Last week, on Jan. 18, I posted this story:
Little did I know, Laura had died that same day.
I only got the news today. According to an Instagram post about her, Laura developed meningitis and went into a coma earlier this month.
Perhaps her mind and body could finally take no more.
I knew Laura for nearly seven years. I heard the horror stories that led to her being homeless and then the new wave of horror stories once she was living on the streets.
How much can one kind soul take before wanting to go home?
I have so much more I could say about my friend Laura and all the wonderful conversations she and I enjoyed. But that will have to wait until I process this a little more. I just can’t do justice to her yet.
It’s not the first time a homeless woman I’ve helped has passed away but this time, it feels different.
For now, here’s a brief video she made for me before the lockdowns:
Laura touched so many lives and left a legacy of kindness, strength, resilience, intelligence, creativity, and art. May her spirit inspire you to rise above your circumstances, reach for your dreams, and never stop helping and giving along the way.
Please do your best to maintain a loving and generous mindset — and to resist judging others no matter what.
Please, please keep Laura D. in your prayers. And now that she sits with God, I’m absolutely certain she’d be happy to pass along your prayers and petitions. Tell her Mickey Z. sent ya…
I am so very sorry for your loss.💗🙏🏼💗
R.I.P. Laura :(