Laurie; Thanks for writing in the midst of your grieve. I moved from the US to Switzerland shortly after finishing treatment and my best friend gave me the huge plak that says :
LIVE WELL - LAUGH OFTEN- LOVE MUCH
and I try to live my life that way.. not always easy .. but I try!
may everyone have a peaceful day
with love
Francesca

Sent by Francesca | 7:25 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Here, here!

Sent by Liz L. | 7:30 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie and all,

Parallels this historic date and cancer whether patient or lifegiver. As we know or knew life it will never be same. We have been affected by 7 years ago and by the diagnosis of cancer.

Changes that cannot be undone. Changes that alter who, how, and where we are in time and space. Although I do not have cancer, I am a lifegiver, I remember where I was 7 years ago today and almost three years ago in November. Will I ever forget? No.

Find peace today.

Sent by Sue Chap | 7:52 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Wow seven years and it really does seem like just yesterday. We all have things we are moving from or things we are moving toward. This one is a big one for all of us. Many thoughts for many people today.

Sent by JaeMoyer | 7:55 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Amen to that. It is the lesson for life.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:55 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Bless you
Live, Love, Laugh & Lift

Sent by Joan S. | 8:02 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie,
I had bought my husband a card for our anniversary last June. I read it to him before he died though it wasn't our anniversary yet. It said, "To my Prince Charming". I hope one day that I will heartily LIVE, LAUGH, AND LOVE again but there will only be one Prince Charming in my life.
Thanks for writing and thinking of us.

Sent by Elaine | 8:08 AM ET | 09-11-2008

This is a day to remember...to never forget! For most of us who did not lose loved ones on this day, the intensity of the event and the loss has lessened over 7 years. For those who did lose someone, the loss is as acute as it was 7 years ago. Let us remember them in our prayers.

Thank you Laurie for reminding us to Live, Love and Laugh.

Sent by Al Cato | 8:14 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie,

Thank you. Your message touched our hearts on what is a difficult day. In the midst of your pain, you reach out and give a message of hope, support, comfort. Probably one of the million of reasons Leroy loved you. Loves you still.

Heartlight,

Virgie & Kim

Sent by Virgie & Kim | 8:23 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie
Thank you for your kind words today. We live 1hr. north of NYC and have so many friends who were impacted greatly: loss, health problems, PTSD . . . .
While my own family was lucky to not have experienced it firsthand, it's tough to know how many around us are anguished.
Again, thank you.

Sent by valerie Longfellow | 8:24 AM ET | 09-11-2008

And we all wish that for you, too.

Sent by Gete | 8:33 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie,
That was beautiful today! Those same words are the first thing you will see when you walk into my home.
Neil also bought the first plaque for our home and it said: Live well, Love much and Laugh often....great words to live by...also hanging in the kitchen!

I also have a stack of those cards I sent to Neil... he got a card every week for the last two years!

Well said Laurie!
Love, hugs and continued prayers!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 8:35 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, Leroy was so lucky to have you.I too hope that all those affected by 9/11 will have been able to go forward with their lives (in their new normal) and be able to be happy.

Thank you again for such a beautiful post today. We are so lucky to have you and this blog community. Leroy had to be so proud of you and must have loved you very much.

Thoughts and prayers to all.

Sent by dorothy in oregon | 8:38 AM ET | 09-11-2008

A fellow cancer survivor recently sent me a necklace wih three silver disks engraved with the words Live, Love, Laugh. Your addition of the phrase "In no particular order" is perfect.

Life is finite; love lasts forever.

