    I'd like to extend my sincere condolences and prayers to Lori's family and caregivers, especially her brother Jim, a former student as well, and Delia, her closest caregiver and friend for many years.
    My relationship with Lori began when she was in my junior English class and was less than enthusiastic about the class (and also me), but by her senior year that somehow changed, and she started calling me just to talk.   Before she left for the Air Force, she thoughtfully surprised me with a beautiful snowsuit as a gift for my unborn daughter! 
     She visited with me after her tour of duty in Germany, and I became her "spiritual mother" when she  accepted Christ and was baptized at Stithton Baptist Church before going on to her next duty station in San Antonio.  That decision created a very special bond that led to many deep spiritual conversations and  prayers for each other through the years following her devastating accident. 
      I visited her in the Tampa VA Hospital and again  at her apartment in San Antonio after a serious illness in 2001. I have very fond memories of our time together at  the River Walk and the Alamo.
      Lori never ceased to amaze me with her strength, resilience,  perseverance, and determination to live life to the fullest.  For several years she enjoyed living in an apartment with two beloved dogs  and  traveled extensively with Delia, visiting family members,  her Ft. Knox  "family," and even meeting Joni Eareckson Tada.  I often  encouraged her to write a book as her story also would  have  inspired others.       
     She  didn't  realize the  impact she made on so  many lives.  I  marveled at her wit and sense of humor even when circumstances became very difficult, and I will miss her beautiful blue eyes and ready smile.
      Lori was "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:2); she "fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith" 2 Tim. 4:7) . 


   



One more teacher who had such a major impact on Lori’s life.  Thank you, Mrs. Conroy!

Here is one of the teachers who had a tremendous influence on Lori.  We are eternally grateful to you and teachers like you, Mrs. Kirby!

Here is Lori looking for her books.  At least she knew where to find them.  I didn’t know we even had any...

Besides developing toughness at home, Lori was also part of the ROTC program at Ft. Knox.  Perhaps this helped in her fight later on in life...

Lori at Ft. Knox High School.  Where did she get all that blonde curly hair?  Mom was only blonde for six or seven times, and only briefly...

Here is another one of Lori at Ft. Knox.  Although, it may be Peter Frampton or Robert Plant.  Our shot putter was the guy on the left, with the K on his jersey....it wasn’t a great year!

I remember one Christmas, our mom, who was a single mother holding down two jobs just to keep food on the table for us, could only buy a single Christmas present that Lori and I had to share. It was a stuffed animal, a Chimpanzee, holding a banana that you could insert into its mouth, giving the impression of him eating it. Somehow, Lori managed to bite a portion of the banana off, leaving our one present in an imperfect state. 
Boy, was I furious! 
Looking back on it now, it seems like a very silly and immature attitude to have, so with that Lori, you are forgiven!

I am proud of you though at your persistence in bowling; never giving up after bowling 9 straight frames of nothing but gutter balls. How great it was to see your face of sheer excitement when in that 10th frame you knocked down only 1 pin. You scored! Glad to see you are now bowling perfect games at home! Please make sure you save me a game, okay?

Also, I will make sure I’m prepared with my box of band-aids should you skin your knees again!

I love you so much Lori and you definitely will be truly missed; holding a very special place, not only in my heart, but in those other people whom you’ve truly touched.

Just remember when I come home and we take a picture together, my “Peace signs” will be ready!

Death comes to all of us, but we must choose to remember Lori’s life and not the pain of her death. Lori is now in heaven with Jesus. For those that truly love the Lord and are His, when life is hard, "Look Up!"

Here is another of Lori and our family...

More that will help in the future counseling sessions...

Here are more pictures of Lori and our crazy family!  This should explain a lot...

For the time I spent with Lori being her caregiver, she taught me so much in a short amount of time. She made me realize to never take life for granted and to appreciate the little things in life. She would always put a smile on my face. Her heart was pure and I am glad to have had her in my life. She will always have a special place in my heart. She may be gone but never forgotten. I know she is dancing in the heavens with the Lord and may her soul rest in peace.

My sister, my hero, and an inspiration to me and so many others, has now been freed from this mortal life and has a new body and unfathomable joy in the presence of the Lord.  A fighter until the end, she far exceeded what all thought was possible and proved that quadriplegia may limit her body but cannot limit her spirit and will.  She still owes me a cowboy hat...  You are free indeed, my sister!  I will see you in eternity, but just not yet.

Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Philippians 3:21
who will transform  the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

OBITUARY

Lori Ann Henson

26 August, 1964 – 19 November, 2018

Funeraria del Angel Roy Akers

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