I never knew Lori, but I have a second grader this year at the same school. This was very difficult news to hear about today. I went through a health crisis and life-threatning diagnosis 3 years ago this summer. Lily was just starting kindergarten and her big sister was starting 2nd grade then.

The news that those 3 beautiful girls lost their mother hurts my family deeply.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Shannon
Lily's Mom

I'm so sorry for your loss, I learned of Lori thru a friend Denise) on FaceBook. It was very hard reading the journal (as my son had open heart back in 2002), but I prayed everyday for her recovery, she was a fighter and fought a good fight. My blessings to you and your family, may you heal, bond and always cherish those stolen moments we all sometimes take for granted....In my thoughts and prayers
Leslie Justice

To Lori's family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I am a member of the heart valve community. I can relate to some of the things Lori posted before her surgery. I pray for God's grace to hold and keep you during the difficult days ahead.

Gene Parrish

TO DR. ADAM AND HIS THREE BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRLS....SENDING LOVE AND PRAYERS....
JEANNIE WEIGL (MARILYN DAWES' SISTER, DR. JOHN DAWES' DENTAL ASSISTANT)

To the Family and Friends of Lori,
It is with heartfelt sympathy that I write to you today. I offer my condolences to you and may God's peace sustain you during your time of bereavement. May she rest in peace.

Victoria

I did not know Lori. She is the dear friend of someone I knew in junior high school. I found this journal through her facebook page. I am so touched by this. I work with cardiac patients, patients who have had this same surgery, on a daily basis at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. Because of that, and the fact that Lori and I are the same age, and from the same city, I feel a kinship to her. I will be praying for Lori's husband, children, and family. I am so sorry for your loss. God be with you all.

Dawn East

To Lori's family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I will be praying for you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Mits Fujimoto

My heart is broken. I am so sorry for Lori and her family. I don't understand why God would take her when she has two lovely children. I just survived and I am old. I am so sorry. I will pray for all of you.

To Lori's family and friends.....I was saddened to receive Adam's email. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
I pray that your hearts will be quieted by the gentle peace of God...May His loving arms surround you....In time, may the happy memories each has of Lori bring moments of joy......
Always in His care as each of you are....
Hugs to each of you......Gram Dixie Downey

Heart-felt compassion and hoping the whole family will one day weather this storm and be able to smile when thinking of Lori.

From Bob, who will one day need a new or repaired aortic valve and have been researching and looking at Adam's blog for 1.5 years now.

I did not know Lori or follow her entries but we are linked by the cardiac surgery experience and Adam Pick's supportive website. My tears and sympathy are with you and your family, and for all of us who have survived, or face it now, or face it again.
May your comfort be in each other and her loving memory. I thank you for sharing your loss,the realities of our situations are harsh sometimes,as in your loss. No moment of life can be taken for granted when we face this. In sincere sympathy, Rose Filice

Dear Lori's Family,

I have followed Lori's journal since it began & wish to convey my deepest sympathies. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Joy Vera, (HVJ) Georgetown, TX

To Lori's Family,

Words cannot convey the sorrow I feel reading about this horrible turn of events. I am recovering from an aortic valve replacement in early June and am so sad that Lori cannot join us in the community of successful patients. We miss you, Lori, and we're praying for your family.

Geoff Stuart
Newtown Square, PA

God Bless and comfort you all! My deepest condolences. Yolanda Wright - TEA/IDEA Coordination

Dear Adam and girls: You are in our prayers. May the power of The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit guide you and your daughters through these trying times. I leave you with this poem that someone left me when my mother and grandmother passed on.

Safely Home
by Unknown

I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! but Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's Will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth--
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!

I thank you for the privelege of learning about Lori and her love of family and friends and her encouragement to others in displaying her courage through this journal. Sometimes we don't need a personal introduction. I work with a group that has great admiration for Dr. Barta and convey a heartfelt sadness by the loss of his best friend. We pray for him, for their children, and for those who had the obvious pleasure to know and love such a giving woman. God Bless.

NG (TMB)

Dear Adam and girls,

My heart aches for your loss of a precious wife and mother. As I followed Lori’s journal this past week and prayed for her and for you, there are many unanswered questions that we probably won’t have answers for this side of eternity. I continue to pray for your family that you will feel the strong arms of our loving, faithful God wrapped around you and that He will strengthen your hearts and give you comfort, hope, and a peace only He can give.