Peggy

Sent by Peggy | 8:43 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Do you have a story of where you and Leroy were on 9/11 when it happened? Would love to hear about it.

peace to all who have lost someone on 9/11

jenn

Sent by jenngie | 8:48 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Good morning, Laurie! That is excellent advice--it also creates a poignant picture in my mind--you leaving that card for Leroy, and you both remembering the earlier days of notes in socks and all those wonderful crazy things. Some think you grow up at 18 or 21; but I think growing up continues over the years. Losing loved ones 'grows you up' a lot, but I guess there is still yet more to come--more growing.
Prayers for the families who lost loved ones on this unforgetable day 7 years ago.
Sending love to you today Laurie...Linda

Sent by Linda Lee | 8:50 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Today my thoughts are with those who lost seven years ago - like Laurie's thoughts. I remember exactly what I was doing at work when we got the horrible news. Everyone at the plant I work at was then glued to their radios and calling home. My husband called me from his job to say he loved me and could not wait to get home. Live - Love and Laugh - good words.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 9:01 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Thank you Laurie. I hope you do the same.

Sent by Kathleen, NJ | 9:29 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie,

How kind of you to think of others on this day.

Sent by Carolyn | 9:44 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie: Your post today reminds us to remember 911 and in some ways many of us here have had our own 911, just in slow motion. The goodbyes by cell phone, the I love yous whispered. It hard, no matter how it happens.

No matter how much we want to go forward, even after a full year, I still have days when I just have to "take a day off". Such was yesterday when I stayed in bed nursing my hurt foot and sleeping the day away. May be that was a wasted day by some accounts, but I have to recharge my attitude and feel sorry for myself every once in a while. I think we wear ourselves down at times trying to avoid the grief and stress and I for sure need that down time. I hope you have the opportunity to do the same, both now and in the future.

Laurie Hirth: Your song is beautiful and now bookmarked on my computer. I can see why the words mean so much to you.

Sasha: My thoughts are of you always as well as others. Bruce: It's OK not to go out if you are at peace at home, and Graham, keep in touch with the soil, it does heal just to be there.

love always,
Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 9:50 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, so glad you are hanging in there with all of us through this chapter of life. It is so comforting every morning to read your blog, like a beam of love coming through the keys. Do not stop, love you. Elizabeth

Sent by Elizabeth | 9:52 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Tears still come easily when I drive across the bridge to work, remembering that day when I drove out of the city. But now, there is a sense of calm and not fear. When I had a skin lesion removed several years ago, there were also tears - and plenty of fear - but then I realized that by living and laughing and loving, I was actually being strong. I too wish you the ability to live, love and laugh. Strength to all.

Sent by Linda | 10:08 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie,

What a special person you are: What a special team you and Leroy made. It is so helpful to me for you to share the truth about you and Leroy because it shows where the strength you and Leroy have as human beings coping with life came from: your love for each other. It reinforces the limitless power that love contains to help us through anything. You and Leroy were "helpmates". We need this in our lives because it (life) is such a challenge. And we need others like you to tell us where your strength comes from, how you treat others so the truth is reinforced in each of us...helping us to go forward with love. It is important to know that love, tenderness and compassion are some of the tools you and Leroy employed in your relationship because this world is so full of control, manipulation and violence. Others, especially the laments and essetially grief stricken love poems by Laurie Hirth, make it clear that love and faith are the truly courageous way to face difficulties. Nothing can wilt in the face of these twin pillars but the flowers of acceptance and hope can blossom. I am deeply touched and grateful for everyones courage: Nikki, Al Cato, Stan "the man" Wozniak, Sasha, JCR, Tina, Sue Chap, K. from Mich., Peggy C. etc., etc. etc.,

And I wish to remember and shed a tear today for my B-ball friend Danny who lost his life on 9/11. Before he died he showed us all how to "Live, Love and Laugh". Amazing how someone who lost his life so young lived it more fully than anyone I have ever met. I try to live up to his example which Laurie, you model here....love...live...and laugh. Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 10:10 AM ET | 09-11-2008

It is obvious that both you and Leroy did this with perfection! You are handling your grief so well - I can tell in your writing. You are in my prayers, as are all those affected by 9-11.

Sent by Sue Sheehan Bothell, Wa | 10:25 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Love and prayers to all who are grieving today.

Sent by Tina from Alton, IL | 10:27 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie, My life isn't touched by cancer in any major way right now. As I noted on an earlier comment, I'm not really sure how or why I began to read Leroy's posts; now I read lots of the comments too. What I am really learning here is how to have strong, healthy love relationships. Your deep and abiding love, thoughtfulness, commitment, friendship, sensitivity, etc., etc., etc. It comes through loud and clear. It comes through from everyone. I am so grateful for your posts, and I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. Sending warm, loving thoughts your way.

