A "Sister of the Heart"

by Janet Fout, OVEC sister-of-the-heart

Laura came streaking through my life nine years ago like a rare and beautiful comet - trailing acts of kindness and love like stardust. For Laura, the little things were the big things.

How Laura Loved Me (a partial list):

She held me when I was hurting.

Brought me flowers.

Listened to my frustrations.

Fed my animals.

Sat with me and watched the river.

Loaned me books, money, car, fill in the blank.

Inquired about my body, mind, soul.

Visited me when I was ill.

Sent me love notes.

Addressed our wedding invitations.

Soothed my dying cat, Lenny.

Picked Julie up any time I asked.

Made my bank deposits.

Bought my lunch when I was broke.

Gave me presents for no reason.

Made me laugh until we both cried.

Screened my phone calls.

Changed my cat boxes.

Filled in for me at meetings.

Made phone calls that I couldn’t.

Carried heavy things for me from the car up the steps, and back down for another load.

Took my dog, Posey, to her house when we were out of town.

Brought food to my dying father’s home.

Drove me over narrow back roads in the dark of night.

Cried with me in times of sorrow.

Celebrated my birthdays.

Encouraged my growth.

Held my hand.

Shared fine wine and music.

Overlooked my faults.

Whispered her secrets, hopes and dreams.

Defended me fiercely.

Loyal friend, remarkable colleague, kindred spirit, beloved, beautiful “sister-of-the-heart.”

How you loved, how you loved, how you loved.

Janet, Dianne and Laura, after winning the Leadership for a Changing World award. Herald-Dispatch photo