Chapter 20

  October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

  Laura was so excited about this month.  As she put it… “This month is all about PINK!”  Laura decided she was going to wear something pink every day.  And if Laura was going to wear pink, that meant all of us at work were going to wear pink too.

  October is dedicated to bringing awareness to breast cancer.  But to Laura, this month was about giving back.  She started the day by baking 160 ribbon and heart shaped cookies.  Each one frosted with pink icing.  She planned to deliver these to the places she loved, the Doctor’s office, 54^th St. Restaurant, Culver’s, and of course to all the girls at work.  She even had some to donate to the bake sale.

  Laura journaled about her cookie creations.  She wrote…

 “Day one of pink month.  160 cookies.  This month is about giving back! Life is good!”  She sent me a picture.  Her kitchen table was covered with breast cancer ribbon shaped cookies.  Some frosted with pink icing and others with white.  Words written on them about Hope and Love.  The heart shaped cookies, she made only for a select few.  She turned the heart upside down and iced a bikini top which made the round part look like boobs.  They turned out cute.  This project of hers took more than one day to complete.  It’s a good thing she started early.      

  Everyone who knows Laura, is aware of her love for Christmas.  Laura purchased a small Christmas tree and placed in front of her living room window.  She decorated it with breast cancer ornaments she had purchased throughout the year and a few she had received as gifts.  She used pink ribbon and pink bulbs to fill in the gaps and topped it with a beautiful pink bow.  Laura took an average tree and turned into one about her.  Laura LOVES her breast cancer tree.  It became one of her favorite things.  There were days when I would text her, asking her what she was doing.  Her answer was… “I’m looking at my tree!  I love it!”  I would laugh and remind her this was October NOT December.  Don’t worry, she didn’t forget about it being fall.  At the base of her tree were pumpkins.  You guessed it!  They were painted pink.

  Laura texted me early one morning asking me if I was watching a certain television show.  They were doing a segment on breast cancer.  I had to get ready for work, so I wasn’t able to watch.  Laura said they were interviewing a breast cancer survivor.  She told me a little of her story and then said, “The lady they are interviewing described her cancer as… “A year of hell.  I believe that!”  I answered her back by saying, ‘Well that’s a pretty good way to put it.’  Laura said, “See… Some people ‘get it’, like us.  We understand.  That’s why we are going to live our lives to the fullest.  Being happy and caring about everyone.  Life is too short.  I am going to live my life being happy and knowing God is always with me.  Thank you for being there and going thru this with me.  I can’t thank you enough.  I am truly blessed.”  I had to get ready for work, so I answered with, ‘Have a good day.’  She sent me another text saying, “I’m working on the cookies today.  This is between you and me (the cookies).  Tomorrow I am getting my hair cut.  Maybe you could bring me a drink.”  ‘Sure, not a problem.  BTW, I thought of Christine this morning.’  Laura… “I think of her often.  I am trying to be more like her.”

  I didn’t realize this when I first wrote this chapter, but thought it was funny on how chemo changes things.  I also think it’s funny some of the things Laura writes about.  I will let her journal entry tell about her hair appointment…

  “Today I did a little cleaning and was able to skype with the preschool kids.  Was able to get my hair trimmed today.  Amber checked my eyebrows to see if they needed waxing.  She looked and decided to try.  When she removed it, the cloth had blonde hair on it.  Wow!  I have curly grey/black hair and blonde eyebrow hair.  So funny.”

  It was Sunday and Laura was still feeling good.  Laura, David, Austin, Rachel, Jared, Amanda, and the grandkids, all went to the pumpkin patch.  Everyone had a great time.  Laura talked about this day with excitement.  She shared with me, how she enjoyed watching Caleb ride bikes and playing in the corn pit.  She talked about how she loved watching him pick out his pumpkin.  I know it was an important day to her, this is what she wrote…

  “I am happy!  We went to the pumpkin patch as a family today.  It was a good day!  It was a little cool, but it was good.  I am enjoying my life.  Life is so good!  I might not be obeying Doctor’s orders.  But I wouldn’t miss this for anything!”   

  I knew she wasn’t supposed to be out in public.  But after that text, there was no way I was going to get on her case.  She was happy!  Very happy!!  And if you think about it… Well technically, she was outside.  Not necessarily in public.

