A woman named Laurie has died.

You probably didn't know her. I didn't. That is truly my loss.

For about a year, I was a frequent visitor and somewhat regular poster over at Three Way Action. One of the more popular people around there was Laurie. One day, something was said about her going to the doctor... and having something checked out... and it being cancer.

I haven't been a regular at 3wa in some time. Somehow, stuff came up and pulled me away from it. Time was limited... and then, for reasons unknown, I suddenly felt like I couldn't match wits with that crowd anymore. I'd still drop by a lurk a bit, though. I'd skim the threads and look for the familiar names. The thing that was always inspiring to read was any thread about Laurie.

The entire 3wa community rallied behind her in her quest to "kick cancer's ass." There was a time there when everyone though she'd done it. But, alas, life doesn't always come with a happy ending... especially for those people that most deserve one.

I say that she was deserving of such even without knowing very much about Laurie and her life. I don't know her favorite color. I don't know what restaurant she loved to eat at or if she had a favorite chair to watch television in. I don't even know what she did for a living.

I do know that she left her mark, though. Go over to 3wa. Take a look at the lives she affected. She has died only in the physical sense. She continues to live through so many people... and that's an awesome testimony to a person and the positive effects of their life.

It should be our goal to leave this world better than how we found it. I think you accomplish that if you can improve the life of another. She did that many times over. She has tons of people thankful for the chance to know her... And at least one person wishing he had.