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Very sad news	[Mar. 27th, 2009\|01:59 am]Laura Mason
Hello everyone,Once again this is Rich, posting under Lorie's name.It is with a broken heart that I send this out to you. This evening (Thursday), I lost my best friend and the love of my life. Lorie passed away at around 7:00pm CDT. She went quietly, without pain, and with me at her side. This has left a huge void in my life that may take a long time to even understand, and I believe many of you feel the same way.Heartfelt thanks from both Lorie and myself go out to all who offered your love, prayers, and support during these difficult 3 and a half years. Lorie was a tremendous fighter in her own right, but you should know that she took great strength from all of you. I will never forget the many kindnesses bestowed on her by so many of you.Lorie would not have wanted you to be sad. She knew she was going to a much better place, and she was just as certain that she would see all of us there again some day. When you think of her, please remember as someone who always cherished the friendship you offered, and always tried to follow that example by extending friendship to others. You, her internet family, were no less "real" to her than those of us who had the privilege of being with her on a daily basis. If you had a chance to meet her in person, you probably knew she had something special. (I personally can claim to have seen it "at first sight", though she often said I was crazy!) If you never had the chance to meet her in person, you probably still got the "full Lorie treatment" and no doubt felt pretty good about getting it.Lorie hated wakes, so there won't be one. There will be a funeral service early next week, and I will send details or you will probably find them in the Chicago Tribune or it's web site. I was able to talk her into letting me throw some sort of memorial gathering, but she wanted that to be upbeat and full of fun and fond remembrances. I hope to be able to include photos and other examples of her life and you can be certain that her friendships among the fandoms will be well represented. Details on that will also be forthcoming.Thanks again to everyone for all your support.With much love and gratitude,Rich
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[Mar. 27th, 2009|01:59 am]Laura Mason

Hello everyone,Once again this is Rich, posting under Lorie's name.It is with a broken heart that I send this out to you. This evening (Thursday), I lost my best friend and the love of my life. Lorie passed away at around 7:00pm CDT. She went quietly, without pain, and with me at her side. This has left a huge void in my life that may take a long time to even understand, and I believe many of you feel the same way.Heartfelt thanks from both Lorie and myself go out to all who offered your love, prayers, and support during these difficult 3 and a half years. Lorie was a tremendous fighter in her own right, but you should know that she took great strength from all of you. I will never forget the many kindnesses bestowed on her by so many of you.Lorie would not have wanted you to be sad. She knew she was going to a much better place, and she was just as certain that she would see all of us there again some day. When you think of her, please remember as someone who always cherished the friendship you offered, and always tried to follow that example by extending friendship to others. You, her internet family, were no less "real" to her than those of us who had the privilege of being with her on a daily basis. If you had a chance to meet her in person, you probably knew she had something special. (I personally can claim to have seen it "at first sight", though she often said I was crazy!) If you never had the chance to meet her in person, you probably still got the "full Lorie treatment" and no doubt felt pretty good about getting it.Lorie hated wakes, so there won't be one. There will be a funeral service early next week, and I will send details or you will probably find them in the Chicago Tribune or it's web site. I was able to talk her into letting me throw some sort of memorial gathering, but she wanted that to be upbeat and full of fun and fond remembrances. I hope to be able to include photos and other examples of her life and you can be certain that her friendships among the fandoms will be well represented. Details on that will also be forthcoming.Thanks again to everyone for all your support.With much love and gratitude,Rich

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Update from Rich	[Mar. 24th, 2009\|02:17 pm]Laura Mason
Hello everyone,This is Rich, Lorie's husband, writing for Lorie.I'm sorry it's been so long since we've updated. Lorie hasn't been feeling very strong, and I'm pretty much LJ illiterate. I'm more of a Facebook guy. (Go ahead, let out all the scorn and mocking contempt, I can take it!) :-)The news is not great. We signed up for home hospice care yesterday. The intake nurse came out within an hour of our call. After getting the requisite paperwork signed, she immediately checked out Lorie and changed up our pain meds. Lorie has been in a lot of discomfort and the nurse said that this was not necessary. The new meds have not completely kicked in yet, but she is feeling better already. Our regular nurse is due out in an hour or so, and she will probably tweak what we are doing even more.This means that we are no longer fighting the cancer with chemo. This does NOT mean that I've stopped hoping and praying for a complete recovery, but it does mean that the turnaround will require that miracle I know you have all been praying for. If you think about it, this is a perfect time for divine intervention. With no "modern medicine" clouding the picture, He will surely get the recognition when Lorie pulls through, right? That's what I'm praying for, and I suspect many of you will be too.This has been an ordeal, not only for Lorie, but for all of us who love and cherish her. Please know that she thinks of all of you often, and wants you to not be disheartened or discouraged. Keep the faith, and we will all get through this.SPECIAL TO LJ: Most of this has been from an email I sent to a distribution list that Lorie keeps to update RL friends and family. However, I need to add something for all her LJ friends. Your friendship and support has been worth more to her than I can express. Whether you've been friends since her early forays into Highlander fandom, or joined her (and me!) in our magical trip through the worlds of LotR, or somewhere else along the way, she has treasured you. I have seen first-hand how positively therapeutic your kind words, gifts, gestures, etc. have been for her. She's never felt that she was deserving of so much kindness, but hey, we all know better, right? :-)I will never be able to speak or write to all of you personally, but you have my undying gratitude for everything you've given to my Lorie in these tough times. Now let's not end this on a downer. Let's keep a stiff upper lip, keep those prayers and good wishes flowing, and we'll beat this thing yet. Heck, if Gandalf can come back from a battle with a Balrog, anything is possible, right? (Please excuse the semi-gratuitous LotR reference. I'm just not the writer that Lorie is! lol)Rich
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Update from Rich

