A Casket Full Of Memories

 

Many teens view high school graduation as just the beginning. For Laura Hillier, high school graduation was one of the last milestones she would experience in her life. That too-short life was honored with a beautiful white casket and a quote from music loving Laura -- "Life is a song. Sing it till your heart's content." And soon, there would be many more words covering Laura's white casket.

 

Credit: Hope For Laura / Facebook

 

Laura, who lived in Canada, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 13. The young girl bravely fought and won the battle with cancer...for a time.

 

Credit: Hope For Laura / Facebook

 

But the cancer returned when she was 18 and a bone marrow transplant was needed. Tragically, Laura passed away in a hospital bed waiting for that transplant.

 

 

It was a heartbreaking blow for the family that had watched as the girl fought so hard. A match and willing donor were all lined up -- the wait time for the hospital to be able to perform the surgery was simply too long. Her parents are hopeful that Laura's story will help bring more awareness to the deadly wait times that plague hospitals in Canada for patients requiring bone marrow transplants.


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Laura was surrounded by family when she went to be with the Lord, and the brave girl's "poise, her courage, her strength and her pure spirit shone through right until the end." And so, the family came up with a beautiful way to honor the vibrant young woman who loved musical theater.

 

Credit: Hope For Laura / Facebook

 

Guests at the funeral were invited to treat Laura's white casket just like a blank page -- to use it as a place to share special memories and say a final goodbye to the girl they all loved so much.

 

Credit: Hope for Laura / Facebook

Soon, the casket was covered in genuine messages of love and affection, penned in bright colors by family members, classmates, teachers, hospital workers, etc. -- anyone and everyone who had been touched by Laura's brief but brilliant life.


"You were musical. You were artistic. You were understanding. You were my bestest friend."


"You are another bright star in the sky. One we can admire every night."


"Very brave and strong. You will always be a hero."

 

Credit: Hope For Laura / Facebook

 

Laura was surely smiling as she looked down upon the beautiful messages from Heaven, where God has healed her from all of the pain and suffering she endured in this world. We will be praying for her friends and family during this difficult time.

 

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

 

 

This bride got a very special sign on her wedding day. See what it was!

 

 

Psalm 34:18

 

h/t: GodUpdates