  I get a phone call around 9 P.M.  It’s Laura.  I hear the nervous laughter in her voice.  I ask, “What is wrong?’  She quietly says to me in the midst of her giggling, “I need you to send me my chemo day messages.  All of them. Starting at round 2.”  ‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  You lost them again??’ 

Yeah, somehow, she deleted them off her phone… Again!  I gave her a hard time by saying, ‘Do you know how much time and effort I have put into those chemo messages?”  Then I laughed.  In typical Laura fashion, she tells me, “Hush! Just resend them to me.”  I asked her again, ‘Why?  Why do you need them?  You are about done with chemo.  They are just a bunch of words.’  Laura’s answer to me was this, “They mean a lot to me.  That’s why.”

  Believe me, I have learned my lesson from the past.  NEVER erase anything!  I hung up the phone and sent them to her again.  All 10 of them.  After a few minutes I get a text, “I got them all.  Thank you!  They mean something to me.  That’s all that matters.” 

  To this day, I still don’t understand why she wanted to keep them.  It’s not like you would sit around and re-read them.  Who knows??  Maybe she does.  I’m just telling you… I don’t get it!

  Monday after work, I sent Laura a bold text… 

‘RULE BREAKER!  What a turd!  Some day when you are in a nursing home, I am going to see your picture on TV because you will have escaped!’   She answers me back, “What are you talking about?”  I say, ‘How’s that staying out of public places going?’  Laura… “Did Rachel post something?”  I said, ‘YES!’ 

  Laura had a girl’s day.  The picture Rachel posted was of all the girls together, including Laura’s mom.  They had lunch together, ran a few errands, and everyone got their nails done.   Laura’s answer… “I am enjoying life!  Being happy!  I am moving forward and living my life to the fullest.”  ‘I’m just giving you a hard time.  Glad you had a great day!  Days like this end up being the best moments of your life.  Glad you enjoyed it!’  Oh boy! Now you know why she is such a pain in the ass!

  Laura spent the rest of her day baking MORE cookies, making bows for senior night, and putting together a flowerpot full of suckers.  She made another one with a sign that says ‘Cancer Sucks’.  Needless to say, she went to bed tired.

  She spent her Tuesday morning icing all these extra cookies.  According to her, she didn’t have enough.  I’m thinking to myself… 160 cookies is not enough??  Not for Laura!  She said she didn’t count right. She needed more.  Some were for the bake sale, others were to be split up between the girls at work, the nurses, and the employees at the restaurants.  Oh, and we can’t forget the girls on Rachel’s volleyball team. 

  Yep, that is where Laura went that night.  ‘Lawson vs Lathrop Pink Out Volleyball Game.’  Remember, she is not supposed to be out in public.  It didn’t matter to Laura.  She was going to be there no matter what anyone would say.  This game was important to Laura.  It was important to her girls. 

  The Pink Out game is all about Breast Cancer Awareness.  In honor of that, they recognized two breast cancer survivors.  One was a teacher from the Lawson School District (Laura told me she was newly diagnosed).  And the other… The one they recognized for Lathrop High… Well, that was Laura (‘Mama Stagg’ to all the high school girls). 

  I didn’t give her a hard time about it.  Actually, I forgot she was going.  She only brought it up last week in a short text.  It wasn’t going to matter anyways.  Laura wasn’t going to miss this for anything.  She was so very, very excited about the night!  Later, when she gave me her journal, I read her post about the game…

“It was a good night.  I am so happy and overwhelmed!  What an honor!  Feeling very blessed.”  I smiled when I read this.  I was glad she decided to go.  Like she said… She was living life!

  10:45 that night, she texted me.  We talked for over two hours.  “I can’t sleep.  I don’t know why.  Tonight, at the Pink Out game, I was recognized as a cancer survivor.  I was so touched.  Lawson has a teacher going thru it now and was recognized as well.  It was a blessing.  I am nervous, and scared, and excited.  This is it.  Went back thru the pictures on my phone.  So many memories.  I want to be that positive person.  I want to move past this.”  I answered her back telling her how neat that was.  ‘It’s a big deal.  I’m sure your girls were proud!  What makes you think you are not a positive person?  Yes, this is an emotional time.  I’m sure you are having all kinds of feelings.  This past year is catching up and it’s all coming to an end.  It’s a good thing.  You did it, Laura!  You are coming out of the storm.’

