My book’s title comes from one of Laura’s journals. On December 5, 2001, Laura wrote:
Laura, at 18, recognized just how short and fleeting life is. The span of time between her birth and death would only be a tiny dot of time in history, and she did not want to waste it. Her “dot” would be done within 13 months after penning this and last a total of less than two decades. No doubt, Laura lived her life to the fullest.
As for me, at Laura’s age I did not have anywhere near the wisdom, insight, or spiritual maturity that she had; very few people do or ever will. Nor had I made anywhere near the positive impact on others that she had. Fortunately, I have been given more than three and half times Laura’s lifespan. And, partially as a result of the impact that Laura’s life and death have had on me, I came to treasure my dot and to endeavor to use it wisely. As I look back now, I am pleased with the way that I have used the time and resources that God has given me. No doubt, I have done many things I ought not to have done, and not done many things that I ought to have done. But overall, all my significant expectations and dreams have been achieved or surpassed. I have no new grand goals other than to be a positive influence in the lives of my children and grandchildren.
I am looking forward to what my next life holds, and hope that it will include some type of reunification with Laura, my brother Rob, and other wonderful people who I loved deeply and have sorely missed. Will that expectation be realized? Only time and my passing will tell.