Tributes

“I will remember her as a kind-hearted soul, with a sincere desire to live in integrity with herself and with the world. She liked to be called Noura, as the name means Light. 

I wish for her soul to be in peace and to be in the light that she sought, and to which she was so devoted.”

“I was fortunate to spend two years with Laura when we both lived in Dubai, we became the closest of friends and did everything together from laughing to crying.
She was one of the most beautiful and magical souls that I have ever met. We didn’t talk every day, but we didn’t need to as she always has and always will hold a special place in my heart.”

“A year ago today I’ve lost a friend, and the best way to honour her memory is to tell someone you care about that you love them and care about them before it’s too late. 

Rest in peace beautiful & hope you found what you were looking for on the other side.”

Condolences

“My sympathies are with you.  I am so sorry. This is terrible news.  Please be strong for everyone who loves you, and loved Laura. I always thought of her as a strong character.”

“Dear Leona

I am absolutely devastated to hear about Laura. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through and I just want you to know that you are in my prayers and heart. I always saw her as the most exotically beautiful girl and wished that some kind and handsome man would give her the life I think she was yearning for. Her love of animals and nature always drew her to me and we had some very interesting discussions over the years about life in general. I think you and William gave her all the opportunities to make something of herself but her restless spirit always got in the way of her happiness. I don’t know what she was searching for. The comments she used to post on Facebook suggested that she had found an inner peace and come to terms with the conflict of her past and I think that is why I am completely shocked that her life ended in this way.

Having two daughters of my own, I can understand the greatness of this loss that you must be feeling as it is every parents’ nightmare. It is going to take a long time to come to terms with this and I wish you all the courage and fortitude at this extremely difficult time.

With much love

Louise xxx”

“Dear Leona, I wish us all the strength in these difficult times, I was shocked hearing the news of your daughter. Words are not able to give comfort in these circumstances, but I still think it is important to let you know that you’re in our thoughts.” 

“Hi Leona,

I’m so sorry to hear about Laura, it is a terrible tragedy.

I had the pleasure of working with her for a short period of time and was training her in nail technology.

It has been a great shock to us too, I still can’t believe it.

No one could foresee what would happen in Dubai.

I’m still trying to figure out what pushed her that far, she was a strong woman.

She will be dearly missed.

I’m also very sorry about your husband, I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through.

I can just pray for God to give you strength and peace.

We are always here if you need to chat.”

“Hi Leona

I guess we all think back now on things we could have done differently to make things better for Laura, as a friend I wish I could have done more to support her and tried to keep her back in Qatar longer but she was so headstrong and absolutely hated the manager at the salon at the time. I kept telling her to just wait a little longer things will change but being there was a little soul-destroying for her.

She kept saying she wants to go to Portugal and open a small business and live off the land. The day she left Doha I didn’t even get to say goodbye. I thought she was leaving in the evening but in fact, she left early morning.  

Don’t blame yourself for what has happened, Laura was a wonderful strong woman and I don’t think any of us could change her mind and feelings regarding Dubai.  I know she had a difficult time here in Doha, many ups and downs, but many moments filled with laughter and long chats till the early morning.  

I loved her dearly and she will be missed.

Thinking of you always.”

“I’m so sad to hear that about Laura, she was my friend and co-worker in Saudi Arabia, I really want to know why she did this to herself. I know that she was confused all the time. She seemed to be looking for peace all the time. She was looking for love and respect.

She was so pure a person. I really love her and she will be always in my mind.”

“With my greatest greetings and salutations, my farewell to you. Your daughter was for me and always will be a LIGHT…the star that is seen in heaven she is here in our hearts. Remember her beautiful smile and look…without guilt but with deep love and peace.”

*******
From Laura’s brother Matthew,
on the first anniversary of her death

Those who die young,

die because they are angels too pure for this world.

I will never understand why you left us so early

but I know I will see you again one day

in a place free of the unhappiness of this world.

From Laura’s stepdad, William (Dad)

Your once tormented soul

rests in peace.

Hard as it is,

we understand and accept

what you were driven to do.

From me

How careless we are with the ones we love…

How careless we are with love…