  Laura’s last chemo was scheduled for in the morning.  I should have known she would be feeling like this.  It’s almost always after she goes to bed when her mind starts to wander.  She wanted to talk.  So, we talked…

  ‘Sometimes when you look back… Well it can be overwhelming.  You don’t feel it at the time because you are just trying to survive.  Trying to keep your head above water.  Now you get to the end and you look back.  You go… Holy moly, did I just go through all of that?  I remember how I used to be.  I was in survival mode.  Now I have a new normal.  A new life.  A new way to feel.  Yes, it can be overwhelming.  You are going to be great.  It’s going to feel strange at first, simply because it has occupied your mind and every thought.  I remember when my mom died.  She was sick for seven years.  After she died, I told Clint… ‘I don’t know what to think about.  It’s weird.  Her sickness has occupied my every thought for so many years.  My mind doesn’t know what to do.’  Cancer became you.  Now you have to become YOU again.’  Laura said, “I know.  It has been a year!  I am all over the place.  As always, thank you for the encouragement.  It will be ok.  One more and then I am done.  Life is good.  I am so glad to be here to say that.  I have so much to live for.  One day at a time and enjoy each day.  Thank you so much!”

  I looked at the clock, it was now midnight.  I had to be at work early the next morning.  Our class was going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch.  This would be the first time our pre-k class would be going without Laura.  Before I said goodnight, I sent her another text… ‘You are going to have a wonderful life.  You already do.  You are going to see and feel all those little moments in life that others take for granted.  You appreciate these things so much more.  Your life will never be the same.  Your love for life is so much deeper now.  And by the way, you have become the person God wants you to be.  Enjoy!’ 

  I put my phone on my bedside table, rolled over and tried to go to sleep.  I reached over and picked it up again.  I had one more thing I needed to say… ‘Oh yeah, as for the pre-k field trip to the pumpkin patch… Next year, be there!’ 

  “My necklace broke!  I lost my feather charm!  I was in the shower and it went down the drain.  Just my luck.”  I answered,  ‘I have more feathers.’  “Thank you,” she said.  “I owe you for all those feathers.  I had a beginning feather and now an end feather.”  Laura was so upset.  I said to her, ‘It’s no big deal.  There is no beginning or end feather.  I have more.  It’s what it represents, that matters.  You know… The meaning behind it.’  “I know,” she said.  “Yes, I owe you a bunch.  You have been here every step of this journey.  Is it a journey?  Or something else?  I want to say something not nice, but I won’t.  It has been a journey.  Leave it at that.  You and your words have been my strength.  You keep me on task even when I don’t follow the Doctor’s orders.  You have been there and understand it and get it.  I needed that.  If not, I don’t know where I would be mentally.  You were there.  God put you there for me.  He picked the right person.  Love You!”  My response to her was plain and simple. ‘Shut it!  You had everything you have ever needed all along inside you.  I was just your pain in the behind.’  Laura’s text… “Nope!  God used you.  So there!  And yes, you are a hard ass.” 

Oh boy!  She sure thinks it’s funny to call me that.  Good thing I laugh it off.  ‘Are you sappy this morning?  Or are you just pissed off because your necklace broke?’  All I got back was “I’m ok.  I thought I lost the whole thing.  Thank goodness I didn’t.”

  I’m glad she only lost the feather.  That can be replaced.  I’m not too sure I could find another necklace like the one I gave her.  And if I did, I know it wouldn’t be the same.  This one had meaning behind it.  This one helped her through. 

  I told you before, how she would reach up and hold onto it.  She would rub it back and forth between her fingers.  I always knew when she was nervous or scared.  It’s funny how something so trivial can make you feel safe.  To me… It was doing what I hoped it would do.  It gave her something to believe in.  I understood why she would be upset.  I thought I lost mine, one time too.  A sense of panic came over me.  It was like… How would I ever make it through.  The inner child in me became dependent on it.  Like a teddy bear that would keep you safe.  I’m guessing over time, Laura understood what I meant.  How something so simple had the power to calm your fears.  Laura treasured her necklace just like I treasure mine.  I thank God she didn’t lose the whole thing.

