Thank you to so many of you who have commented here or emailed recently. It is humbling and comforting.
Laura’s parents and all of her brothers and sisters, Heather, Elena, PJ and Justin, are here with us now. I truly cannot conceive of a worse fate than to lose your child and I ache for Natalie and Joe so much. Her siblings are so very close and this is terribly painful. Please pray for all of them as we wait.
Thoughts and Prayers
Fri, Oct 3rd, 2008 10:26pm by dkulp
Tags: Uncategorized
47 responses so far ↓
1 amy // Oct 3, 2008 at 10:54 pm
david- i have been reading and my heart is so deeply touched by all that you all are going through i just want you to know you are in my thoughts daily and if you need any thing we are here…. what can i really say in such a painful time.
amy
2 Karen // Oct 3, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I am relieved to hear that all of Laura’s siblings are there now to join you, the girls, and Natalie and Joe. Having all of you together may be the “permission” that Laura needed. Prayers and sympathy go out to each one of you.
Please give Laura a hug from me. We got some good hugs in over the summer but I would appreciate one last one given to say goodbye. While you are giving hugs out, please imagine a big one to you. You are an amazing brother and have shown great strength but I know this is incredibly difficult for you, as well.
Love,
Karen
3 Linda Murphy, a friend of Karen's // Oct 3, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I saw your sister, Karen, the other day and could see the sadness in her eyes. I’ve been praying for all of you as you navigate to the end of Laura’s fight. David – I pray Laura finds peace and everyone left behind does as well.
4 Danine // Oct 3, 2008 at 11:25 pm
We’ll be praying.
5 Vesper White // Oct 3, 2008 at 11:54 pm
I don’t have words for this. I wish I could trade places with Laura. If life worked that way, I would. I love you all more than I can tell you.
Vesper
6 CLYDENE // Oct 4, 2008 at 12:04 am
David and Laura, My Prayers and my love are wiyh all of you. My heart grieves for you. I have read every post. When I met you in Ozark Arkansas along with Jo And Natalie I felt so close to you. I wish I could be there to give you all big hugs and luves. Please know I am with you in my heart. CLYDENE
7 Hupp family // Oct 4, 2008 at 12:09 am
All of us continue to pray for Laura during these difficult days. Please let the Coleman’s know that we have them in our thoughts.
8 Suzette and Jen // Oct 4, 2008 at 12:45 am
We love you all.
9 Paul // Oct 4, 2008 at 12:52 am
David, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Some months back, I felt very guilty about the prospect of “deserting” my wife and children by succumbing to my disease. It took me a while to realize that death is not an act of free will; rather, fate forces it upon us. I pray that Laura is free of any guilt, and that she feels she has license to do whatever comes next. Paul
10 Another Paul // Oct 4, 2008 at 1:00 am
Natalie, Joe, Heather, Elena, PJ, and Justin, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, speak to God. For the peace that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds.
11 Anita Culosi // Oct 4, 2008 at 1:49 am
Dear Family…
Remember…that when the time…does come come…Laura will be at peace…receiving the eternal reward…of God’s promise.
Life is not ended…it is changed…love lives in the soul…and the soul never dies.
On a human level…this is a painful separation… but it is temporary one. Laura will be with you… as you carry her…in your hearts…thoughts… and memories…and someday…you all will be…
together again.
My thoughts…and prayers…go out to Laura…and to each of you.
12 Ann and Paul Kulp // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:04 am
We have so appreciated all the beautiful heartfelt comments from each of you about Laura and her valiant struggle as well as your steady support of our son’s efforts to be there for Laura. We read so many entries and comments through tears – loving Laura as we do, and appreciating all that she brought to this family. We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter-in-law.
We feel such deep sorrow for Joe and Natalie and siblings (who are thankfully there now), and who are losing one of their own; we send our love and hugs to each of them, wishing them God’s peace and comfort as they weather the storm.