Sent by Madeline | 10:50 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Thanks for those thoughts. My husband survived 9/11 and we are grateful everyday. I still believe that day was more frightening to me than when I heard "you have cancer". Live, Laugh and Love to all...

Sent by anne lumberger | 10:56 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Thank you Laurie for a great post today. In a time when it is hard for you to think about others, you are wishing them the best. You are a very thoughtful person. Have a sun filled day.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 11:03 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Hey Laurie,

That is a good saying. I'll be trying to do just that at a wedding for one of my departed wifes dearest friend. I don't know if it will be a good experience, but I will go because I do have to start Living, Loving, and Laughing sometime. Maybe the wedding day will be the day.
Have a great day Laurie, and remember the good times.
May the Lord richly bless you.

Sent by Donato S. | 11:11 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, I was watching Charlie Gibson still on "Good Morning America" at that time; it seemed a dream, surreal. We were under attack and the buildings fell. What a horrible day, I felt the same as when Kennedy was shot. Still raw too. I wish all the FDNY and NYPD a day to reflect and be with family and friends. Leroy would say, "they had no idea what was coming". Enjoy your day as much as possible. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 11:27 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dearest Laurie,

September 11th is a day that most everyone in this country will remember and feel badly about; but as you know, the horror and the hysteria and whatever else emotion, whether personal or just as a citizen of this country has subsided and there ARE MOMENTS - and in reality, in a while this will be for you also. We can only wish you love and peace and PLEAESE LET US KNOW WHEN YOU LIVE LAUGH AND LOVE - you know that we want that for you.
Love, Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 11:30 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie,
What gracious words and thoughts today. I like you addition of "in no particular order"...a good thing to remember.
Charlotte in Rural Ridge, PA

Sent by Charlotte Kewish | 11:44 AM ET | 09-11-2008

My thoughts are with you and all those who lost a loved one seven years ago. Laughter may be the hardest of those three in a time of loss so I wish all of you laughter, not so you forget your loved one but remember them with more fondness than pain.

Sent by N.R. | 11:51 AM ET | 09-11-2008

Reaching out to others; offering thoughts to ponder and inspiring us to act upon ... You're Leroy's girl, all right!

Blessings to you, Laurie, and ALL, on this day of remembering~

Sent by Kim Forester | 11:52 AM ET | 09-11-2008

My friend who was in Tower Two on the thirteenth floor escaped. He and his wife had their second son on July 3, 2002. Nice math!

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 12:22 PM ET | 09-11-2008

In no particular order....

As long as you incorporate all three

Peace to everyone

Sent by Ron Bye (NH) | 12:22 PM ET | 09-11-2008

PS to my earlier post -- I just came across this little verse, which speaks of what Leroy created here, and what you're continuing to nurture, Laurie~

"We need people who mean something to us,
People to whom we can turn,
Knowing that being with them
Is coming home." ~Bernard Cooke

Sent by Kim Forester | 12:44 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, thank you so much for continuing to write. I hear Leroy through your words every day.

Sent by roni | 12:49 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Beautiful words, Laurie. Take care of yourself.

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 1:05 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie-
This is where I come for life lessons, and I thank you for your thoughts today.This blog says so much about love and living. It makes me want to be a better person.

Sent by linda h. | 1:20 PM ET | 09-11-2008

it's good

Sent by siddu | 1:37 PM ET | 09-11-2008

I was so impressed reading about the couple who designed the beautiful 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon. Their vision and their perseverance to work with the families and 30 or more contractors to make it a reality was inspiring.

That memorial will serve to help us remember all who died on that day. It made me think of Leroy and how he will be remembered by all those he touched around the world by his presence and his words. Even if there is no physical monument, each of us will perpetuate his life in our memory of him.

God bless us all in the face of so many different kinds of tragedies.

