Donna Lawrence

To Grama’s family:
I am so very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Even though she was not my Grama my blood she always made me feel her love and caring. She will be missed. Rest in Peace Grama and give my boys a big hug. All My Love Cindy

I am sorry for your loss just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you to give you the strength that you need during this sorrowful time.

Grandma
I visited Grandma in the hospital every day after she became ill. I generally don’t like hospitals and begin to sweat when pulling into the parking lot of one. I knew that I needed to set my fears aside in order to be with Grandma. I am so glad that I did.

The first night in the emergency room she was concerned about us seeing her without her teeth in. She had them retrieved from her house within a few hours of being hospitalized. This was just like Grandma. I don’t remember a time in my life when she didn’t have her nails done and have some make-up on. She also told me that she loved me and kissed me every time that I left her presence. I don’t remember a time in my life when she didn’t do that either.

I used to park my car on 4th Ave. in Cedar Rapids right out in front of her apartment and walk downtown to my office. I would see her often and stop to say hello. She was never without a smile and kind words. She would also remind me of how much of a rowdy boy that my father (Bruce) was growing up. She always had a good story and told me not to let my dad drive me crazy. I told her that dad was the source of a lot of entertainment and love in my life. She agreed.

On the morning of 8/29/13, when I was in her room at the hospital she was telling me another story about my dad. The love in her eyes for everyone in the room and for my dad was obvious. She was smiling at the end of the story, despite being in such a serious condition. I joked with her and reminded her that without her there would not have been me.

I told her I loved her and she said the same. I kissed her on the cheek and she kissed me the best she could as well. I miss her so much already. Her passing, as with the passing of friends and relatives before, has made me see the world differently. It also continues to inspire me to try to leave my own mark on the world.

I remember Donna in Cedar Rapids all dressed up in her beautiful melon dress and her large melon hat. She looked beautiful.

She had a wonderful laugh. It always made you smile when she laughed

I remember all the family getting together for the largest Easter egg hunt in the county on the acreage on Sherman street

When we moved to Eldon Missouri, Donna and her family came for visits and I remember all the wonderful meals we shared as a family. We had laughs, great conversation and usually a joke or two. Great memories.

We have to remember all the good times and laugh we shared, not the end