With a saddened heart,
Carla (HVJ) FL

I don't know any of you at all, but feel very saddened by what has happened. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

I did not have the priviledge to know Lori, but through a mutual friend (Sandi Daniels) I have followed her story. I am so sorry for your loss Adam and I know that there are no words to make it better. You and those precious babies are in my prayers and daily thoughts. My heart is hurting with you.
Sincerely, Natalie Young Austin,Tx

I worked with Lori at TEA. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband suddenly after surgery, so I can relate to what you are going through. I won't tell you that it is easy, but do find strength in the love and support you get from family and friends and do take them up on their offers of assistance. Try to keep positive by looking at your 3 beautiful children and your memories of Lori. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children.
Merle Dover

Adam and the kids,

I went to high school with Lori. I will never forget her genuine kindness and personality. Her presence was always felt when she entered the room. She was the first classmate to strike up a conversation with me at our 20th reunion last year. I've been following her journal since this past weekend when I received an email from Andy. She was definitely one of a kind. The way she lived her life will always be an inspiration to me. I'm glad to call her a friend. I will continue to pray for your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Steve Rosales
SPX Class of '89

Adam and family,

Lori worked for me at Shell many years ago, before her first job as a "real lawyer." I have know her Mom for years. Lori was a wonderful and very beloved young woman around here. I am deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

God Bless all of you,

Ed Platt

Adam, Emma, Hannah, and Sarah,

I cannot begin to express our sadness for you during this very difficult time. It is easy to see how Lori positively effected the world and changed so many lives during her short time here. It would seem that God would have wanted her to continue her amazing work, but clearly there is other work in store for her above.

I know that she feels closer to each of you now more than ever and will be by your side each and every moment in the days to come. We pray that your family is able to find some peace and solace during this very confusing and unbelievable time.

Though I did not know Lori well in the short time you have lived across the street from us, it wasn't hard to see what a bright light she was - how privileged I feel to have gotten to meet her! As a Mom I can only tell you that she may already miss you more than you miss her...and my belief is that she will still be with you each day going forward.

God bless you all, and please know that we will be here to help as you need us.

The Hardemans
Britt, Heather, Ford, and Waylon

Had
the unbelievable privilege of co-chairing several trials with Lori in
court. You should have seen her. The best way to put it - her abilities
and instincts as an advocate were God given. Always well-collected,
with focus as sharp as a razor's edge. Knew when to play it calm and
...when to pull out the hammer. Had the
jury eating out of the palm of her hand by lunch. I'll never forget the
time she got a plaintiff to retract half of his original complaint on
the stand! She was, as they say, "a natural." A "lawyer's lawyer." Not
surprising of course. Lori was "a natural" at life. She enchanted
everyone she came into contact with. No matter what she took on in life
- matrimony, motherhood, friendship, advocacy - she was simply top
tier. She was...a "person's person." I will carry her in my heart and
draw from her example for the rest of my life. The value of her impact
is incalculable. I celebrate it. I am humbled by it.
Love,
Luis A. Reyes

So sorry to hear of your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cris P Ayala SPX 86

Dear Adam and little ones,

I learned of Lori's passing yesterday. I worked with her briefly at TEA (in a different section), and after reading her posts (and yours), I have no doubt that this world has lost a wonderful wife, mother, lawyer, and all the things she was to everyone. I wish I had gotten the chance to know her. I am sure it was her worst fear to not be with you and your children. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family to get through this tremendous loss.

Karen Fastenau

Dear Adam and beautiful girls,
I have been following Lori's heart journey through my daughter, Laura Webb, and somehow have come to know the beauty of Lori and how she impacted the lives of those all around her.
Our prayers continue for you during this time, Adam, with God's strength to enfold you each moment and carry you through as you continue your life journey with your precious girls.

Fondly,
Kathleen Krantz

Adam and Sweet Children,

I am so sorry for your loss. Lori was a very dear friend from high school and I am so glad I had the honor of reconnecting with her over the last year. I am a fellow Longhorn so if there is ever anything I can do (I know you have plenty of support but a person can always use more!!) please call on me in Houston. I am in the Heights. 713.805.9063.

Sincerely and praying for you always,
Ann Ramirez Ellis

Dear Adam & family,

I am another member of the HVJ community here. Words tuly cannot express how saddened I am at your loss.

It is evident from reading Lori's journal that the world lost a special, beautiful, amazing person and heaven gained another wonderful angel.

I hope you can find some comfort in knowing that Lori's spirit will continue to live on through the many lives she's touched.

My thoughts and prayers continue for you in the difficult days ahead and beyond.

Kellie Chaca (Elkton, MD)

Lori,

We are all lucky to have known you. Thank you for being the thoughtful, loving person you were. You touched my life.

Randall Huntsinger

Dear Adam, sending lots of prayers to you, Emma, Hannah, Sarah and the Tullos family. Lori was so very caring and gracious; truly one of a kind. She will be so very missed by so many, but her love lives on and multiplies in the heart of every person she positivley impacted. Love, Maite McCollam

Eternal rest, grant unto Lori, O Lord
And let perpetual light shine her
May she rest in peace
Amen.

