I am not really one to speak in front of people. I know everyone is thinking Michelle never shuts up.  All kidding aside.
Where should I start?  When I think about Lori, I think about all the funny and crazy times we had together.  She will hold a special place in so many people's hearts; she was strong and caring and lived life to the fullest. Lori was always ready to have fun.  Always ready to find the first party and finish at the last, never wanting it to end.
When we were kids, I remember pushing every button we could with my dearest Aunt Eda.  We decided we were going to take home Jelly fish from the beach. We collected 4 buckets of them.  We got to the car, Aunt Eda said "where do you two think you are going with those Jelly Fish."  Lori said we are going to take them home and take a bath with them.  Aunt Eda said "no way." Determined, Lori got her way, Aunt Eda caved. We took a bath with the Jelly Fish and left Aunt Eda to clean up the mess. That was just one of the many crazy things we pushed Aunt Eda to let us do.
The last year was a very trying and difficult one for Lori. She never complained about anything.  Every week I'd ask Lori "how do you feel." She'd say "good."  I'd say "Lori, does anything hurt." She'd say "I said good.""Are you sure," I'd ask.  She would clinch her teeth, look at me and say with a tone, "I said good." In other words she was telling me to shut up. She never lost her sense of humor and attitude.
 
So many laughs
                   Laying in bed laughing about the housewives
                   Talking about growing up
                   Sneaking out
                   Making Mac and Cheese at 4am
                   Dancing all night
                   Making Uncle Johnny open the pop-up in the driveway, 10 minutes later running in the house telling him we couldn't stay out there because we heard a bear. He would just laugh and say go to bed.

I can't believe I will never hold your hand or lay in bed with you. What I do know is that I will never forget you. You will remain in my heart until we meet again. You fought a long and difficult battle. I admire and love you. Lisa and Johnny are blessed to have called you mom. You were not just my cousin, you were my best friend and the sister I never had. I know you are not suffering anymore!!! I am so happy for that, but selfishly I want you back.
I know when you reached the gates of heaven your dad, Kristi, Lisa and Nonna were there waiting for you.  Hug them for us, and don't start stirring up trouble in heaven. The least you can do is wait for me.
Good bye for now. I will keep your memory alive forever.

Michelle Ramppen