Loose Strife

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Laura has died

Sun, Oct 5th, 2008 9:22am by dkulp

ll.jpgLaura Kathleen Coleman Kulp, mother of two precious girls, wife, daughter, sister, and friend to so many far and near, died early this morning. She is, at last, free from pain and suffering. I miss her terribly.
I’ll write more later. Much love.

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58 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Shannon Coleman // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:48 am

    Ours hearts break with you this morning. Thank you, David, for your updates. You, your precious daughters, Joe, Natalie and Laura’s siblings, as well as huge extended family will be in our prayers.

  • 2 Enten and Mary // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:48 am

    We grieve, and know that what we feel cannot be anywhere close to what you all have in your hearts…. Much love and prayers, much support, Enten & Mary

  • 3 Mark Taggart // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:50 am

    I don’t have words to express how sorry I am, Dave. Laura was one of the best people I have ever met, in every sense of the word. I know very few people who brought as much happiness to others– family, friends, and even those she barely knew. The world is made much poorer by her absence. I am made poorer by her absence, and will miss her, and will remember her as the cool punk mom that she was. I offer whatever love & support you & the girls need in this awful time of sorrow. R.I.P., Laura… no one deserves that peace more than you.

  • 4 Aunt Cathy // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:59 am

    David, Lily and Naomi,
    Bless all of your hearts. We grieve with you and will see you soon. You have shared so much, we pray that you will share the same kind of peace that Laura now has. Lots of love,
    Aunt Cathy and Uncle Yogi

  • 5 Amy Hatheway // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:04 am

    Peace be with you, David, and with Lily and Naomi, Laura’s parents, and siblings, and all who loved her. My heart aches for you. I hope that sharing your love for Laura and for each other will give you some measure of comfort.
    With great love,
    Amy

  • 6 Anita Culosi // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:08 am

    Dear David,
    I will offer my communion this morning for Laura’s intention.
    You will all be in my prayers at Mass.
    Natalie and Joe…I know as a parent what you are going through…she is God’s child too…and He loves her infinitely…and now… she will rest in His peace…and someday…you all will be together again.
    With my most sincere condolences to everyone in your family.

  • 7 Robin MacRostie // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:17 am

    Thank you David for sharing with our support group.
    It is always a dilemma for me whether to just know that there that there is misery in the world or to know actual misery. In this case, I would have to say, it is a gift to me sharing your revelations from the heart — communicated clearly and deeply.
    I see that your ability to observe the worst kind of pain, to communicate and to unite your community will serve you well in your healing.
    You parents and in-laws are gifted in their son and and the legacy of their grandchildren.
    peace

  • 8 Rebecca // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:20 am

    I am truly sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • 9 MaryAnn Hassan // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Dear David and family we are so very sorry to hear this news!
    Lord knows what a blessing she was to all that knew her.
    We will ask Father to add his intention for Mass at 11AM. Our hearts, our thoughts, and more importantly our prayers go out for you and your family.
    October 5 is the Feast of St. Faustina, the Saint who taught of the Divine Mercy of Jesus. This afternoon, we will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet right after Mass that Jesus will embrace Laura’s soul with his Divine Mercy and that she be grant a restful repose.
    God bless you all and please accept our sincerest and most profound sympathies.
    With Warmest Regards in Christ’s Peace,
    Matt Hassan and Family

  • 10 Patrice Connolly // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:52 am

    Please know that members of the Christian Mother group at St. Michael’s (of which Natalie is amember) have been praying very hard. We will continue to pray, now for the repose of Laura’s soul and for the consolation of her family. May she rest in peace and may God bless all of you with His consolation.
    Prayerfully,
    Patrice Connolly

  • 11 Linda Navarro // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:03 am

    I know any words we offer are simply that- just words- but we are truly saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • 12 Eileen and Norm // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:19 am

    Dear David, Lilly and Naomi and all of the Kulp and Colman families,
    Our prayers are with you today as you deal with this sad, sad loss. Laura’s smile will be in our hearts forever.
    God Bless you all and we’ll see you soon,
    Norm and Eileen

  • 13 Vesper White // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:33 am

    I just realized that I’d been hoping for a miracle. I am so sad. Lovely, lovely Laura! There is no one like Laura in the world. I am sending my love to all of you.

