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February 17th @ 7:33 a.m. from Rob Gilpin (brother):

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My sister Laura died the same way that she always lived.  Strong, in control, organized, promoting Planetree and always on her own terms.  When her Neurosurgeon told her that she had just six months to live, there was no anger or bitterness.  She simply accepted her fate and got busy putting her house in order.  Planetree was her first and foremost concern above and beyond anything and everyone else.  

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From the very beginning of her six month decline, I was able to witness first hand numerous Blessings as they began to unfold.  Laura's death helped me to realize once again that I do believe in miracles, and in angels.  The outpouring of gifts, cards, letters and phone calls was nothing short o amazing.  An engagement ring from her long time companion bill, friends traveling from all across the states for short visits, nightly celebrations around her dining room table that for the previous 3 years have never been used once, homemade cookies from hospital CEO's, daily arrivals of decadent sweets from around the country that our mother declared as "death by chocolate", and most of all....a newfound closeness within our family which was perhaps the best miracle of all.  Laura's salvation to accept Christ gave us all a deep sense of of comfort and joy.  

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Laura passed away surrounded by close family friends talking quietly around her of found remembrances from days gone by.  The laughter make the pain much more tolerable.  She died quietly, peacefully, and lovingly in her own bed surrounded by pictures of family and friends, fresh flowers, lace and lot of pink.  

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Laura was the ultimate "care giver" and was very uncomfortable in her new role as "care receiver".  She kept saying over and over again, "how ironic" and "how bizarre" that the tides had changed.  I can not begin to tell you just how blessed we were to have access to some of the finest caregivers in the world including Dr. Susan Smith, Dr. Edward Flotte, his assistant Erica, and Torie from Coastal Hospice.  I have never before witnessed such compassion, grace and kindness that went well above and beyond the call of duty.  God Bless each and everyone of them.

 

When we first brought Laura home after her diagnosis and surgery in early September, her house, as always, was a total disaster.  Piles of papers and books were everywhere.  A boxed hot water heater was in the dining room, suitcases, gifts for a dozen Christmas's to come, a kitchen that had never been used, and enough emergency hurricane supplies to provide for the entire state of Alabama.  Initially, it was all that we could to find room for even Laura.  Although Laura had a beautiful home filled with beautiful antiques and possessions, in reality , she never really lived there.  Planetree was always her home, many of you were her family, and money and possessions had little to no value to her.    

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Laura measured wealth in increments of friends, family time, love and the currency of giving.  That being the case, she was the richest person I've ever known, she invested wisely, and through the unique way in which she touched us all, her legacy will live on forever.  

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I will miss you forever and always Laura.  Love as always, your little brother!  

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