Today is my friend Lauren Bump’s birthday. She would have turned 28 today. The picture of the cupcake above is from the surprise birthday party we threw Lauren when she turned 24 (Lauren loved pink and wore it ALL THE TIME). Although she is not turning another year older on earth today, I still want to honor her by remembering her this day. Lauren was one of my best friends in PA school. She along with my other study buddies and confidants, Mary and Caitlin, helped me to make it through the rigorous first year of PA school with a smile on my face, deeper trust in God, and new friends that felt like family.
She was murdered while running her usual route in a safe suburban neighborhood on December 31st, 2013. There are many things about this journey of grief and tragedy I want to write about someday. But on this day, I want to introduce you to one of my best friends, share a few pictures, and give you the link to Lauren’s blog with the purpose of celebrating her life on her birthday. The last post that she wrote was on November 16, just shortly before she was killed. We read this post at her eulogy and I want to share it with you today, It is entitled “Success”. <—click here to read.
Just a few thoughts:
- I am so thankful for the gift of friendship. Friends are worth pursuing even in our busiest seasons of life.
- God works through Grief. He uses terrible things for His good.
- Don’t seek after the world’s view of success, it will leave you empty.
This picture pulls at my heart strings the most. My mom took this picture after our white coat ceremony. These were my besties, study buddies, and confidants – Lauren on the left, Caitlin, Mary, and myself on the right.
Our first physical exams at a local school.
Cookout at our teacher’s house during clinical year. It was such a happy reunion time for our class!
A goofy picture from our christmas party the first year.
Learning blood draws! I passed out after this! haha
Spring Break medical mission trip to Guatemala.
Guatemala with a good friend and classmate, Whitney.
Sweet heart to heart convos in the back of the bus in Guatemala.
Guatemala.
Hiking up Pinnacle with Caitlin, Mary, Whitney and Lauren.
Bean Fest in Mountainview, AR –one of my very favorite memories ever.
Visiting my hometown in Greenwood, AR.
These are the pink balloons we released after Lauren’s funeral.
How does Lauren’s blog post about success speak to you? How do you view success? What are the ways you continue to celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away?
What a beautiful celebration for Lauren on her birthday! Rachel your words are powerful and love this post. Thank you for remembering her with such love. May God hold you tight during this time and may you find peace and grace in Lauren’s life. Love you sweet friend! Thank you for being a light in this world and showing how terrible things can be made good.
Thank you so much Sarah <3