  • 14 Trish (Concepcion) Alexander // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    I am truly saddened to hear this news! My thoughts, prayers and heart go out to all of you. May you find much comfort knowing that Laura will always be with you, and God is with you.
    Sincerely,
    Trish (Concepcion) Alexander
    Heather’s grade school classmate

  • 15 Friends of Heathers // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    We wish that we could say something clever that would take away the pain even for a moment. Even though we did know her very well we are truly sadden over the loss of Laura. There are simply no words.
    Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you today…
    Love, Rachel and Jenny

  • 16 Kim Wheaton // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    Oh, I am so sorry. I do not have the adequate words to express my prayers for you and your whole family. Please know that your entire community is holding you close.

  • 17 CLYDENE // Oct 5, 2008 at 12:55 pm

    Dear David, God Bless You and may he give you the comfort that only He can. You have been a rock for Laura and all the Family. Your posts here have brought so many in to your circle and made us feel like part of your family. Thank you for that. My Prayer group who have all been Praying sends their love to you as they have all been a part of your struggle. To Jo and Natalie, My heart aches for you. No greater loss than that of a Child. A part of you is gone. There are no words that can make it better for You but your faith in God can and will sustain you in the days to come. Just hold toght to Gods Hand. My prayers and thoughts are with you and I’m sending all of you big warm loving Hugs. IN CHRIST CLYDENE OVERBEY

  • 18 Mary Ann Payne // Oct 5, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    David, we have long said that we were hoping for a miracle and maybe her release is indeed that. I rejoice for her–and grieve with you for the loss of your beloved through all those years. You have kept the vigil so faithfully. Now may you find some measure of peace in her peace.
    Love enfolds you and you will find strength for these days. Mary Ann Payne

  • 19 Julia Flannery // Oct 5, 2008 at 2:09 pm

    Knowing that Laura had chosen a butterfly to represent her in her death , I sat all morning on my deck, calling local friends of Laura, and hoping to see a butterfly flutter by. No such luck, as it is currently so cold here. While on the phone with one friend whom I saw earler today at church, we talked about our faith, and the inevitable question of “WHY?!?!”. I told her that with every fiber of my being, I have always believed in heaven, but lately I have been wondering, “what if this is it…?” I told my friend that I would sink into such a deep depression if there was nothing after this life and that I have to believe that Laura is in heaven, happy, smiling and free. But the questions linger. My friend described a hymnal in church today that referenced death and God walking with us. As these questions of doubt weighed heavily upon me a single, gorgeous, deep navy butterfly flew next to me, fluttered nearby and then flew so high in the sky that I could no longer see it. I believe in signs and I know Laura is in heaven with all my heart, and although my heart aches for her loss, it somehow is comforted in the fact that she is safe and we will see her again.

  • 20 Sue Borchardt // Oct 5, 2008 at 2:26 pm

    David, the only thing I can think to do is to open to this suffering with you, to hold the space and witness the profound loss of Laura. I am amazed and inspired by the community you have created with Laura and am relieved to know so many of them will be with you and the girls in the coming days.
    I’m with you in thought and spirit and love.
    Sue

  • 21 Eddie // Oct 5, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    I am saddened that I won’t see her nor will Jenn meet her for a long time. I am saddened that you, the family and everyone else has lost such a bright light in their lives.
    Conversely, I am happy to know that her suffering has ended, that she has found rest from her weariness.
    Goodbye, dear Laura. We’ll see you again, and we’ll laugh a whole lot while we catch up. Love you tons, sweetie.
    eds

  • 22 John Tuttle // Oct 5, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    So many have followed Laura’s struggle with this insidious disease from near and far and we’ve found ourselves connected to each other through our love of Laura. Your house is not just filled with Laura’s family. Today it’s filled with hundreds of hugs and thousands of tears and perhaps a bit of laughter from all of us who can’t be there. While she’s lost her battle against cancer, Laura has beaten an equally destructive enemy: strife.