Naturally we ache for David, marveling at times that he is still able to function amidst the intense heartbreak, caregiving, and parenting, sometimes speaking so compassionately about the rest of the world as he turns attention away from his own pain. Sadly, “the love of his life” has already begun her departure (as he noted in a blog), and we weep for the emptiness and loneliness that will replace her presence. A big hug from here until we see you soon…
Our dear granddaughters, Lily and Naomi, are the victims of a cruel disease that is robbing them of their mommy, one of the reasons that Laura has fought so hard so long. Surely they will remember “the walk” in Boston (that many of you shared) and will want to continue that walk.
On the positive side, what a series of mini-miracles are on Laura’s chart! On at least three occasions she defied doctors’ predictions and ‘bounced back,’ surprising us all with periods of unexpected health and dream trips. The miracle shunt surgery that left her smiling once again….the trips to Kauai, to Northern California where they had lived, to Annandale, Virginia (our homes) for Easter, and to Arkansas in June and, thanks to bad weather en route, an extra overnight here on the way out. Laura was gifted with many goals and dreams that came to pass.
Laura leaves many fine legacies for the girls and for each of us through her love, caring, creativity, and spontaneous joy in serving others. As she lets go into the Holy Light and is borne by angels to her new abode, may she become aware of all the love that she has left among us. Deep beneath Laura’s present confusion in this letting-go process is the essence of a precious child of God who most definitely has been the recipient of many blessings, many of which came from you who took time to be touched and to share.
Thanks to each of you, and to David for the blog that kept everyone connected, enabling an enormous range of expressions …. as is life. We wish you Godspeed, dear Laura. And a last hug and tear from both of us.
Ann and Paul
13 Eddie Pasa // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:49 am
My heart is crying out for peace in your turmoil. Please squeeze Laura’s hand for me and my family. And know that our thoughts and prayers are with Laura, the kids, you, and the entire Coleman/Kulp family. Please let her know that we love her.
14 Amy Hatheway // Oct 4, 2008 at 7:21 am
My love and thoughts are with all of you. I hope that your love for Laura and for each other will bring you some measure of comfort and peace. I am so grateful that you have continued to share with us. Peace be with you.
15 Katrin // Oct 4, 2008 at 8:28 am
There are no words to clearly articulate all that I am feeling for you and the entire family. My love, prayers, and thoughts are with you all. May God bring peace to you, Laura, the girls, and the Coleman family.
16 Michael Allen // Oct 4, 2008 at 8:37 am
It’s difficult being so far from you to adequately express how much my heart breaks to know what’s happening, and how much I am heartened to know that your family and Laura’s family are able to support and love you and the girls at this time David. I wish we could take this burden from you, if only for a short time, to give you a respite for the days to come. But I know you’ll be supported and loved. Maybe it’s a small comfort to know that there are people that still love you and Laura dearly, all the way on the other side of the country, and who hope this last leg of Laura’s journey is a peaceful one for her and for you.
17 Christian Scanniello // Oct 4, 2008 at 8:47 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Know that those of us who can’t be with you physically are there with you in spirit and love.
18 Kim Wheaton // Oct 4, 2008 at 9:27 am
In my heart I have been keeping constant vigil with you. I am sending love and peace to Laura, you, the girls, and your whole family in this sad and difficult time.
19 Darby // Oct 4, 2008 at 9:39 am
Good bye Laura you will be missed. Darby
20 Donna Casey // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:18 am
There are just no words……prayers continue for all of you.
21 Steve // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:28 am
All our prayers and love go out to you, Laura and David, Lilly and Naomi, Joe and Natalie.
I hold dear to my heart the memory of our family’s first meeting, a wonderful outdoor dinner at our home two summers ago when I met you, David and your beautiful wife and two lovely daughters. Laura’s smile filled the summer night. We feel very fortunate our life’s paths have crossed and hope through our friendship and fond memories we will provide some small comfort to you on this very difficult journey.
Love, Steve, Victoria and Charlotte
22 Janet Nassif // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:48 am
Through this honest, emotionally raw and deeply moving blog I have been priveleged to “know ” the beautiful Laura and her wondrous family. Thank you for sharing this profoundly personal experience with me. It helps me remember to cherish each day and all those in my life.You are all in my prayers! Megan’s Aunt
23 MaryAnn Hassan // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:52 am
Dear David and extend Coleman Family,
We have you and particularly Laura in our prayers at this time. We hope and pray for strength of Faith for you all and that God’s peace be with you all.
