It’s been a while since I last wrote on this blog.  I know I have used this blog to talk about Laura and some of the grief it seems more so than the so many memories of fun times and the laughter we shared when she was with us.

Today is Laura’s birthday. She would have been 27 years old.  It’s hard to believe that she would have been well on her way in life and I always imagine and wonder what she would be doing.  Would she be in love?  Married?  Have her own child by now?  Will she have traveled and done the things that I didn’t do when I was her age?  I know I would have encouraged her for sure to see some of the world.

Always Laughing and Smiling

Her memories of the smiles, the laughs, the funny and silly things we used to do are always present.  I will always remember how I cut myself accidentally (pretty bad) because I was having such a good time making her laugh and in spite of the pain I still smile thinking of that one moment.

Laura was and is my Angel.  She blessed my life in so many ways.  I experienced things I never would have had she not graced my life with her presence and presents.  She truly was a gift to me.  I got to be a dad and learned so much because of her and I am and will be forever grateful.  She was in every sense the perfect child.  Laura spoke Italian, English, was learning French in school and she also knew sign language.  She gave of her time to help her friends.  I am so proud of her as her father.

She used to get into trouble with her cousin Letizia who was more like a sister as they grew up together and spent as much time together as possible.

Yes, I may have spoiled her at times but who wouldn’t do that?  I was the proud father who took her out on Sundays all dressed up in her girly dresses and patent leather shoes.  I am grateful for all that I had with Laura.  I still get to enjoy all of that today and every day.  Her memories are always with me and she truly does live on in my heart and in the hearts of those she touched.  I carry some of her pictures with me in my Gratitude Journal so I get to start my day with a smile.

Such an Angel …

Thank You Laura for your gift of unconditional love. You were and are my greatest teacher.

Thank You … I Love You … Daddy