  • 23 Christine Najarian // Oct 5, 2008 at 2:49 pm

    John said it beautifully. So many are praying for and crying with you all today. Much love to the Colemans and Kulps.

  • 24 Ada & Family // Oct 5, 2008 at 3:09 pm

    We are thinking of you all and wish we were there. We love you and will see you soon.

  • 25 Kay and Ed // Oct 5, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    Thank you for including those wonderful pictures of Laura in carefree poses. Delightful memories come of good times shared with Laura. Tears follow at the realization that there will be no more of those times shared with her on this earth. To know that we have a sure hope of eternity in heaven is the greatest comfort today. A day that I’m sure you have dreaded . It is a sad day. I cry for you, Lily, Naomi, Joe, Natalie, Laura’s siblings…You are in our prayers.

  • 26 Allie Kurtz // Oct 5, 2008 at 3:25 pm

    David,
    My heart is with you and your children. Although I couldn’t get to know Laura, I could see how much she was loved by her family and her community. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Love,
    Allie
    (the girls’ teacher at preschool)

  • 27 Karin Ciano // Oct 5, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    To David, Lily, Naomi and the rest of the Coleman and Kulp families – thinking of you, wishing you strength and peace.

  • 28 Ralph & Gary // Oct 5, 2008 at 4:51 pm

    To David, Lily, Naomi and all the Coleman & Kulp family members,
    Ralph and I are so sad to hear of Laura’s passing and our thoughts are with you all. Though distance caused our times together to be too short and too infrequent, from the moment we met Laura and David, we knew they were special people and we treasure every moment we spent together. I’m angry that Laura has been taken from this world at such a young age, but I know we were all enriched by knowing her. Despite the tears in my eyes, when I think of Laura I can’t help smiling as whenever we saw her there was so much joy and laughter. She was a very special person so full of caring, love and positive energy. I’m so glad we knew her and know her spirit will live on in David, Lily and Naomi. Please stay in touch.
    Gary & Ralph

  • 29 Ada & Family // Oct 5, 2008 at 5:39 pm

    We love you and will see you soon.
    Love, Ada

  • 30 Katy Means // Oct 5, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    David, Lily, Naomi and Family,
    Like everyone else, I am greatly saddened to learn that Laura has passed, though I know her spirit will live on in everyone she has touched.
    It has been more than 2 years since I last saw you all and got to take care of the girls in your home back in Northampton–so much has changed on many levels. I am thankful for the time I got to spend with the family and seeing the ever intelligent and beautiful Lily and Naomi grow-up. Laura’s spirit will live on with me whenever I make Christmas cookies, for I will remember how during Christmas she would often send me back to my dorm with a plate full of cookies.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all
    Katy

  • 31 Juli and family // Oct 5, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Dear David – I was just contacted and told about Laura. I am so sorry and so sad for you and the girls and your families. I don’t want to call, but please let me know if I can do anything, for you or the girls, and I’m happy to do so. I know that I didn’t know Laura too well, but she will be missed by this community and by my self. We will keep you all close to our hearts and near in our thoughts as you walk this next painful part of your path. Love, Juli, Mike, Harry and Cooper

  • 32 Jenn Morson // Oct 5, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Rest in Peace, Laura. My prayers for the reposal of your soul and for the alleviation of the grief of your family, especially your babies.

