Our gifted genius of reasons to celebrate was especially fond of the 4th of July. (There's a big shock! Which holiday wasn't she really fond of!?) It started early and continued through her life and she spread her love for it to all of us.

Not a year passed by without particular thought as to what the year's participation in the parade would be, and decking out not only the house, but ourselves in Red, White, and Blue.

We have some really fond memories of Evergreen Park and the parade that led to it each year. Collecting candy, tossing candy, floats, wagons and bikes decorated, and the bright sunny days with snowcones, crazy outfits, and lots of patriotism.

Lauren participated yearly -- regardless of what others were doing. When our thoughts turned to collecting candy instead of tossing it, Lauren kept tossing. Particularly endearing was the year she offered to 'march' in the parade with her "Gogo", and they walked together as pioneers. Who would have guessed the symbolism then!?

2006 did not dawn as bright and happy for us. We were just home from the hospital, and whirling from the weeks of desperate seeking for answers. Lauren's spirits, however, remained undeterred. We still found our way to our traditional parade spot at the end of the driveway with her decked out in red, white, and blue, despite her dehydration, the fresh diagnosis of tumor, and the next mornings outlook of major surgery and the beginnings of treatment. She just didn't miss a beat.The next two years of the 4th of July were cautiously hopeful celebrations for us, and for Lauren, just more great holidays spent being glad to be an American. She was never deterred by the conditions surrounding her. Being bald gave her the opportunity to wear a patriotic scarf and short hair made it look like red, white, and blue fireworks on her head. She simply used each condition as a different means to celebrate things she held dear.

2009

This year, spread all over the world and apart from each other, we weren't too keen on the holiday, we must admit. This years conditions kept most of us from our traditional spot on the parade route. (David and I were away on business, and Carlie & Sara attending to their missions in Nauvoo and Thailand. ) Taylor (between his work and the flights necessary for them) did manage enough hours in SLC to attend the parade in Lauren's honor, but the rest of us dealt with our haunting loneliness in other areas of the world. Yet, there will always be an undeniable spirit, created by Lauren, that reminds us to be grateful and to celebrate all that is ours. Because of her, we're grateful to be American, to have the modern technologies which allowed our battle for her life, and the rights and privileges to worship our Father who gives us all. She made our lonely holiday a significant and even beautiful day. Lauren still doesn't miss a beat. Happy 4th of July.