In Memory of Lori Udy
A few weeks ago we were privileged to perform at the Lori Udy Benefit Concert in Idaho. I promise to post more later about this AMAZING show (lots of pictures!) but today, we wanted to pay tribute to our friend, Lori.
Lori battled with cancer (starting with breast cancer) for about 6 years. She is a wife to Steve and a mother to Mikayla and Austin. Her courage and strength in the face of so great a challenge inspired those who were lucky enough to meet her.
At the concert, Brooke, Soni, and I were able to talk with Lori. Honestly, my thoughts were, "I could be really good friends with her." I found myself wishing that I could know her better-- spend time with her, maybe take our kids to the park, talk about books we just read, agonize over laundry, complain about the weather.
That's the kind of person she was--even when you first met her you felt like you'd known her forever.
The concert was amazing. The energy and excitement were strong, as was the spirit. It was a night of celebration but also one of somber realization that Lori didn't have long.
And two weeks later, she was gone.
Lori passed away on Friday, April 17, 2009...only 14 short days after the concert. Her funeral was today in Florida, and all day long I was wishing that I could have been there. But instead, I wanted to pay tribute in this way--to honor a woman whose very smile inspired me to be better, count my blessings, and thank Heavenly Father for every single day.
