for your family.
Leanne, send you lots of love. Was wishing to never see this happening. You are a sweet soul and a fighter.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. You and your dear family are in my prayers. God bless you and your sweet Lauren.
I’m shocked and so sorry for your loss! I had prayed for your daughter and was hoping for a miracle. My dad passed away in March, which has been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, but I can’t imagine losing one of my children. My heart just breaks for you.
Dear Leanne we pray for you. God bless you and your family.
I am also so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers
It is amazing to me that your faith has continued to be so strong through all of this . That alone is a gift from God , showing people how to survive such tragedy with Him. My heart goes out to you being the mother of one daughter myself, it is unimaginable. You have been so brave to share your heart& story. I reach out to you with love&prayers. God bless you in every way as you step out in faith to live out God’s plan in this new season of your life. May all of your supporters prayers uphold you.
Leanne
Thank you for sharing about your beautiful daughter, Lauren, and about your faith in Jesus. I am praying for you
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. We are thinking of you & sending best wishes.
Like so many of your followers, I’ve watched you on this journey with Lauren and I so wished it to have a different outcome. Your tribute to your daughter was beautiful, your faith is strong, and I have no doubt that your lovely girl will continue to love and guide you. I wish you joy and peace in your life, and I thank you for what you add to mine.
I am so sorry for your loss!! What a wonderful tribute to Lauren!! We will always remember her!! God Bless you and your family!!
Words are inadequate, really, but I wish you peace.
Words are inadequate, really, but I am sorry and wish you peace.
Reading these comments has strengthened me to know so many women believe as I do that families are eternal! I know God sent His son, in part, to not only allow us to be reunited again, but also to have someone to turn to and help carry us during our grief. You and I will see our loved ones again. We just have to wait!!I also have faith that every mortal experience that we are denied in this life(i.e. you not being able to see Lauren raise her own children) will be made up to you in the next life. Thank you for graciously sharing these sacred experiences with us. I will follow you forever!!❤️❤️❤️
I am so sorry – thank you for sharing with us. All my love and hugs to you.
I just read about your daughter’s passing and can’t even imagine all you and your family have recently been through. From personal experience, I know that God will bring peace and comfort to you at exactly the moments you need to experience His prescence. God’s love and blessings!
Dear Leanne,
Thank you for sharing your story and pictures of your beautiful daughter. Keeping you in my prayers. Love, Sue
Leanne, I just read this story and I realized that it has been exactly one month since your daughter’s passing. I am heartbroken for you. I have a daughter the same age and I can’t imagine what you are going through. But you are fortunate, you have confidence that you will see her again in Heaven someday. Thank you for sharing your story and your faith. As believers, we can be confident that God always has a plan and purpose but that doesn’t negate your pain and grief. I am praying for your comfort during this sad and difficult time, and for those around you to shower you with His love.
“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Ten Boom
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have been following your story ever since I purchased a style guide from you and was very sad to hear this news. I can not imagine what you are going through and I think of you often. I love that you are continuing your work as you know your daughter would want you to.
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Lauren. I enjoyed the photos – she is beautiful. The bond between a mother and daughter is strong and fierce, and I wish you strength and comfort in the days ahead. May God bless you and keep you.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have followed you for a long time and apreciate your work. This was really tragic and sad news.
Love,
Erika in Sweden
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the lovely relationship the two of you had.
Leanne, I just read this post today, and I am so sorry for your loss. I have two daughters just a little older than her, and I can’t even imagine how devastating Lauren’s passing has been for you. And yet, the story of her faith is so beautiful and encouraging. Thank you for sharing both your joy and pain with us. I remember praying for her when you first posted about her cancer, as my father was suffering through cancer treatments of his own. He passed away in May, and so I took some time away from following your blog and others. You will be in my prayers again.
Dear Leanne,
Your daughter Lauren was an angel. She was wise beyond her years, and strong. My heartfelt condolences for your loss of a remarkable, beautiful, brave daughter. I am so sorry.
May her memory always be a blessing,
Anne
Thinking of you as you have your first Christmas with your precious daughter in Heaven. I don’t know what else to say. So much love and thousands of prayers go up for you and your family,