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View Full Version : January 9, 1959 - Lori's Birthday



Lisa Salberg
01-09-2007, 10:06 AM
Today would have been my sisters birthday. She would have laughed, smiled and had a nice day with her kids. Every year on her birthday she would share the some time with our Great Aunt Ann who shared a birthday with Lori. Lori and Ann passed away the same year; Lori was 36 and Ann was 95, none of us would have thought that Lori would have died 12 weeks before Ann. The last birthday they shared together was at Merry Heart Nursing home where Lori and I stopped to wish Ann a Happy Birthday and also to tell her I was pregnant with Becca. They both smiled and enjoyed some time together, thinking back I am very happy that we choose to meet together after work... I only wish we had stayed longer.

After we left Ann - Lori went to dinner with the kids and her new husband and I went home because I was tired. How I wish that I could re-live that day with those 2 special ladies... That was 12 years ago today and the world is a far far different place then it was just 12 short years ago - some for the better some not so much so.

In honor of Lori's Birthday the HCMA has upgraded its webservice as noted earlier by Tim - we are now on our own server and that has improved the functioning of our web community. There are some other changes coming to the site in the coming days - improved research page and media page and some other changes as well.

Today I ask you each to do something silly, funny or kind in Lori's memory because through all the saddness that has come to be attached to the loss of such a bright personallity I choose to remember my sister dancing in her bedroom to Elton Johns "Crocidile Rock" while smiling and laughing and singing into her hair brush in front of the mirror - she was 18-19 years old and happy. This is the image of my sister that I carry in my heart and mind every day... this is the woman I wish you all could have known.

There is more to my sister then HCM and I think it is as important for you all to know that as it is to understand her long battle with HCM was a pointless loss due to poor care. Lori was a great mother who alway placed her childrens needs before her own. Before she was a mom she was many other things including: Girl Scout leader for her little sisters troup, Sunday School teacher at Holy Trinity, Worked with special needs adults in a group home, was a adminisrtative sec. at Exxon and was incharge of this cool new thing - video conferencing and Lori was loved by many people who society just did not seem to have time for - we use to tease her that she attracted "strays" the reason is because Lori was so kind she always wanted to make people feel welcomed and wanted.

Today I share with you my sister who was much like many of your family members she had her strengths and her share of weaknesses - she was not a saint she was a real person and one whom we lost way too soon.

Happy Birthday Lori...
It only takes one butterfly to change the entire world - Lori is our butterfly.
an old proverb says: A butterfly beating it wings in America can start a hurricane in China.
Lori is our Butterfly and this hurricane is one of change and possibilities.

Have a great day - thank you for being part of Lori's legacy.

Lisa

Lisa Salberg
01-09-2007, 10:46 AM
I have to add to this post... my sister has a great sense of humor both then and now.
I had posted the message above from home then drove to the office. When I got in the car and the radio came on I knew that Lori was watching and had a good laugh... "Stayin Alive" by the Bee Gee's was on and while Lori loved disco, I on the other hand did not so it was a song that I feel she would 'send' for a laugh, but then the next song came on and it was Elton John a newer song which the name is not coming to me at the moment but then she got me good it was followed by Cher "If I could turn back time". I rarely mention music and the ties it has to my loved ones and on the one day I do it is followed by what I take a message from my sister. So Lori - I enjoyed the laugh and yes I too still love Elton John and I would give anything to turn back time and have you back again - but for now sis I still have my work to do here so I will see you someday when my work is done - until then you remain in my heart each and every day. Rest in Peace and please keep sending those messages, you know I hear you loud and clear.

Your little sister,
Lisa

Pam Alexson
01-09-2007, 11:20 AM
Lisa,

What a wonderful memory of Lori. I am happy that we can share her birthday remembrance with you. We are all here being cared for , shaing , learning and being supported because Lori was such a wonderfull individual and pepole mattered to her. Her example inspired her little sister to pay it forward and I thank you for that. God bless Lori and I am glad she still checks in and makes you laugh.

You and your family are in my thoughts today.

Pam

shirleymahoney
01-09-2007, 11:32 AM
Happy Birthday To Lori and Lisa that tribute made me laugh and cry, you are a special sister and I'm sure our loved ones are always with us giving us little signs they are with us

Shirley

angall
01-09-2007, 12:38 PM
Lisa

Thank you for sharing a part of Lori with us. I believe there are ways we are contacted by those who have passed on. Right after I lost my son now and then I would be able to smell a familiar fragrance. The fragrance was the cologne that my son always wore. I think he was letting me know he was alright and was with me. I believe the same with the music and Lori.

Toogoofy317
01-12-2007, 10:32 AM
I know how much you miss your sister. I have never experienced that kind of loss and can't imagine how painful every "special" day can become.

I do know that because of Lori I got the information that I needed. The help that was the best. And best of all my life back. Just the other day I saw my good friend John you met him when we went to EPCOT. He looked at me hugged me and said " we've got our old Mary back" I could not help but cry because I never thought it would happen. I never thought I would be back in school, working full-time (in security no less), and having fun again.

For this I thank you and Lori for. Funny, I'm sitting at school waiting for class and a guy from the bookstore rescued a butterfly from inside and is letting it go outside. A message I guess, even though we sometimes feel trapped with this disease we will eventually be set free.

A song also came to mind that played in the car this morning while sitting in the I-4 traffic. It is called Live, Laugh, Love, forgive, and never give up. I think that describes the HCMA to a T. We all live with this disease, we do laugh on this board, the love that is shared is amazing, and we all know that when pigs fly we will find the cure:).

Have a blessed day!

Mary

Lisa Salberg
01-12-2007, 11:29 AM
Mary,

Wow how you have grown ;-) I am very happy to read your post and see your life is back on track.

Thank you for the butterfly story it is very sweet.

Best wishes,
Lisa

shirleymahoney
01-12-2007, 12:37 PM
My goodness Mary you are doing great aren't you, keep it up lady and hope 2007 is a good year for you also

Shirley