Thursday, March 7, 2024
Dear Leanne's family,
My name is Cindy and Leanne was a very good friend of mine. We were fast friends and very close. I live in Grand Rapids, MI and that is where we met. It was at a school that we were both teaching in...inner city and we both had a compassion for helping the ones who need it the most. Leanne was so wonderful with children. Incredibly patient, kind with a huge heart for the underprivileged and we worked in a tough environment but we had the same goals. Her kindness was infectious. She loved children and she loved to teach. Leanne talked very often about her grandchildren who she cherished. I know how much she missed them when she was in Michigan.
I was never able to meet them but I know she had such an impact on their lives.
I love how you have said "she laughed at herself". So true! There are so many stories to tell. Many really great memories. We laughed together every time we got in the car or went out on an errand. She would always ask me if I heard this song and she absolutely loved it. I was like she was 16 again and turned up the volume and opened the windows. It was awesome. She loved living. The song was from The movie " A star was born"....with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. She was probably one of the only people who I knew that still had a CD in her car.
With that being said about a car..... Leanne would always forget where she parked. I was the lucky one to be with her when she forgot but when I wasn't with her I stayed on the phone as she navigated thru the parking lot. She always lost her keys....many times in the snowy winter as this is Michigan.
We had so much in common and with that being said we met each other for a reason. I don't think she ever recovered from her little brothers death and she knew I would never recover from my son's passing at 19. We just knew each other and would sit and have a glass of wine and chat and laugh. I miss her.
Leanne always saw the best in everyone. She was happy no matter what. She loved her plants...in fact she named them all and I had to babysit once and was so scared that one of them would not make it. I sent her pictures of them so that made her happy. She loved elephants, life, her grandchildren and we were all lucky to be her friend.
I was so sad when she moved away... but I knew that was going to be the best for her to be around family. What I didn't know is that I wouldn't ever see her again. It breaks my heart. You see, I have my own struggles and I just could not financially make it happen. It pains me that I could not see her beautiful smile again.
My dear Leanne...you will always be cherished and one of a kind friend. Our relationship was truly special. I miss you and I know you are not in pain anymore. You are with your mom and dad and your baby brother Jeff. You touched so many people's live's and I was lucky to be one of them.
I love you. We shared so much. Please give my son Leighton a hug from me, he would be so happy to meet you. He was a very special person like you.
Love, Cindy