Most of my world revolves around children with sick hearts (our son was born with multiple CHDs), so I was intrigued by a link that Steve Catoe had on his blog about Lori. I was very saddened to read about her passing- this all seemed so sudden and I am very sorry for you and your beautiful daughters. I can not imagine the pain you all are feeling and I pray that God will make His love feel more real to you all than ever.

A former teacher of mine "celebrated" the anniversary of the passing of her son (who also died after valve replacement surgery) yesterday. So many hearts aching.. I'm so very sorry and I hate that anyone has to feel the pain of losing a loved one.

Praying,

Amy D, Texas

Dear Adam:
I'm thousands of miles away, but I feel your pain because I'm another member of this Heart Valve Journal family. I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of others everywhere.
Dave Birchenough, Nelson, NH

So sorry for you loss Adam and Family. Know that our prayers are with you. Not that this is comforting at all, but know that your loss is not in vain, her story is reaching the multitudes. Prayers for you all.
Kathie C.
California

Adam, Emma,Hannah and Sarah, I am so sorry. I will continue to pray for all of you during this most difficult time. May the Lord's peace and comfort surround you and may you feel yourself in His grip.
Sara Rimann

Dear Adam and Family,
I've been reading all these wonderful entries about Lori and the tremendous impact she has had. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that God had a plan for her life and she worked tirelessly to fulfill it. What a wonderful example she has set. With love, Sharon D

Adam,I am so sorry for your loss. We here in the neighborhood send you our love and prayers. If there is anything that I can do to help with the girls, please let me know. I miss seeing you with the dogs and Lori and the girls. Love to all of you. Shirley Jones, Carly, Sidney and Sutton Blanton

I am deeply saddened by the news. My thoughts and prayers are with Lori's husband, kids and family.

Sincerely,
Richard Volpe & Family

I don't know you guys, but have read about this from a friend's (Jill Marr)Facebook post. I'm touched by this and am so sorry. I can't imagine your pain. I will be praying for your family. May God's peace be with you.
Steffanie M.

Lori, you sounded like such a living angel... and now you are a true angel. I will pray for your children and your family for a long time.... you will be missed by your friends dearly.

Adam and girls, we are truely sadden by the loss of Lori. Our prayers are with you to help you through this difficult time. Lori's was such an AMAZING woman and Mom.

Phyllis and Pilar.

Adam,

Jon and I are so so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the girls.

Jean & Jon Cornett

Adam,

There are no words. Thoughts,prayers, love to you and your girls.

Jeff

Adam,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. It goes without saying that God took one of the most amazing person I have ever met. She was beautiful inside and out. She will be missed by many. I know all of the work she has done will continue to have a positive impact on Hannah and our Chase. We miss you both at Rise.

Sally Steiner

Adam, I have never met you or your family.. I am in Nebraska and heard about Lori from a friend of hers (and yours). I am truly sorry for your loss. It is with sadness that I pray, but also with a deep sense of knowing that God is with you and will carry you and your girls through all difficult times. May you feel His Love and gain strength that you need to get through each day.

Adam, my deep condolences. Wishing you and your family much strength. Lori Roop

I have never in my life met a woman more amazing, kind, beautiful, and brilliant as Lori. I am going to miss her so much! It doesn't even feel real to be writing this. Adam, my heart is hurting for you and your girls. I just don't even know what to say... Everytime I looked at your family, I was in awe. I am so so very sorry. Your family is loved more than can ever be expressed in words...

Rachel Collins

Adam, Emma, Hannah, Sarah, and Tullos family,
There are no words to describe our empathy and sadness. Lori was such a rare and incredible servant leader in this world of people who think only of themselves. May God give you all comfort and teach us how to carry on her messages - all of them. My family and I (children & dogs) are just a few blocks away and always welcome you all. We have a guestroom open to your family who may need it now and in the coming weeks. Many prayers,
Shannon, Mike, Cal & Griffin Meroney

Dear Adam and Family

I am so deeply saddened to acknowledge that the absolute unthinkable has just happened to one of our HVJ family. I've been reading the wonderful notes being left here and so many of them set out what a truly lovely and devoted wife, mother, friend, family member Lori was.

It has been a real pleasure reading Lori's journal but being a patient myself, I can very much appreciate the real fear Lori had to endure in order to accept the decision to undergo surgery. You can all be so proud she did so bravely leaving the ultimate outcome in God's hands.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Peter and I are just so very sorry.

Cheryl & Pete, Ontario

Adam,
Words cannot describe our feelings at your and your family's loss.
With our deepest sympathy,
Kyle and Annette