It is worth note that today is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4). He is a special patron at this time for a person who is dying. Having the whole family there at this time is a grace of God and a joy!
Today during our family’s prayer time we will recite The Canticle of Sun, particularly for Laura and for you all. This beautiful prayer is a hymn to creation and is by St. Francis of Assisi. We hope it is particularly appropriate as we know you all have such a love of the simple things of God’s creation.
THE CANTICAL OF THE SUN
“Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord! All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessing. To You alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your name.
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through all that You have made, And first my lord Brother Sun, Who brings the day; and light You give to us through him. How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor! Of You, Most High, he bears the likeness.
All praise be Yours my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, And fair and stormy, all the weather’s moods, By which You cherish all that You have made.
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through Sister Water, So useful, lowly, precious and pure.
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire, Through whom You brighten up the night. How beautiful is he, how gay! Full of power and strength.
All praise be Yours my Lord, through Sister Earth, our mother Who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon. For love of You; through those who endure Sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, by You, Most High, they will be crowned.
All praise be Yours, my Lord, through Sister Death, From whose embrace no mortal can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those She finds doing Your will! The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks, and serve Him with great humility.
Amen.”
We will also ask the priest at the Mass to add her to his intentions for the Mass. Laura will be our intention for the Mass and the focus of our prayers this entire weekend.
Prayerfully Yours in Christ,
Matt Hassan and Family
24 Betsy Blake // Oct 4, 2008 at 11:04 am
Dear Laura,
Washed white in the blood of the lamb,
Enter through the narrow door,
Pass through the eye of the needle.
Come share your master’s joy
for this day you will be with him in paradise, the kingdom
prepared for you from the creation of the world.
P.S. Our love to those at The Feast.
25 Stanley Karel, Terri and family // Oct 4, 2008 at 11:08 am
David, Joe, Natalie and family, we send our love and support to you all and pray God will comfort you through this most difficult time. Our love to each of you….Stanley Karel and Terri
26 Janice Everett // Oct 4, 2008 at 11:24 am
I’d like to share something that a dear lady from our church gave me prior to my surgery…I still read it every day.
God believes in me;
Therefore my situation is never hopeless.
God walks with me;
Therefore I am never alone.
God is on my side;
Therefore I can never lose.
A. Philip Parham
I send my love to you all today and hold you close in my heart. Janice
27 Karuna // Oct 4, 2008 at 11:25 am
I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.
Goodbye for now, Dear Laura. All my heart and prayers are with your entire family, now. Your job is done! Ours will remain, to continue to keep your Love alive, and to hold that special space for your girls.
Blessings,
Karuna
28 John Tuttle // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Spending your last bit of time in this world surrounded by Colemans! That’s the picture Laura will leave with. What a beautiful picture.
29 cristina // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I so wish I could be with you all. Please know that you are in our family’s thougts and prayers.
Tight hugs, strength, and peace… I love you all.
Cristina
30 Eileen Shacochis // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Dear David,
As others have said before me, there are so few words to express our sorrow for what is happening at this time.
I heard this story at a funeral one day,
The Lord and “Laura” were walking her life’s journey and Laura began to get tired. The Lord said, Laura, we’re closer to my home than yours, do you want to come home with me?
I found it to be a beautiful image, and a comforting, loving way to express all of our life’s journeys to the final end.
Norm and I send you our love and prayers and were so proud to walk with you and Laura in Boston.
Peace be with you and your entire family.
Love to all,
Eileen and Norm
31 Ralph & Gary // Oct 4, 2008 at 2:58 pm
David,
Please give Laura a big hug from us. Peace+Love to you, and the entire Coleman and Kulp famiilies.
––love to YaYa and Joe–R.
32 Angie Coleman Fannon // Oct 4, 2008 at 3:06 pm
David,
I will walk in the Arkansas Race next weekend. I will think of Laura each step of the way and the courage she has show us all as she has faced this disease.
Please know that you are often in my thoughts and ALWAYS in my prays.
