Lauren was born in Tampa, FL. where she lived all of her
nine years, four months and four days. She is a
"first child" for her mommy and daddy and the first
maternal grandchild. She has two younger siblings,
Christopher and Faith, who were seven and three at the
time of her death.
Lauren was a sweet, sweet little girl, with a very
stubborn streak. She was always helpful to others. She
loved her family, Jesus and all animals, especially
horses. She was a tomboy with a very feminine side, she
loved to climb trees but also loved to dress "frilly".
She was well liked in school and was a good student. She
was the "Terrific Kid" for the month of March, 2000 at
her elementary school. She was very athletic and
muscular, she could make her stomach muscles roll like
waves, it was amazing!!
Lauren told us on several occasions in the months prior
to her death that she was seeing angels. She said that
they would come to her room at night and that they were
going to take her. We of course had no idea what fate
had in store for her and did not take her too seriously
about this. She was always adamant about what she saw
and never changed her story. We don't know exactly why
the angels were there but now we know that they were!!
Lauren also loved to visit her paternal grandmother
Marylou, on Friday April 14,2000 she want to spend a few
days with her.. Sunday morning, the 16th, Marylou and
aunt Darlene took her to Walmart and had portraits
taken. From there they were going to meet a friend to do
some painting, she was excited about helping them paint.
Fifteen minutes after the photos were taken they were
broad-sided by a van doing 65 M.P.H.
We were told that
Lauren died on impact, her aunt Darlene died a few
minutes later and Marylou was airlifted to Tampa General
Hospital where she died a short time later. The
investigation determined that Lauren's grandmother made
a left hand turn in front of the van, the driver of the
van was not charged. We will always wonder how she could
make such a fatal mistake, we have no idea why she did
not see the van coming.
Marylou was cremated and her ashes were placed in
Lauren's arms, they were both laid to rest in Ruskin
Memorial Park cemetary near where her father lives. The
funeral service was held in a beautiful church and there
were over three hundred mourners there.
Life after the loss of a child is not an easy thing.
People have often commented that they could not survive
such a loss, but the fact is that you have no choice but
to go on living because you are still alive. It has been
twenty nine months at the time of this writing since
Lauren was so tragically and suddenly ripped from our
lives. We miss her beautiful face and always wonder what
she would be like now. She will always be our special
angel in heaven.
We love you sweet Lauren and take comfort in knowing
that you are in heaven waiting for us to join you.
All our love,
Your family
Written by Joyce Allman, Lauren's Nanny
September 21, 2002
Soar high sweet Angel,
As the other Angels sing,
Their welcome song to Heaven,
And guide you with their wings.
Soar high sweet Angel,
My little precious one.
And make your way to Glory,
To the Father and the Son.
Soar high sweet Angel,
Your Angel wings you wear,
God has a special plan for you,
That's why He took you there.
Soar high sweet Angel,
And save my place beside you,
In Heaven where we'll meet again,
When my life on earth is through.
Soar high sweet Angel,
My love will never perish,
You'll forever be my Angel,
Sweet memories I'll cherish.
Soar high sweet Angel,
I know you had to go,
I miss you more than words can say,
But I know that you know.
Soar high sweet Angel,
Don't worry 'bout a thing.
Enjoy your life in Heaven,
While worshiping the King.
I love you my sweet Angel,
My beautiful Lauren Marie,
My Angel now in Heaven,
You're waiting there for me
07/14/2001
Joyce Allman
