Laura's Story: A Life Well Lived, A Journey Continued

It’s been over a month since Laura passed, and the absence of her voice in my daily life has left a profound silence. This quiet has given me time to reflect deeply on who Laura was to me and to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Laura was incredibly private about her battle with cancer. She didn't want anyone to see her differently or feel pity for her. As a result, many people were unaware of just how ill she was. But Laura faced her journey with grace and acceptance, focusing on living fully and embracing what she could control, rather than dwelling on what she couldn’t change.

Over the past two years, we shared countless conversations, but one in particular stands out. When I asked her if she had a “bucket list,” she simply said no. Laura had already lived her life in a way that was true to herself, accomplishing everything that mattered to her. Her response didn’t surprise me; Laura was one of those rare individuals who knew herself deeply and lived authentically. She had a unique ability to understand and accept those around her for who they truly were.

As I think about her, I’m reminded of the things she loved. Laura had a deep love for her family—she was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sibling. She was passionate about her work, having owned her own business and made a significant impact there. She adored the Como Conservatory, Grand Marais, and had an affinity for books, especially the Harry Potter series. Laura also had a remarkable talent for photography, capturing moments with an artist’s eye.

In the last five years, we shared some wonderful travel experiences together. We went to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion, and I had the chance to see the city through her eyes—at 5 a.m., not because we’d been out partying, but because Laura was an early riser who enjoyed the quiet of the city at dawn. We also explored Universal Studios California and wandered through the wizarding world of Harry Potter, a shared joy of ours. This past June, Laura took me on a day trip to Grand Marais, driving up from the Twin Cities, enjoying the journey, and coming back home the same day. She frequently did this same trip to Grand Marais on her free weekends.

Laura’s love for books was remarkable; she could listen to audiobooks at a speed that seemed impossible to me. One of her favorite series was Harry Potter, and it feels right to continue her journey through these books. I plan to send them out into the world, allowing her passion for storytelling to live on and touch others as she would have wanted.

Laura's presence may no longer fill our daily lives, but her spirit and the love she shared continue to resonate. Her journey, her passions, and her remarkable ability to live fully remain a guiding light, reminding us all to embrace life with the same courage and authenticity she did.