With much love to each of you,
Angie Coleman Fannon
33 Allison Beasley // Oct 4, 2008 at 4:57 pm
David,
I’m a friend of your mother’s. All these months of your journey I’ve read your words on my screen and seen the pictures of your dear family. Although we have never met, I know Laura’s smile and have seen your beautiful girls in their father’s arms. I’m moved beyond words by the love and courage you all have shown every step of the way. God bless you now and always.
Allison
34 Mike and Kay (Coleman)Booker // Oct 4, 2008 at 5:26 pm
David, Joe, Natalie and family,
Our hearts hurt with yours. Many people and churches have lifted your family in prayer for many months and will continue to do so through this difficult time.
May God bless and comfort you all,
Mike and Kay Booker
35 Shannon Coleman // Oct 4, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Our prayers are with you all today. God Bless you all.
Danny, Shannon and Madison Coleman
36 Friends of Heathers // Oct 4, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
We wish you peace and Gods comfort.
Many Prayers and Hugs,
Rachel and Jenny
37 Mireya Pasa // Oct 4, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Laura’s not going away. She’s going ahead.
But I will miss her.
Continuing to fervently pray for peace in all of your hearts,
Mireya
38 Tina Coleman Wilson // Oct 4, 2008 at 7:46 pm
David, Joe, Natalie, and families,
Even though we are not there in body our thoughts are with you every minute of this trying time. We’ve seen so many of our family struggle with this terrible disease and the damage it leaves in our minds and hearts long after our loved ones have lost the battle to it. David, you have been a God send to Laura, I don’t know you very well but lately it seem as if I do know you personally no one have ever tried harder to overcome such trying circumstances. I’m sure Laura is very proud of the daddy that reads, baths, and does all the daily duties, the Father, that provides all of lifes needs for your family, and the husband thats love is neverending, My heart goes out to you and your girls. Joe, Natalie, and kids, we all wish with all our hearts we could remove this hurt from your lives please know we all love you and will always be thinking of you..
Love always, Tina
39 Gabriella // Oct 4, 2008 at 7:56 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Laura, you are the strongest and bravest woman I have ever known.
God bless you and your family,
Gabbie
40 Martin and Family // Oct 4, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Laura, David, Lili and Naomi, Colemans and Kulps and all friends,
our thoughts and prayers are with you every day here in Oakland, CA. Foremost, we wish you strength through this very hard time.
A big hug and all love from us.
The Reeses (Max, Lucas, Estephania und Martin)
41 From Rafael Bueno // Oct 4, 2008 at 9:41 pm
To the Kulp and Coleman families-
I just heard the news and read up on the latest posts and wanted to lend you my support, thoughts and prayers during this time of urgency and need. Laura’s always been a bright spot whenever I saw her and I’m praying for you all.
Rafael
42 Andy // Oct 4, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Many of us in the department are reading all of your posts, and our thoughts are very much with you. There aren’t any adequate words, but all of your friends and colleagues here are holding you, Laura, and your family in their hearts.
43 Paul Baker // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:06 pm
David: You do not know me,nor I you. I am the father of Katrin Baker. I knew Laura & The Colemans’ from St Michaels in Annandale.
I pray for you & the family. Sometimes we look for answers but all we can find are more questions.
We may never understand all that happens. We DO know what we had was good,and is always with us.
Laura is always with you.
May God give you all peace and comfort.
44 Laura Leaverton (Berkeley CA) // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:25 pm
My heart and prayers go out to Laura, David and all of their family. I’m so deeply moved by all that you have written. Much love to you all.
45 Jo Ann Sieve // Oct 6, 2008 at 9:21 am
As always, the Coleman and Kulp families remain in my prayers and all the prayers of the Christian Mothers. Eternal rest grant to Laura.
God Bless.
Jo Ann
46 Megan Henry // Oct 6, 2008 at 9:41 am
I know that I’m several posts behind, but I just wanted to tell you how much peace this one brought me, knowing that all of Laura’s closest family would be together to support each other through the wait. I’m certain that Laura felt this too and was able to die without worries. Also, I love the picture and song you posted last evening – I will never hear that song the same way again.
47 Ali // Oct 6, 2008 at 10:58 am
Wanted to let you know that I’m celebrating Laura today – by listening to the tapes and CDs she made for me and through viewing the special pictures she took. She will always have a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you and your family.