  Wednesday, October 7^th, 2015 was supposed to be Laura’s last day of chemo.  But NO!!  That would be too easy of a piece to fall into Laura’s puzzle.  Her counts didn’t come up to where they needed to be.  Phil .8 white 1.8.  This time they gave her a shot to help boost those counts.  The Doctor said we will try again on Friday. 

  Laura told him about the dizzy spells she had before she was diagnosed.  All along, Laura thought these dizzy spells had something to do with her cancer.  He suggested she have some scans done and an MRI on her head.  Laura felt relieved and said she felt better about having this checked out.  The appointment was scheduled, and Laura left for the day.

  Laura’s plans for the day… Deliver all these cookies.  She wanted to give them out as a way to say… Thank you for your support.  Her goal was to deliver these on her last day of chemo.  But since that didn’t happen, she was going to pass them out anyway.  Chemo would be on Friday so they would still have them the same week.  After she left a batch with the nurses and the girls at work, she went to Culver’s and 54^th Street Grill.  She wanted to personally thank the employees that work at these restaurants.  The only way Laura felt she could do this, was to leave a basket of cookies for them to share.

 I think I will let her journal tell you the rest…

“Went and delivered cookies to Culver’s and 54^th Street today.  They were very appreciative of the cookies.  I have really enjoyed being able to eat there and at the same time just sit and visit.  Thank you, Culver’s and 54^th Street.  It meant a lot to me.  More visits to come.  I am sure.  Today was a good day!”

  That evening, Laura sent me a text saying, “I’ll be at work tomorrow.”  I asked her, ‘Did the Doctor okay this?’  “Yes, he did!  He said it was fine.  I’m tired of sitting at home.”   ‘Okay, well good!  Hey, wear a Royals shirt tomorrow.  It’s Royals day.’

  Thursday was the first game of the playoffs for our hometown baseball team, The Kansas City Royals.  The Royals were in the playoffs heading towards the World Series.  We decided to make this a fun day for the kids at school.  A note went out the day before… ‘Royals Day!  Wear blue or your favorite Royals shirt.’ Laura said she was on top of it.  She already had a shirt to wear.  In her text she said, “Great! I bought a pink one!”  I said, ‘You have a pink Royals shirt??  I have never seen one.’  “Yes, I do!  The benefit of having no boobs, is that I can fit into a youth’s (girls) size large.  LOL.”  Oh boy!  What a goof!

  Laura was happy she could return to work.  She was even able to go on our Tues/Thurs class field trip with the kids.  I guess she isn’t going to miss out on going to the pumpkin patch after all. 

  When she got to work, she was excited to see box of t-shirts Stacey had ordered.  Stacey and Laura had been texting back and forth, talking about ordering some new breast cancer shirts.  Between the two of them, they chose several cute designs.  The girls at work all ordered some, and we were going to wear them throughout the month.  I think our favorite one is… ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK.  Which all of us did!  That was the day Laura received her treatments.  Laura now had a pink t-shirt for pretty much every day of the month.  After seeing the size of this box, I’m guessing we all did.

  Before I went to bed that night, I sent Laura a message. 

‘You know you have to make the decision, after the last chemo is done, that you don’t allow cancer to rule over your life anymore.  Get your scans back.  See everything is all clear, and then hand cancer over to God.  Tell Him… I did my part, now I give it to you.  Don’t allow the fear of the future to ruin the presence of the day.  You won this battle.  Now the rest God will take care of.  I know that’s an easy thing to say… But every time you start to wonder, start to worry, stop, and say, I give it to You.  Keep your faith. You have come a long way.   You always knew in your heart you were going to be okay.  You know what?  You’re going to be okay.’  “Thanks Deb.  It is going to be okay.  God has this.  Just Believe.”

  Laura was having some anxiety.  It was starting to rub off on me.  I wanted more than anything for chemo to be over and for Laura to return to who she used to be.  I could tell she was nervous.  She felt this way the last time.  To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure if she was ever going to be able to shake this. 

I pray to God.  I hope she can.   

  Friday was here!

  My fingers were crossed, and a prayer was said.  Please let chemo be a go.  I held off on sending my last chemo day message.  I wanted to be sure her counts were where they needed to be.  On my drive to work, I had a conversation with God.  I said out loud, ‘Well God, is she going to be good?’  Right then a red cardinal flew in front of the Jeep.  I smiled.  That was all the answer I needed.

