Friends --
The link on the title of this post will take you to Laura's obituary in the Kansas City Star. In summary, the visitation is from 6:30-8:30 on Thursday and the funeral service is at 11:00 on Friday. Both will be held at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. See www.cor.org for the address and other information.
I am really looking forward to seeing those of you that can make it later this week. For those of you that cannot, I will see you soon! Regardless of your physical presence, your love and support is deeply felt. I have received many emails, phone calls, and postings on this blog. I am sorry I cannot respond to every one, but I want to when the time comes soon. I have listened to or read every one of them... they are a source of joy and comfort!
For those of you that may be traveling to Kansas City and may be interested in air travel assistance, our funeral director gave me this: call 800-224-4177, use reference #2770. This may provide you with bereavement fare at a reduced rate. I am sorry I didn't have the opportunity to post this sooner. But, if you have already made plans, I would suggest checking anyway to see if discounts are available.
We had a good day! Laura is constantly in my thoughts and everything reminds me of her, and as every hour goes by I feel even more blessed to be her husband and to have made this journey with her. As I told her friend Tina today -- if I could do it again, even with knowing the pain of her loss would come.... I would! I would not trade a moment. She changed me as a person, and I will focus my life on our incredible kids just as we both have with her watching over all of us.
Now, I am going to bed to cuddle with Momo, she is sleeping soundly. I am betting Jack will be in our room when he wakes up in the middle of the night as usual, so I will leave a little space for him too!
I hope peace is with all of you.... goodnight.
Michael
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
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17 comments:
I am very sad to hear this news even though Laura suffered so much and that is gone now. I feel sadness for the whole family and wish the best to all of you. Laura was my Director at Creme and a great women. I remember little Jack in our toddler room. She made everyone feel special and loved and it showed in her kids and the people she worked with. She will missed dearly and remembered everyday! She truly fraught for what she loved and that was her life.
Sincerely with my condolences,
Lindsy Schoenberger
Mike,
I am so very sorry for your loss. You and the kids will be in my prayers. I never had the chance to meet Laura but after reading these blog entries and other info about Laura's journey, her courage has touched me. Take care of yourself and those beautiful kids!
Leon Zinck
Michael, Morgan, and Jack,
I am so sorry to hear about Laura. She touched my life and helped me find my path in life. I worked at Creme with her and had the pleasure of having Jack in my class for Infants and Toddlers. Laura was such an inspiration to me in that she researched and was so knowledgeable about everything health related. After my experiences with healthcare, I left Creme to become a nurse so I can try and make an impact. Laura was my inspiration in my path.
I know that she will be greatly missed and you guys will be in my prayers. If you should ever need anything, please let me know.
Love,
Michelle VanWinkle
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. I have prayed for Laura since I met her at the Young Survivor's dinner. Her inner beauty, grace and strength shone brightly that night when she won her award. I left the event that night knowing I had met a very special person.
Michael, Morgan & Jack -
I was so stunned to hear the news about Laura. It is comforting to know she is no longer in pain, but my heart aches for you and all who were privileged to meet her. Laura was a beautiful person inside and out whose greatest joy was her family.
She gave such a moving speech when she accepted the Jana Peters “Life is Good” Honor at the YSC In Living Pink Gala in September and it was my honor to introduce her. I have no doubt she is smiling and laughing in heaven now. I picture Jana there to greet her with wide open arms. I know they would have been fast buddies.
It will take some time to recover from this, but her friends will get back out there doing what she would want us to do – educating, supporting and fighting for others.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I or the YSC can do to help you all.
With love and support,
Jen Johnson
Michael --
I had the privilege of meeting Laura at my first cancer support group meeting. I was lucky enough to spend time with her via occasional lunches and spin classes at Lifetime. Reading her blog was part of my regular routine. Through all of those encounters with Laura, I was left feeling inspired by her and increasingly encouraged. I watched her vehemently fight and advocate for her own health and others.
