So Many Memories

In the summer of 1969 Marian and Dale Dickson with their daughter Laura went on a bike ride up the only hill in Stuttgart.  They arrived shortly at 808 w 18^th to be greeted by Jim and Jean Pollard and their daughter Misti.  This was the beginning of a friendship that lasted until Laura’s last breath.  It really didn’t end with her last breath.  Laura will and always be my friend.  

There are so many memories of me, Laura, and all our friends that if I shared them with you, we would be here all day.  I hope I can shorten enough and help you understand what a gifted, talented and true friend Laura was.  

Many of us became friends by carpooling to playschool and kindergarten and then being fortunate enough to go to neighborhood elementary schools.  We just didn’t know each other we knew each other’s parents, and most of us also knew each other’s grandparents.  

In our early years we rode our bikes all around town.  We rode to school, to Gibson’s for popcorn and ices, Safeway for candy and Tasty Freeze for crunch cones or dip cones.  We visited the florist to see Evelyn Laura’s dad’s mom, around the corner to see Bumbee Laura’s mom’s mom and then visit my grandmother across the street from my house to pull taffy or make fudge.  

In our spare time you could find us behind Laura’s house in the ditch, across from my house making forts in the pine trees or if we did happen to get a snow sledding down the hill.  

In elementary school Laura was always taller and smarter than the rest of us. The highest score on a test was always her, if there was a spelling bee winner it was her, if there was a math quiz she knew the answers before the quiz was handed out.  This streak of smartness never failed her. She continued to receive recognition all through our years in the Stuttgart Public School district.   

She was a lifelong learner who was goal oriented.  Laura set expectations for herself and knew at a very young age she wanted to be a teacher.  When she was 5 years old her Sunday school teacher at Southside Baptist church in Stuttgart had her students make mobiles with the scripture Proverbs 1:5 the wise will hear and increase learning.  She hung the mobile in her room where it stayed until she completed all her educational degrees- Bachelors, master’s and then Doctorate in Education.  She was a fabulous teacher and administrator because she was passionate, set goals for all, wanted success for students and teachers, was a wonderful role model, prepared for the best and the worst, and communicated with a tone that was delivered with love.

As I was looking at our school pictures Laura was always tied up with a bow and always had that sweet smile.  She was as sweet on the inside as she looked on the outside.  While reading all the comments on Facebook the trend couldn’t help but be noticed.  

Laura motivated people, she was always positive, she was full of grace and compassion, patient, creative, beautiful inside and out, always went the extra mile for others, inspirational, she supported everyone, she believed in many, she was genuine, honest, had a heart for the Lord, wise, encouraging, supportive, remarkable, helpful, great listener, funny, lifted me up, never made me fell less.

Laura was an example of the fruit of the Spirit.  She was full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.   The Lords Spirit was inside of her which in turn let her light shine for others to see.  Laura didn’t just talk it she walked it every day and it showed.  

In Laura’s desk drawer when she was superintendent at Stuttgart was this scripture- 

Psalm 36:9 for with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light. 

When Laura was stressed, worried or anxious or didn’t know what to do, she pulled out that drawer.  She would pray and God would give her an answer.  Laura was always faithful.  She knew who had the answers she needed.  She knew that when she was thirsty God would quench her thirst.

God gifted Laura with many gifts and talents, and we all know one of those was being a master pianist.  At a young age before most even could begin taking piano lessons, Laura began her journey running her beautiful long fingers across the black and white keys.  At the age of 12 she played her first Easter Cantata.  When her grandfather was dying of cancer one of his requests was for Laura to play the piano at his funeral.  Papee told her- I don’t want you to play that slow draggy music I want you to make it lively and jive it up and that she did.  She loved playing that jazzy music at UAMS while living in Little Rock.  She would play for the cancer patients, and it brought her and them much joy.  During her lifetime many of us were blessed having her music grace our ears whether playing the piano at events or being a part of the Singing Christmas Tree here at first Baptist.

As I sat on the floor looking through the many pictures 90% of the pictures I found, Laura and I were standing right beside each other.  And that is what our friendship always looked like.  We could go for weeks and not talk to each other or see each other but we could always pick up where we left off.  We shared many situations, circumstances, joys and sorrows.  

We had children the same age, went on trips together and spent many a weekend at the ballpark eating fried bologna or hot dogs.  We sat around the table for bible studies and coffee in which we both loved.  

We shared a love for sonic drinks and grilled cheese.  We loved to ride around town and reminisce about the past.  Many times, Laura remembered who lived where or who did what -more than I did.  Our favorite time of year was when Christmas music began on XM radio.  We had a competition on who would call who first and say, “Christmas music is on!”  

Every visit with Laura consisted of laughing until we cried.  You couldn’t help but laugh with Laura, she was just funny.  We would be together and start laughing and we couldn’t’ stop.  Of course, Laura would end up with her face in her hands- OH NOW she would mutter.  Just two months ago on May 16^th while Laura was in the hospital, we shared one of those laugh until you cry moments.  During one of our visits- Laura out of the blue looked at me and said- I went to visit Sherri yesterday. I just went along with it and said- Laura that sounds fun.  She then looked at me and said- Where does Sherri live now, I said Hot Springs Laura replied and began to laugh- well I guess I didn’t do that did I!  She never lost her sense of humor.  

One of the favorite parts of our friendship was that we never ended a conversation or a visit without the words- I love you.  

In 2016 my son in law was diagnosed with cancer.  It was one of the most difficult journeys I have ever been on, but Laura was right beside me just like all those pictures I found.  From 2016-2020 Laura and Rick’s door was open, I even had a key.  Rick would always have great food ready at night and a pot of coffee still warm for me in the mornings. My late-night snack was always some homemade sweet Rick made and Laura’s go to was ice cream and Funyuns.  I know -even Laura thought that was weird.  When I look back on those three and half year’s cancer was devastating but I got to spend quality time with Laura having many bunking parties and meals around the table together.  

The last few days my mind has revisited and thought about the last 54 years, and I want to share what I learned from Laura.  

                  Laura made an impact on many – Why?  

Because she had an open door, and everyone was welcome at her table.  She was there whenever anyone needed her.  She showed up.  She cared not only for those with degrees but those that answered the phone, bagged groceries, or swept the floor.  She didn’t see differences in people she loved all.  She was full of faith and went to God first for everything.  Her wisdom came from Him and Him alone.  She gifted others with the gifts and talents that God gave her.  She laughed, enjoyed, and appreciated the little things in life. 

One of our classmates wrote- when God takes such a precious one such as Laura early, I truly wonder if it is because she had fulfilled her mission on earth. 

Laura’s mission may be fulfilled this side of heaven however I hope that we all can learn from our friend and while continuing our walk make it our goal to be the hands and feet of Jesus just like Laura was.