[Mar. 24th, 2009|02:17 pm]Laura Mason

Hello everyone,This is Rich, Lorie's husband, writing for Lorie.I'm sorry it's been so long since we've updated. Lorie hasn't been feeling very strong, and I'm pretty much LJ illiterate. I'm more of a Facebook guy. (Go ahead, let out all the scorn and mocking contempt, I can take it!) :-)The news is not great. We signed up for home hospice care yesterday. The intake nurse came out within an hour of our call. After getting the requisite paperwork signed, she immediately checked out Lorie and changed up our pain meds. Lorie has been in a lot of discomfort and the nurse said that this was not necessary. The new meds have not completely kicked in yet, but she is feeling better already. Our regular nurse is due out in an hour or so, and she will probably tweak what we are doing even more.This means that we are no longer fighting the cancer with chemo. This does NOT mean that I've stopped hoping and praying for a complete recovery, but it does mean that the turnaround will require that miracle I know you have all been praying for. If you think about it, this is a perfect time for divine intervention. With no "modern medicine" clouding the picture, He will surely get the recognition when Lorie pulls through, right? That's what I'm praying for, and I suspect many of you will be too.This has been an ordeal, not only for Lorie, but for all of us who love and cherish her. Please know that she thinks of all of you often, and wants you to not be disheartened or discouraged. Keep the faith, and we will all get through this.SPECIAL TO LJ: Most of this has been from an email I sent to a distribution list that Lorie keeps to update RL friends and family. However, I need to add something for all her LJ friends. Your friendship and support has been worth more to her than I can express. Whether you've been friends since her early forays into Highlander fandom, or joined her (and me!) in our magical trip through the worlds of LotR, or somewhere else along the way, she has treasured you. I have seen first-hand how positively therapeutic your kind words, gifts, gestures, etc. have been for her. She's never felt that she was deserving of so much kindness, but hey, we all know better, right? :-)I will never be able to speak or write to all of you personally, but you have my undying gratitude for everything you've given to my Lorie in these tough times. Now let's not end this on a downer. Let's keep a stiff upper lip, keep those prayers and good wishes flowing, and we'll beat this thing yet. Heck, if Gandalf can come back from a battle with a Balrog, anything is possible, right? (Please excuse the semi-gratuitous LotR reference. I'm just not the writer that Lorie is! lol)Rich

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(no subject)	[Feb. 19th, 2009\|05:39 pm]Laura Mason
A quick update and thanks to slipperieslope and baranduin for your Valentine's day packages.I've been in the hospital because of an infection and I'm still not able to be on the computer much. I'm home now and trying to find the right level of medication to stay comfortable and fed.I think of you guys every day and wish you blessings.
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Thank you	[Feb. 4th, 2009\|08:42 am]Laura Mason
Thanks to everyone who answered my post yesterday. I'm too lazy/doped up to answer individually, but in reward, here's an embarrassing story from work yesterday! ( Read more...Collapse )
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No-news update	[Feb. 3rd, 2009\|09:14 am]Laura Mason
Just health stuff; bottom line is wait-and-see. Seems familiar! ( Read more...Collapse )
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(no subject)	[Jan. 22nd, 2009\|12:55 pm]Laura Mason
Thank you, elistaire, for the wonderful "surprise hat." I love it. And I'm a big fan of trees, in all their seasons, and I loved the card you sent. Thank you so much for your generosity. LJ folk constantly brighten my days as I lurk around here, reading about your joys and trials. And then y'all go and do even more to make me smile... You guys are just amazing.
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(no subject)	[Jan. 20th, 2009\|12:16 pm]Laura Mason
The bosses actually closed our office for an hour so everyone could sit in the conference room and watch the inauguration. (Except for the bosses, who were home with big screen tvs and cable, no doubt, drinking champagne and watching with their families and friends.)Rich did a production of Godspell with a girl named Amy Dixon about, oh, 25 years ago. They're still in touch, thanks to the magic of the internet. And she wrote a song (yes, I know there are about 1000 songs for today, but I like this one). Rosa Sat
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(no subject)

