Lauren

Lauren is my 11 year old daughter.  Lauren is the kindest, most gentle creature.  She has a very tender heart that is easily three times the size of the average heart.  She is still very innocent and her default mode is to assume the best in everyone.  She is a peace maker, always trying to orchestrate a compromise so that everyone is happy.  She is quiet, but not meek, fun loving and silly.  She wears her heart on her sleeve and is generous with her love.  My words don't do her justice.

Lauren is going to middle school next year.  She has traveled from 2nd to 5th grade with the same group of kids and she has made some really good friends.  But her absolute most bestest friend is Analise.  They are going to separate middle schools next year, and I am heartbroken for her. 

Analise had a birthday party and Lauren wrote her a birthday card.  It was sincere and genuine and spoke of Lauren's character better than I could ever articulate.  It shows the depth and beauty of Lauren's love as only Lauren can.

 "Analise, I hope today is everything you hoped for.  I loved the last four years together.  I hope we'll have more to share.  Eleanor Roosevelt once said, 'Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart'.  I'm happy to say you left those footprints.  You mean so much to me, you cheered me up on my gray days, you helped me out of my shell, you mean the world to me.  Even if we make new friends, even if we go to different schools, I still love you!  Love, Lauren E."

If only we all loved one another with a love so pure...

Lauren and Analise at their 5th grade graduation