  • 33 Eric and Lori Castro // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    David, Lily, Naomi
    May god hold all of you in his hands and give you the strength to find peach within. We are so very sad and will miss Laura deeply.
    We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Much love Cousin Eric and Lori

  • 34 Karen and Family // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:19 pm

    Dear David,
    We are terribly saddened.
    Laura’s effect was far reaching. Every Saturday, in a synagogue in Baltimore, prayers were said for her. They were strangers saying them, and they weren’t even in English, but they were said with love and compassion and hope.
    We will continue to hold you in our prayers as you hold each other close in your grief.
    Karen in Baltimore

  • 35 Jen Schimmenti // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:22 pm

    My thoughts and prayers to all who knew and loved Laura, most especially to David, Natalie, Joe, Heather, Elena, PJ and Justin. I spent some time today thinking back to days spent laughing with Laura during choir at O’Connell High school, and it made me smile.
    I know that words are of little consolation at this time, but know that many, many peeople, including some you’ve never met, are thinking of you today. And many of us will continue to do our best to work to find the cause of and the cure for this horrible disease.
    Peace. Jen Schimmenti

  • 36 Alisa // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:40 pm

    David–
    I am so so very sorry. I have cried on and off all day today. I said a special prayer type thing to Laura last night right before I went to sleep. Perhaps she heard it. I believe in what Julia wrote–that she is in another world now.
    What you gave to Laura through all these months is something you should never have to have done at such a young age. What your kids have lived through–so unfair. I feel sad and angry at this world for being so randomly unjust. That wonderful and beloved people are taken from us beyond our understanding and beyond our power to do anything.
    I am thinking about your family. Hoping that some peace has come upon you, wondering how you are managing such deep feelings of grief.
    My prayers are with you.
    -Alisa

  • 37 Diane McLaughlin // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:46 pm

    Although I have never met Laura, I feel like she could have been a sister of mine through your blog. Her energy level and determination inspired so many of us who prayed for her daily. Please know that the prayers continue for all of you as you go through the grieving and healing process. I always tell my children that when your work is done on this earth, God will call you home. It may take a long time or a short while but we don’t get to choose.
    God Bless you all,
    Diane McLaughlin
    St. Michael Parish
    Christian Mothers

  • 38 Leann Cawley // Oct 5, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    David,
    My heart goes out to you, the girls, and Laura’s family. I only met Laura a few times before you moved back east but I always enjoyed her company. You are all in my prayers.
    Leann (Simon’s wife)

  • 39 Clay Shields // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:00 pm

    David,
    I am so tremendously sorry for you and your children. She was such a vivacious person.
    Clay

  • 40 Phyllis Eller // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Our love and prayers are with you, the girls, your families and friends. Keep the good memories close.
    Aunt Phyllis

  • 41 Janice Everett // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:15 pm

    David, Laura’s loss is deep and far reaching..no words can truly be found to describe the grief.. The last few days I have remembered wonderful memories of watching her grow up…she was never ordinary, always sweet, smart, fearless yet cautious, creative and a true “free spirit”. We looked forward to photos and family visits to Arkansas (before internet!) and she had such individuality…. her letters, cards, dress, haircut( she was always a couple of years ahead of the rest of the world!!) and humor… it could bring a wide grin from Papaw Lawrence and a chuckle from Mamaw Cassie to watch her be so special. I hope as Lily and Naomi get older, they will come to know how special and loved she was by everyone that had the priviledge to know her. We all understand why she was the love of your life. Again, as many have said before, thank you for including us in the journey. I hope that by sharing this difficult time, it will help you as much as it has meant to all of us. Much love Janice

  • 42 Suzy // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:20 pm

    Dear David, Lily, Naomi, and the rest of Laura’s family and friends,
    I am so incredibly sorry. Laura was such a gift to everyone that knew her. Her strong faith was inspirational. She made believing in God cool.
    I believe she is with Him now and at peace. I also feel that she is able to share herself with the rest of us here on earth. I will still miss her so much.
    Thank you, David, for keeping us informed during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lily and Naomi.