[Jan. 20th, 2009|12:16 pm]Laura Mason

The bosses actually *closed* our office for an hour so everyone could sit in the conference room and watch the inauguration. (Except for the bosses, who were home with big screen tvs and cable, no doubt, drinking champagne and watching with their families and friends.)Rich did a production of Godspell with a girl named Amy Dixon about, oh, 25 years ago. They're still in touch, thanks to the magic of the internet. And she wrote a song (yes, I know there are about 1000 songs for today, but I like this one). Rosa Sat

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Health Update Stuff	[Jan. 9th, 2009\|10:04 am]Laura Mason
[Tags\|ovarian cancer]You can skip this detail, I'll un-cut for the bottom line stuff! ( Read more...Collapse )So. We're near the end of what Modern Medicine has to offer, but I've always been depending on more than their drugs to keep me going. Your good wishes, vibes and prayers mean the world to me and Rich. I plan to be around for a while yet, honestly, but I know that's not in my control. Heck, I'm still walking to work and could get hit by a bus any morning, you know? Today I feel good, the snow has stopped at least temporarily (the sky is still snow-colored), and I'm pretty happy.
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Health Update Stuff

[Jan. 9th, 2009|10:04 am]Laura Mason

[**Tags**|ovarian cancer]You can skip this detail, I'll un-cut for the bottom line stuff! **( Read more...Collapse )**So. We're near the end of what Modern Medicine has to offer, but I've always been depending on more than their drugs to keep me going. Your good wishes, vibes and prayers mean the world to me and Rich. I plan to be around for a while yet, honestly, but I know that's not in my control. Heck, I'm still walking to work and could get hit by a bus any morning, you know? Today I feel good, the snow has stopped at least temporarily (the sky is still snow-colored), and I'm pretty happy.

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(no subject)	[Jan. 5th, 2009\|11:58 am]Laura Mason
Just a quick hello to everyone. I haven't been around for the last week or so, but I'm back at work and should be lurking regularly once again.Also, a quick note of thanks to beruscats for your lovely holiday card and greetings. I hope the year ahead is a wonderful one for you.
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Yet Another Thank You Post	[Dec. 24th, 2008\|09:16 am]Laura Mason
The season is brighter thanks to you guys! I can't express how much I look forward to lurking here every day, reading about what you're all doing. And finding cards and packages at home each night is so amazing. frolijah_fan_54, thank you for the beautiful card and note.lovethosehobbit, I love the LotR calendar and it will certainly brighten up my office. Thank youclaudia603, thank you for your card full of fairy dust and healing thoughts. Stay warm! cyberducks, what a beautiful anklet. I used to do beading myself, and I love the combination of beads used in this. Ankle bracelets make me feel all girly -- thank you so much!I am constantly amazed by the generosity of the friends I've met through LJ. Best wishes for a fantastic new year to you all.
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Yet Another Thank You Post

[Dec. 24th, 2008|09:16 am]Laura Mason

The season is brighter thanks to you guys! I can't express how much I look forward to lurking here every day, reading about what you're all doing. And finding cards and packages at home each night is so amazing.

frolijah_fan_54, thank you for the beautiful card and note.

lovethosehobbit, I love the LotR calendar and it will certainly brighten up my office. Thank you

claudia603, thank you for your card full of fairy dust and healing thoughts. Stay warm!

cyberducks, what a beautiful anklet. I used to do beading myself, and I love the combination of beads used in this. Ankle bracelets make me feel all girly -- thank you so much!I am constantly amazed by the generosity of the friends I've met through LJ. Best wishes for a fantastic new year to you all.

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(no subject)	[Jan. 22nd, 2009\|12:55 pm]Laura Mason
Thank you, elistaire, for the wonderful "surprise hat." I love it. And I'm a big fan of trees, in all their seasons, and I loved the card you sent. Thank you so much for your generosity. LJ folk constantly brighten my days as I lurk around here, reading about your joys and trials. And then y'all go and do even more to make me smile... You guys are just amazing.
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