Sent by Sara in MD | 1:58 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie,

Thank you for continuing this blog. It means a lot to me.

My sister mailed me a beautiful Live, Love, Laugh necklace and in the gift box it says:

"Live with a heart full of dreams.

Love from the depth of your soul.

And embrace every moment of Laughter."

I treasure this necklace from her!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts today.

Sent by Overwhelmed With Joy! | 2:14 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Dear Laurie,

My daily routine for the last couple of years, has been to have coffee, read the paper and then check Leroy's blog. What a great soul he is. I am so glad you have continued the blog and are sharing your experience. Life is a process that includes death and includes survivors and I'm glad the blog reflects that process. You are a wonderful person - you even reach out to others in the midst of your own sorrow. Thank you!
Shannon Parsons, Birch Bay, Washington

Sent by Shannon Parsons | 2:37 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, Thank you for continuing to post.

Sent by Julie | 3:19 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Thank you Laurie...I meant to post after your blog that ended 'I miss him so much'. My dad very recently said this about my mom and I looked at him and said, 'you know dad, I know she misses you so much still too'. He got a look of great contentment on his face as he pondered being 'missed so much' by the love of his life in her eternal soul. I like thinking of loss this way. It reminds me that I made someone happy and was loved by them so much too. It's a moment when I can smile. And I know Leroy misses you so much too right now.

Take care,

Brin

Sent by Brin | 3:40 PM ET | 09-11-2008

It is so true--"this is not a dress rehersal." I fully subscribe to live, love and laugh and it is so wonderful when all three come together at once. Just as my parents can never forget Pearl Harbor, collectively we will never forget 9/11.

Sent by N. Holmes | 3:53 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie, what wise advice captured in those words, and in no particular order! Hugs to you and your family and friends.

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 4:17 PM ET | 09-11-2008

"Motto for Marking the Day"
(For Laurie on 9-11)

L eroy, on high
I n heaven's quiet,
V oices silent approval for
E ach friend's remembrance today.

L eft here, from one to others:
O ffers from the heart to fill now
V acant places, making memories
E ver present.

L isten and
A ccept with
U nwavering grace the
G ifts of
H umor, hope, and healing.

From Maureen in Arlington, Va.

Sent by Maureen Doallas | 4:36 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Hello Laurie,
I just recieved an e-mail alert from ABC Breaking News about Gov. Sarah Palin's interview with Charles Gibson tonight. As I was looking over the page I came across a link for ABC's Person Of The Week: Leroy Sievers, who battled cancer and wrote a blog about it. Having just lost my 40 year old son-in-law to colon cancer, (on August 12th) I clicked on the link to read Leroy's words, and to tell you that I'm keeping you in my prayers.
With my deepest sympathy for your loss,
Dawn Searle

Sent by Dawn | 5:58 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Maureen Doallas,

Beautiful. Thank you.

Sent by Kathy B. from Michigan | 6:49 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Well said Laurie

Sent by liz Zimmerman | 7:07 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie:
Your post today and all your posts since Leroy's passing are so beautiful to read. It fills my heart. It's as if we are joining you on your journey to the "new normal". And, especially on a day like today, when we are reminded of how precious life is and to weep for all who lost their loved ones that horrible day. These sunny gorgeous days of September are bittersweet, aren't they?
Namaste,

Sent by Myra | 7:17 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie,
For some of us in this world the live and laugh part is hard but the love part is easy. You are so thoughtful to be thinking of others in the midst of your grief. I imagine that is part of the process. We had a discussion at work today about whether it is easier to lose a loved one suddenly or see them suffering and their lives being chipped away. The conclusion was that they both sucked! God Bless.

Sent by Kathie | 7:34 PM ET | 09-11-2008

Laurie,
I've been trying to find the right words to help lift your spirits as you continue to cope with Leroy's passing.
My uncle recently passed away from Renal Cancer and a poem called 'Afterglow' was used in his memory. it helped to raise my spirits a bit and I hope it does the same for you.

Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one,
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is gone.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times, and laughing times, and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun.
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Sent by Chris | 10:20 PM ET | 09-11-2008