no words...

I lost my best friend of 37 years today...

I'll have to come back here to add in my thoughts and the stories that go with these images, 

because at the moment I am just at a loss for words.
[and I know she is smiling at that, knowing that she made me speechless - which rarely happens]

Dear God, LoriAnn.... what will I do without you?
I'm Thelma without Louise.
Shirley without Laverne.
Ethel without Lucy.

Betty without Wilma.
Mary without Rhoda.

Deb without Lori.

We've been friends since the summer before 9th grade at Crescent Junior High.
Through three years at Savanna High School, and three class reunions.
Through four husbands, six children, and five grandchildren (collectively).
We've been through hell and high water together. REALLY high water. REAL hell.

Babe, I couldn't have made it through the last two years without you.
You helped save my life when I gave up. You pulled me through.
I am so grateful - and so glad that you know how thankful I am for what you did for me.

Lori's part of this blog, too... I've written about my 'BFF'
 here and here and here and here and here and here

 Lori, being Lori [after margaritas!]

 On our 'Thelma and Louise Road Trip' in May, 2012 . Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin

At lunch at The Baker House, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 2012

she hated me for making her wear that hat...

 At our 20th reunion in 2000 . Savanna High School, Anaheim, CA class of 1980
Deb . Sherrie . Lori

 I can't even begin to tell this story right now... but I will soon...

Rest in Peace, my sister of the heart...
You are in pain no more.
I know that you are in the arms of our Savior and of your mom and dad, 

and that you are partying it up with friends Jamie and Cheryl and Mike,

while being nuzzled by your puppies Bear and Frank.

I know that I'll see you again one day,
and that Heaven will never be the same with you there!

Lori's favorite Bible verse, one she quoted to me OFTEN,
was Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, 
who have been called according to his purpose."