Words can't fully describe the Beauty Of Mother Laurie, or at least that's how I referred to her. My last embrace with her was at Andrea's wedding when we just stood silent for a moment and held each other before I left that day. I remember her simply telling me that she loved and appreciated me being there and that she would rather have no one else to capture the moments of that day, and I too returning the sentiment. Most of you may not know but Andrea and I were best friends growing up and Mother Laurie was the absolute best Mother figure that I could've asked for during that time in my life. She was the Mother who everyone loved and wanted to be close friends with! Whether we were swooning over wrestlers in Monday Night Raw, players on 49er turf or the actors on General Hospital, she was simply a woman you just wanted to be around. And who could forget the poster of Mr Magnum P.I. himself behind the kitchen door? The thing I appreciated the most about her was her ability to let me and Andrea be who we were, with all of our weird tendencies, she let us to be the girls we simply wanted to be. I those days, the Lewis family had officially adopted me and I happily accepted. I practically lived at their house and both families would make major sacrifices for me and Andrea to always be together, because three nights a week at dance practice simply wasn't enough! There was always happiness, love, music and a ton of dancing going on in those days, and I will forever cherish those memories. But it wasn't until I got my ass handed to me by Mother Laurie for a teenage altercation, that my deepest love and admiration for her grew. Laurie was a extremely protective mother of her children and I just stood there and excepted her wrath, not only because I deserved it , but because I deeply respected her. But as graceful as she was, she yelled then hugged and forgave. Being there for the family at the wedding this past summer is now also one of my fondest memories. I wasn't just there to capture the moments of the day, but I was able to grow closer with Andrea yet again and had the opportunity to be with Laurie and Father Dave, one big happy family like the good ol' days! My love for the Lewis family is deep and I am thankful to have spent as much time with all of them and to have them be such a integral part of my life. I must now say that Heaven has gained a beautiful angle and those of us left here will miss her deeply. Laurie was always loving, strong and fabulous!Love and respect you always!Stephanie
