On Monday, I was celebrating fun memories of my daughter on her birthday. Then I saw a post by a mother whose daughter shared the same birthday with my daughter. Our daughters knew each other as student-athletes at the University of Utah. I didn’t know they had the same birthday until Monday. I texted my daughter if she knew. She said she did. I remember how devastated my daughter was on the day she learned of Lauren’s death.
As I was rejoicing the life of my daughter, this mother was grieving her loss. I burst into tears realizing how fortunate I am.
The other mom heard her daughter’s death happen, on the phone, while she was talking to her daughter when she was shot to death by a stalker.
“‘There but for the grace of God, go I.”
Lauren’s story is a harrowing event that made national news. The mother has worked to keep Lauren’s memory alive, plus began a foundation with the following mission:
Our Mission
Dating violence and stalking are some of the most pressing issues facing universities and colleges today. One third of all women report dating violence by a current or previous partner. University and college campuses are not trained to respond effectively to these problems. The Lauren McCluskey Foundation was founded to honor the life and spirit of Lauren Jennifer McCluskey by bringing awareness to, funding research for, and providing resources to change the culture that responds poorly to dating violence and stalking on campuses.
Our mission is to let Lauren’s light shine by supporting her passions, including animal welfare, amateur athletics, and by making campuses across the country a place where students are safe, supported, and have the ability to thrive.
https://laurenmccluskey.org/
If you’d like more information about Lauren and the Lauren McLuskey Foundation, please visit their website at https://laurenmccluskey.org/.
Here’s a story from their website that was written on the fifth anniversary of her death: Universities worldwide make ‘Lauren’s Promise’ to listen, believe, 5 years after McCluskey murder
How can I be so fortunate while this other mother is in pain?
I can’t even imagine how devastating it would be to lose a child. It’s beautiful that her legacy lives on through the work of her family and others. ❤️
Her death could have been prevented. She reported the man so many times to campus and city police. Her family has been strong to carry on her legacy.
I think I remember hearing about it in the news. That’s just awful, and so so sad.
Yes, it was a national news story. Unbelievably sad.
Heartbreaking EA. I don’t think there is an answer to the why…
I was crushed when I saw the mom’s post that it was her daughter’s birthday, too. I can’t imagine…
I can imagine how this death must’ve affected you and your daughter. I’m glad that the family is working to raise awareness about the violence and danger people face in these scenarios. Lots of hugs.
Thank you. I remember the day so well and my daughter’s tears. The family is bringing awareness to this issue around the world.
And this is a serious problem. Take care
It definitely is. Thank you. 🙏
Take care my friend
I’m not familiar with this story and it is a sad one. Despite their pain I admire her family for making this a cause that could help other woman. What a world, eh?
I admire how hard the family worked to make the university and police accountable for their non action. Then they have continued on with their foundation to help women around the world.
Heartbreaking, just as Deb said. I can’t think of another word. 💔
I hadn’t thought about this story for a few years. Then I saw the mother’s post with photos of Lauren throughout her life, similar to the one I made. I didn’t know our daughter’s shared birthdays. It is heartbreaking.
Absolutely – yes. Thank you for keeping Lauren’s spirit alive in your post. Like Ally, I wasn’t familiar. xo, Elizabeth. 💕
It was so devastating. I’ll never forget when it happened and my daughter was hysterical. I can only imagine how the family felt.
Agree, agree. 💔
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Geez 😔
It’s a terrible tragedy.
Oh wow, EA, what a heartbreaking story. I read this and sent my kids a text, just a silly Valentines love you, but I needed them to know I love them. Wow. Thanks for sharing her mission and foundation site. Appreciate that.
Thanks for giving me the idea to write about it? It stemmed from your post. I’m going to send my kids a Valentine’s message too.
They thought I was silly, but that’s okay. I’ll deal with the crazy dad teasing. Ha, ha.
Reaching out and knowing they are okay and love you is the best. Silly or not!
Oh, this is heartbreaking! Losing a child is unbearable! Losing a child in a violent way like what happened to Lauren makes things even worse. I can’t begin to know how I would feel hearing my daughter on the phone being shot!! Brings tears to my eyes.
The foundation is a great idea and I hope it does help make campuses safer for students!
Thank you for reading. Her death happened a little over five years ago and I still get weepy thinking about it. I feel so fortunate that my children are well and alive.
Understand. I feel the same. Enforces all the more how we have to cherish the moments, for we never know how quickly life can change.
That is absolutely true! We need to be present with our love ones, not distracted on our phones, etc.
💯!
😊
‘There but for the grace of God, go I,” says it all. I remember hearing about this story in the news. It makes me realize how small our world actually is and like you say, how is it possible that we are so lucky in the face of such tragedy. What a tragic and senseless loss. Hugs, C
Thank you, Cheryl. I reached out to the mother to tell her our daughters knew each other as fellow U student-athletes, and offered my prayers to her on Lauren’s birthday. I didn’t have the heart to tell her my daughter celebrated her birthday. I did make my first small donation to their foundation.
You have such a beautiful heart Elizabeth. xxoo
That’s such a compliment from you. I know you do have a beautiful heart.
We watched her story on Dateline a few years ago. It happened the same year Anna went away to college. My heart is with both of her parents.
So you knew her story. Hit me hard this year when I was busy loving my daughter on her birthday planning ways to celebrate from another state. I didn’t know they shared the same birth date. Lauren’s Mom’s post was similar to mine with baby pictures up to college.
How incredibly heart-breaking. What an incredible job Lauren’s mom is doing to make meaning. How tragic it is that she has to. Sending love.
Thank you. I think Lauren’s mother is incredibly strong.
I’m so sorry!
I cannot imagine!