It was Laura who encouraged me to pursue genetic testing even though my oncologist tried to dissuade me (statistically I shouldn't be a carrier) and the insurance company wasn't supporting it either. Thankfully I took a note from Laura's "book of well being" because in the end, I was found to indeed be a carry of the BRAC2 gene. Like Laura would say, "it's just information and it doesn't mean I'm an automatic statistic". Thankfully, this information allows me to be even more proactive about my health than I otherwise would've been. I could quite possibly be alive and healthy today because of Laura's inspiration. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I am a better person for having known Laura.
Please know that I'll be holding you, Morgan and Jack ever so close in prayer these coming weeks. I will be praying that God's peace consume you as well as prayers of thanksgiving for Laura's life and legacy on this earth.
God Bless
Tracey Thomas
As I sit here trying to find the words to express how I feel. I think of all the good times we all had in college and Teresa, Laura & I as roommates. Mike, Laura was such an amazing person. Full of life, hope, & strength in everything she did in life. I remember when you first started dating and you told Reggie you were going to marry her after your first date. Laura of course didn't make decisions that quickly but she felt the same way not too long after. You guys were meant to be together and made a wonderful couple and family as Momo and Jack entered your lives as well. You are an amazing man as well and I wish you peace and strength during this time. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Laura I love you dearly!
Michael,
I keep thinking of an old song by Christopher Cross called "Think of Laura"...Although we all can't help but shed some tears, the refrain of the songs says "When you think of Laura
Laugh don't cry
I know she'd want it that way". That is so true of Laura.
I will forever treasure the time that I spent with Laura at Andersen, our work trip to New York and our many, many lunches. Her love, determination and strength are an inspiration to all who knew her.
You, Morgan and Jack are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's peace be with you.
Kerri O'Brien
Mike,
Although I haven't seen or talked to you since High School, I wanted to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. Lucinda called this evening and told me the your wife had past away over the weekend. I've been on Laura's blog for the past couple hours reading about her journey and breast cancer fight. What an amazing woman! She made me cry and laugh. Her strength came from you, Morgan and Jack and I hope that the three of you can find the same strength in your journey through life ahead. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Cathy (Christensen) Niebergall
My Heart goes out her Family and Friends.
I lost my Daughter on April 29 this year to Cervical Cancer.
She left to Boys behing, 3 and 7 years of age.
She was 36 also.
Mike,
From everyone at Boys State in NJ, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Word passed quickly among all the staff and those who had the honor of meeting you in Indy the past few years. You will be in our prayers and our thoughts in the days and months to come. I am pleased to see that in this loss you have such a great network of family, friends and supporters. If you need anything from any of us, you know how to reach us. God bless you during this time. May He grant you peace, love and strength with each new sunrise. Take care of your family through all of this, and remember you have a boys state family that will take care of you if you need. Much love from all of us.
To the family of Laura Plunkett:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Laura will always be a part of your hearts and memories and to know that she was loved and respected by many should bring some comfort. Also, may you find peace in the fact that Laura touched so many so positively.
May God grant and give you strength through this most difficult time.
Joe Frank
Mike - My heart goes out to you and your family. You will continue to be in my prayers. It has been a blessing to witness the remarkable strength and courage both Laura and you displayed throughout this entire process.
Todd Branson
Mike,
I'm so sorry for your loss, and also sad that I never knew Laura. Your blogs are so inspiring. My best friend is currently going through treatment for breast cancer and I appreciated your words to those still fighting to live.
Peace to you and your family.
~Heather Vincent
Michael, Larry, Suella and family,
I was shocked to learn of Laura's passing. I'll always cherish having worked with her on Kansas City Voices magazine and remembering what a vibrant, energetic and creative person she was. I'm sure her spirit remains close with her family and with all of us who knew her. May you find comfort in God's grace.
In sympathy,
Mark Scheel
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, “Come to me”.
You didn’t deserve what you went through,So He gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
(by Author Unknown)
Mike,
We're so very sorry for your loss and the hurt you feel. You are in our family's prayers every day.
Although I never met Laura, I got a glimpse of her through the man that you are.
We're wishing you fond and comforting memories through this difficult time.
- Chris Luttjohann
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