Goodbye Leslie

Today is Tuesday, November 23rd. It's important to note that because I'm not sure when I'll actually get done writing all that I am feeling.

Needless to say, today has been extremely rough. Unbelievably rough. I've shed so many tears and given so many hugs, but there is still so many left to give and to receive. I'm sure over the next week we'll need them all.

Last night my son lost the girl that he loved. Also importantly, we lost the girl who loved my son. I think most of our tears have been over all the things that we've now missed out on. The plans that we made that won't happen. We are all so sad.

Leslie laughed loudly, had an innocence about her that kept us answering her crazy questions, and she deeply loved Mason and Aaron. I was so happy that Aaron now had someone to love, that loved him, and that would be taking care of him. It was one little less worry that I had. This quiet house would suddenly fill with noise once they arrived, but I was always glad to see them. I'll miss that noise. Leslie also made sure she gave you a hug before she left. I'll miss those hugs.



Thankfully, we got to spend our Sunday Thanksgiving dinner with our whole Texas family. We had the best time we've had in a very long time and thankfully those happy memories are the last that I have of being with Leslie. Today I had to clean out the refrigerator and get rid of some of the leftover food from Sunday. It crushed me to have to throw away the leftover pink salad that Leslie had brought for dinner. She was so excited to be contributing and had been so happy that we had all raved about her salad. I cannot keep the salad forever, but knowing how happy she was to bring it -- makes me smile when I remember. I know, it's silly to be sad over a salad -- but when someone leaves suddenly you think of the small stuff.

So today we say goodbye to Leslie. I am so thankful for the short time that we really got to know who you were, the love that you showed for Mason, and for all your excitement, enthusiasm, and love you gave Aaron. We will all miss you so much and we truly felt like you were part of our family. I looked so forward to our trip to Charming Charlies, our Christmas we were going to spend together, and getting to be a part of Mason's 3rd birthday. I know that you were working so hard to get your life back together, but you never got angry, depressed, or sad about things -- you just kept charging forward with your positive attitude knowing that everything would work out in the end.



I love you Leslie -- you will truly, truly be missed by my family. Most importantly, please watch over Aaron and Mason. They both love you so much and will probably miss you more than anyone.

P.S. Leslie your rings are still sitting on my kitchen windowsill where you left them. I can't bear to move them yet as it reminds me of our "girl" time cleaning the kitchen.