Laura Jo was 15 years old and had Ewing's sarcoma. From her hospital bed in Akron, Ohio she wrote these words.

"I feel that I may cease to live not very much longer from now. But before I die, I would like to feel success, to taste fame, to touch a part of the world, to leave my mark and never be forgotten."

MY SONG FOR LAURA JO

Getting ready to go to senior high in Ohio.
Everything to live for, feeling strong, learning to grow.
When out of the black a cloud of darkness rose above.
Blocking the sun from shining down on a helpless dove.

She wants to be young and have some fun while she can.
Become a famous actress, write a book, have a plan.
But now she feels to old to ever be young again.
Fighting dispair with the heart of a lion.

Laura Jo has a world in her head
And dreams of a better place to be.
Laura Jo sees images of a nicer kind of reality.

Where eagles fly
In a clear blue sky.
Where no one dies
And nobody cries.

Where is the promise of a young girl's happiness?
Blowing in the wind, like a seed earth didn't caress.
But in another perfect world a tree grows proud and strong.
Where all the clouds are silver lined and nothing can go wrong.

Laura Jo has a world in her head
And dreams of a better place to be.
Laura Jo sees images of a nicer kind of reality.

Where eagles fly
In a clear blue sky.
Where no one dies
And nobody cries.


Laura Jo had her taste of fame before she died thanks to columnist Erma Bombeck, who has also left us. Her story and words were featured in a heart wrenching story that led me to write this song in dedication. I still can't sing it without a tear in my eye. Her parents have a copy of the recording. You can listen to it on my website.