  • 43 Barb Sussbauer // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    Dear David,
    We are so very sorry about your loss and would love to help in any way now or in the future.
    Barb Sussbauer and family

  • 44 Jenn Jaffe Montes de Oca // Oct 5, 2008 at 9:59 pm

    Dear David,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters. I thank God for your strength to care for your family, to struggle with your loss and to keep us informed. You, Lily, Naomi and the Coleman family will remain in my prayers.
    May God watch over her. I will never forget her incredible smile.
    My deepest condolences,
    Jenn Jaffe Montes de Oca

  • 45 Sasha & Dan // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Dear David–
    Dan and I are so very sorry for your loss. We’re thinking of you, your precious daughters and the Coleman family. Laura will be greatly missed.
    Sasha Nemecek & Dan Zalewski

  • 46 Janet Nassif // Oct 5, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    Dear David, Lily, Naomi, and Laura’s special Coleman and Kulp Family,
    Grieving with you and praying for your strength and comfort during this very difficult time. Laura is at peace. May peace be with you all.
    Megan’s Aunt Janet

  • 47 Tao Starbow // Oct 6, 2008 at 1:54 am

    Oh David,
    My heart goes out to you, all these miles away. Our love is flying to you and the girls, crossing an entire continent to be with you.
    Earlier today, not knowing, I wove Laura into a prayer that I shared with my friends; a prayer for the strength and skill to teach Milo how to value every day as the gift beyond price that it is.
    Love
    Tao, Jasper & Milo

  • 48 Julie Asada // Oct 6, 2008 at 3:59 am

    David, Lily, and Naomi,
    May the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your hearts & minds.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Julie

  • 49 Tom Duesterhaus // Oct 6, 2008 at 7:46 am

    My love and prayers to all of you. I will miss Laura – but I will always remember her.
    Peace,
    Tom

  • 50 Macey Faiella // Oct 6, 2008 at 8:55 am

    David,
    Thank you for posting that wonderful strip of pictures of Laura and Lily. That is exactly how I want to remember her – with her welcoming smile, quick dry wit, creativity and gracious hospitality. I don’t have the words for how sorry I am — she will always be in our hearts.
    Love,
    Macey

  • 51 Lilly & John Lombard // Oct 6, 2008 at 9:03 am

    We are keeping your family close in our hearts, David, as you cope with the loss of your inimitable Laura. Thinking about you all day; wishing we could shoulder some of your sorrow. We are so sorry.
    All our love,
    The Lombards

  • 52 ELSIE & STANLEY BARTLETT/MARVELL AR // Oct 6, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    WE ARE TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MATTHEW HAS KEPT US INFORMED ABOUT LAURA. YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS .WE ARE FRIENDS OF LAURA’S FAMILY IN MARVELL,AR GOD BLESS YOU ALL

  • 53 Cathy Hassinger // Oct 6, 2008 at 1:46 pm

    David,
    I am sorry to hear about the death of Laura. I was a friend of Laura’s from W&M (she was a dorm hallmate in Brown), and I remember her with a lot of affection and humor. Laura is in my prayers as are you and the girls. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
    Cathy

  • 54 Steve Spishak W&M '92 // Oct 6, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    David — I just heard on Sunday, third-hand, about Laura’s sickness — eerily so since she had just popped into my head randomly a few days prior. A day later I’m even more shocked to learn that she has passed away. What miserable news. Please accept my deepest condolances for you and the kids.
    Steve

  • 55 Amy Harmon // Oct 6, 2008 at 6:25 pm

    David, Lily and Naomi,
    We are grieving with you. We love you all, and will miss Laura so much.
    All our love,
    Amy, Cyrus, Olivia and Mark

  • 56 Matt Erickson // Oct 7, 2008 at 11:24 am

    Laura was, simply, quite possibly the funniest person I’ve ever met. Even those of us who didn’t see her all that often know so very clearly how much poorer the world will be without her in it.

  • 57 Sara, Amy, Lisa and Good Beginnings // Oct 7, 2008 at 2:36 pm

    We’ve learned alot about Laura through our relationship with Heather and Jacob. We wished we could have met this amazing woman who clearly touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  • 58 me, wag. » Blog Archive » In Memoriam: Laura Coleman Kulp // Jan 9, 2009 at 12:55 am

    […] song that popped into my head on the day she died.  When I read the news from Dave, the sound memory opened & I placed her […]