  I arrived at work.  Everyone was as anxious as I was.  We were all waiting for that text to come thru. 

9:23 A.M.  “All is good!” 

Whew!  So glad to hear this.  Within minutes, the word traveled to all the girls at work.  I sent her a text just to make sure.  ‘Are you hooked up yet?’  “Yes, I am hooked up and ready to go!”  That’s when I sent her my last and final chemo day message.  I had it ready to go just in case.

This is what it said…

 ‘Friday, October 9^th, 2015

 Last Chemo Message.  Last chemo ever!  Yes, you better start believing that.  Last chemo ever!  Sounds good doesn’t it?  No more pep talks.  You don’t need me anymore.  Everything is going to be good from now on.  So today, I am just going to say… Thank You! 

Thank you for fighting for me.  Thank you for fighting for David and the girls.  Thank you for fighting for your grandbabies, your family, and your friends.  Thank you for fighting for my kids, my family, the kids at school, Stace, Lisa, Kathy, Luisa and all the other teachers, your friends.  All the lives you have touched, have been worth that fight.  I hope you know that! 

  You don’t have to fight anymore, now you just have to live.  Live your life to the fullest.  To laugh, love, and enjoy.  Don’t ever lose what cancer has taught you.  I don’t think you will.

  Thank you for your friendship.  Thank you for allowing me to go through this journey with you.  Thank you for feeling safe enough to express all those feelings that cancer can make you feel, so you didn’t keep them all bottled up inside.  Thank you for not hating me for all the times I was on your case.  Thanks for eating!  And Thanks for laughing at all my cancer jokes (laughing is good, you know).  You have become a friend I cherish.  Someone I am glad to have in my life.  Someone I enjoy talking to, laughing with, and sharing life stories.  I could say that cancer has changed me, but I think that would be an incorrect statement.  You have changed me, by the way you have lived your life over this past year.  By your faith, by your love and by your no fear. 

  You have faced cancer with strength and determination with the mindset to win.  I’m glad you’re going to be okay.  I’m glad you don’t have to do anymore chemo.  And I am glad you are my friend.  You mean the world to me.  Thank you for never giving up.  I need you around in my life.  Now start planning that trip to the beach.  You have some living to do! 

  Oh, and one last thing… Something I want you to do for me.  When that moment hits you and you say to yourself… I feel normal.  Send me a text and let me know.  I’ve been waiting to hear those words for a very long time.’

Laura’s text to me…  “Thanks for the message.  I will always need you.  You are not done with me yet.  I have enjoyed our talks.  All of them!  Thank you for always being there for me.  You’re the best!  I appreciate you so much.”

Laura’s journal entry…

Friday, October 9^th, 2015

  “Today was my last chemo treatment.  Hey, I am so happy!  It has been a long bumpy road getting to today.  Everything was good.  Counts were up.  White count 6, phil at 5.  It was a good day.  Caleb joined us today.  He kept us entertained.  Will have to go back in 10 days for another white and phil count reading.  Then I will see the Doctor every six weeks.  My port will also need to be flushed every six weeks.  It is good to know that I am done with this part of the journey.  Now to the road of recovery. 

It is so strange that in a few weeks it will be a year when my life changed.  I am ready to move forward and embrace life.  Life is good.  I am so happy I am done with chemo.  It’s a good day! Yesterday, Amanda and Caleb saw a lot of white feathers, as well as Deb.  And today Deb saw a red cardinal.  All signs from God that it was going to be a good day.  I am Blessed.”

  Even though the last chemo treatment was over and done, the side effects from it were soon to follow.  I’m not sure if Laura remembered that or if she even cared. 

  After her appointment, she went to work, came home, and made dinner.  After dinner, she helped Rachel get things ready for ‘Senior Night.’  Her weekend was full of shopping, playing with the grandkids and enjoying life.

  Since this chemo was on Friday, that meant her weekend would be good.  It wasn’t until Monday evening, that the side effects from chemo caught up with her.  Before she knew it, she was beat.

  ‘Senior Night’ at Rachel’s school was on Monday.  Laura had to call Rachel and let her know she wasn’t going to make it.  She wasn’t feeling well.  This bothered Laura a lot!  She tried.  She wanted to be there.  But she knew she just couldn’t do it.  She was tired and her body was beginning to ache. 

