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Why This Website & Why Now?
My sister Laura was four years older than I was. That gap became more significant as we both grew older. As I was starting 5th grade she was starting High School. As I started High School she was starting college. Because of our age and gender difference, we grew more apart than closer. Especially, since once Laura left home for college, she never returned back to Indianapolis. Laura stayed in New York city for about 15 years and then moved to San Francisco. In the late 1980's, Laura decided to move to Fairhope, Alabama the bayside town where we spent Summers at our Grandmother's and Great Aunt's house. Laura moved to Fairhope in the late 80's. By that time I was newly married and had a young son (Tyler). That was the point in time where Laura and I started to really get to know one another. I always knew that Laura was different and special. Little did I know until the time of her death, just how amazing and talented she truly was.
Laura's cancer diagnosis came in September of 2006. She was diagnosed with two Glioblastoma's which is an extremely aggressive brain cancer. Her oncologist said that without treatment she would have about six months to live and that she would start to loose her faculties about 6-8 weeks prior to death. Laura's role in life, personally and professionally, was that of a care giver which she did with passion and pride both professionally and personally. She loved giving and nurturing to those that she was close to. It was very difficult for her to transition from care-giver to patient. However, during that six month period so much happened. She lived, loved and celebrated amongst family and friends in ways none of us could have imagined. It brought our family together we ways we could never have imagined.
As of this writing (March 2025) it's been 18 years since her passing. During that time, family and friends of Laura's have either moved away, or passed away. Both of her books have been out of print for a very long time, and to no surprise, it seemed that her poetry, and legacy, had faded. In 2001 I was surprised to learn that there was quite a following for Laura from mostly younger generations born long after her death. It turned out that through digital channels such as TikTok, Instagram and Reddit Laura's poems were alive and well and flourishing. Especially her poem The Two Headed Calf. That powerful poem continues to touch the lives of so many people across the world even to a point where many people now have Two Headed Calf tattoos. I also noticed that many people were asking where they could learn more about Laura and her writings. Both of her books of poetry have been out of print for 17 years now and I'm hopeful that this year our family will be willing to re-print her second book entitled "The Weight of a Soul" which encompasses the vast majority of her poetry. I'm also hopeful that this website will serve as a platform for people to learn more about Laura, have access to her poetry, and to be a foundation for people to gather and share their personal stories about how her poetry has impacted their lives.