A Short Personal Rambling and an Important Message
April 10, 2026
This is the most popular post from 2023. It was a heavy year for me as I was trying to navigate our deep loss. It’s a post that highlights what was so beautiful about my daughter while letting us know what our loved one in addiction needs above all!!
THE VERSE THAT REVEALS MY DAUGHTER
This week, the tattoo on my arm that honors my daughter reminded me of something. She loved anchors pearls and dotting her “I’s” with meticulously drawn hearts. The top section of the shaft goes by the name “Anchor Shackle.” It’s the part that a chain or rope connects to. On the tattoo on my arm written in the anchor shackle is a portion of a verse (Song of Solomon 1:15a) from Song of Solomon, the beautiful love story found in the ancient book the Bible. It says this “Thou art beautiful my love” . . . she is!
One of her favorite teachers mentioned that quote in a biography she wrote and read at LaLa’s high school graduation in 2013. At her school, each graduate would ask a respected and admired teacher or advisor to write a short essay about them. Laurens is provided in full below.
When Mrs. Schubik reminded Lauren how beautiful she was inside and out, we didn’t realize that LaLa was completely consumed by heroin addiction. I think Lauren really needed to hear those words I am just not so sure that she was able to really believe them, BUT IT WAS/IS TRUE!
A PICTURE OF LALA
Mrs. Schubik is the teacher/advisor that encouraged Lauren to think and pray about telling us she experimented with pot. Lauren loved, respected and admired her. She did tell us and we were so PROUDof her for her courage. The letter Mrs. Shubik wrote is below.
Congratulations! You graduated with so much style! In fact, I loved your style so much that I stole many
Lauren at Graduation 2013 with her brother
of your wardrobe ensemble ideas and used them for myself! So thank you for the tips!
There are so many things about you that I admire. Your sweet and fun-loving personality always puts me in a better mood. Your cheerful and giving heart convicts me and gives me something to strive for. But the thing I love the most about you is your honesty. Your character is so strong and I know its is only going to get stronger with age and experience. I think it’s safe to say that your company as my teachers aide this year has blessed me immeasurably.
In a few moments you will walk off this stage and start your own path. I pray that you see your future as a blank slate, with nothing holding you back. I pray that you ask Jesus to guide you before each and every decision you make. I pray that you will seek to know Him more intimately: because having a close relationship with Jesus is the only way you will be truly happy.
God gave me this verse for you: -behold, you are beautiful, my love.” Song of Solomon 1:15a. I pray that you can see yourself as beautiful, because that’s the way God sees you
Love
Mrs. Shubik
THAT’S THE SECRET
Making sure our kids can talk with us. In fact, studies have shown that most kids do want to listen to their parents when approached in an effective way. The post Conversations takes a bit about this. MADD also provides a helpful 2 minute video Kids Will Listen and some excellent downlable resources at https://madd.org/power-of-parents/ .
This weeks featured image is by Brooke Shaden, entitled “Women of Influence”. Lauren was a person that influenced many people in very positive ways. I really admire that in her.