  Earlier that day, she asked me if I could help her pick up the last few things she needed at the store.  We loaded the car with balloons, a cake, and a few decorations.  Laura asked me if I would ride along to take them to Rachel. Of course, I told her I would.  We drove halfway to Lathrop and met Rachel at a McDonalds parking lot.  I’m guessing we were there less than five minutes.  Rachel’s car was loaded, and she was back off to school.

  I understand now, why we met halfway.  There was no way Laura could make that trip.  I was so used to Laura feeling bad over the weekends, that when the weekend past, I thought… Wow!  She is doing good!    But when she asked me to drive home, I knew she wasn’t going to escape ANY of chemo’s curse.  She climbed into the passenger seat, closed her eyes, and slept the rest of the way home.

  Later that evening, I received a text…  “Thank you so much for staying with me today and going with me.  You don’t know how much you mean to me.”  ‘Not a problem.  Glad to do it.  Rest up.’   

  Closer to bedtime, I get another text.  “My heart is racing.  Trying to relax.”  ‘Take slow deep breaths and try to get your mind on something else.  “I know.  I’m trying that.”

 I tried to talk about any kind of idle chit chat that I could think of, hoping to distract her from what she was feeling.  After thirty minutes, she was laughing.  She was calm.  I said to her, ‘You’re going to have to learn to stand on your own two feet, you know.’  Laura’s text, “Yes, I know.  I will.” 

Something inside me told me she wasn’t ready.  That’s okay.  I’ll still be around if she needs to talk. 

  4:06 A.M. Tuesday morning, my phone goes off.  “I can’t do it today.  I am achy all over.  I haven’t slept well at all.  I am so sorry.” 

  I am used to these kinds of texts.  I have had more than I can count.  I told her to rest and try not to worry.  ‘Call Luisa and have her open the daycare.  I will go up after preschool and see if she needs my help.’  “Okay.  If I feel better, I will come in.  This is from that shot.  Not chemo.”  ‘Yeah, I remember.  Don’t forget to get ahold of Luisa.’  “Ok.” 

  Laura just needed some time.  Mornings were never good for her.  She would get up, try to shower, then try to get dressed.   But most of the time, she could never do it.  The nausea and body aches would overtake her.  She would take some medicine to dull the pain, then lie back down and try to rest.  Once the pain became manageable, Laura would get herself together and show up at work.  This day was like all the others.  Before too long, she showed up.  

  I would never try to talk her into staying home.  I have tried before.  It didn’t work.  Laura wanted to be at that daycare no matter what.  And just how was she able to function and do her job?  I don’t know.  She was there on days that I wondered if she could even hold her head up.  Laura never wanted anyone to know she had a hard time making it or that she was there to work.  She made Luisa and I promise not to say a word.   So, between the two of us, we became her cushion while she worked. 

  There were many afternoons after my school day was over, that I would return to the daycare.  I became that extra security blanket while Laura did her job.  We would send Luisa home, and I would stay with Laura.  She wanted someone to be there with her in case she became ill.  Sure, she had her moments.  There were times I would look at her and see the pain in her face.  I would ask her, ‘Why are you doing this?’  “Because I want to.  I can do it.  Please Debbie, just let me do it.”  Other times, her skin color would turn to a pasty white.  ‘Is your stomach upset, Laura?’  “Just a little.  I am fine.” 

  I brought this to her attention more than once.  ‘I know what’s going on.’  She would brush it off every single time.  “Please Debbie, just let me do this.”  Laura was going to push through no matter what. 

  Every afternoon Laura worked, I was there as a backup.  If I couldn’t be there, then Luisa was.  We helped Laura do what she loved.  Most of the time I sat in the chair.  If she needed the laundry brought up… I did the footwork for her, running up and down the stairs.  Laura did the rest.  And as far as Luisa and I know… No one from the morning staff ever knew Laura worked every afternoon.  She didn’t want them to know.  Maybe she was afraid they would send her home and not let her come back.   

  Luisa and I knew she wanted to be at work.  And even though we had to keep it secret, we helped her do what she so desperately loved.  I will never regret all the free hours I put in.

You see… Working at that daycare made Laura feel normal.  It brought a smile to her face.  To Luisa and me… Well, that was worth it!  It was the happiest Laura has been.