Tuesday, July 7, 2009
As I type this note I am hearing the beautiful song "Simple Gifts" which is so poignant for honoring the life of Mrs. Lorenson. She and Mr. Lorenson played this song often from their central sound system in the house on 424 Park Street. Everytime I hear this song I think of both of them, their travels, their love for life, their passion and pride for their family and WVU! They are such a great example of life well lived by an American family, giving of themselves to better their community and the lives of others. I had the pleasure of living with Mr. & Mrs. Lorenson during my freshman year at WVU (1989-1990). Mrs. Lorenson was so kind and generous to me, she opened her house and heart to ensure I had the opportunity to attend college. I am the youngest of 6 children, I was the first to go away to college much in part due to the generosity of the Lorensen Family and the Greenbrier County Community. Mrs. Lorenson cooked me the best meals, always made me feel at home and gently let me know she was there if I needed her for anything. I am now 38 years old I have two daughters and a loving husband of 13 years. I think often about the sacrifices she made to allow me to reside in her home while attending college, and the time she took to always make me feel comfortable. She cleared the 4th floor of her house so I could have my own little apartment on the 4th floor. I was a typical freshman, she dealt with me and my "freshman-like" decisions with unconditional love, patience and kindness. There are so many wonderful memories of her, the house on Park, and even though many years have passed I can still remember them like yesterday. She and Mr. Lorensen traveled to Russia during my freshmen year, I still have the beautiful Russian egg she picked out for me along with the gorgeous baby blanket she quilted for my daughter Madeleine when she was born in 1999 (it was one of her first quilting projects). Most of all I still have her memory fresh, her legacy of goodwill, fairness, courage, intelligence, persistence, generosity, passion, pride for her country, and ambition. A lasting thought I will keep of Mrs. Lorenson and how she approached life is: Never underestimate the difference you can make in someone''s life through "Simple Gifts". The simple gifts that resonate such as time, compassion, and love and you can change your life by helping to change others! She definitely changed mine!! Mrs. Lorenson was and will always be a Role model in my life and I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to spend time with her and to get to know such a beautiful person! She is a blessing to me and my family! To the Lorenson family I am so sorry I was unable to attend her Memorial Service today, each one of you are in my prayers and I hope you are comforted in knowing how much she has given to the lives of others! She is an amazing woman!! Thanks so much for her!!
