entry 2311
name: Kelley Smith
email: bailey43@sbcglobal.net
url:
message:
Hi Karen, Phil and Kylie, We hope you feel the thoughts and prayers that we send your way every day. We miss your dear sweet Leah so much. Today Kaitlyn went through my wallet. She pulled out the picture of Leah which is next to the picture of Allie. She asked many questions about where they were. I did my best to answer her. The only part of my answer that I felt 100% sure of was the part that said someday we will all be together again. Once that day comes, we will never ever be separated for millions of years!! Kaitlyn seemed to like that answer. Please know that you are always in our prayers. We think about you often. We talk about you often. We know that Leah is such a special angel and we feel so blessed to be among the few people in this whole world to know her and to know all of you!! Take care, Love, Kelley and Crew
date: 7:26 pm - Friday,June 30, 2006

entry 2310
name: a friend too
email:
url:
message:
And from that website, so that others may understand your grief also, here is something that explains it well: For the Newly Bereaved The death of our children at any age from any circumstance is indeed one of the cruelest blows that life has to offer. The journey through this grief is a very long, dark, difficult and painful one for bereaved parents. In the early minutes, days, weeks, months and even years of grief, we find ourselves in an all consuming grief and pain beyond description. We find it difficult to carry on our everyday lives or to think of little else except our children’s death. Even our once wonderfully happy memories shared with our children while they lived now bring us pain for a time. Bereaved parents do not “get over” the death of our children nor “snap out of it” as the outside world seems to think we can and should do. The death of our children is not an illness or a disease from which we recover. It is a life altering change that we must learn to live with. With the death of our children we are forced to do the “impossible”: build a new life and discover a “new normal” for ourselves and our families in a world that no longer includes our beloved children. It is very important for newly bereaved parents to know that they will experience a wide and often frightening variety of intense feelings after the death of our children. It is also very important for newly bereaved parents to understand and know that all of these feelings that you experience are all very natural and normal under the circumstances. Equally important for you to know and to believe is that as much as you can not possibly believe it now, you will not always feel this powerful and all consuming grief. But right now you must follow the instincts of your soul and allow your bodies and hearts to grieve. The grief resulting from your child’s death can not be skirted over, around or under. You must go through it in order to come out on the other side. Be gentle and patient with yourself and your family. Allow yourself to cry, to grieve, and to retell your children’s story as often as needed and for as long as you need to. Eventually, you will smile and find joy again. You will never forget your child; he or she will be with you in your heart and memories for as long as you live.
date: 12:27 am - Thursday,June 29, 2006

entry 2309
name: A friend too
email:
url:
message:
http://www.bereavedparentsusa.org/ I thought that you might like to check out this organization, if you haven't already. Blessings to each of you.
date: 12:17 am - Thursday,June 29, 2006

entry 2308
name: Lisa
email:
url:
message:
My daughter and I were walking through town just window shopping, going from one store to another. We walked out one store and right in front of us were two beautiful white feathers, just floating in the air. She caught one and I caught the other --- we both just smiled and put them in our pockets. Immediately thoughts of Leah come to mind...and all the other angels too. Thoughts of you are always with me. Talk about Leah, write about Leah as much as your heart desires! Praying for peace in your heart and strength to continue one step at a time. Much love and hugs to all of you.
date: 8:01 am - Thursday,June 29, 2006

entry 2307
name: Moore Family
email:
url:
message:
Karen, Phil, and Kylie -- We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. We pray the Lord gives you strength and courage. We know that sweet Leah is watching over you, as well as all the children battling this horrible disease. We know this is little consolation, but you and Leah have touched and inspired so many people. Love, the Moores
date: 9:50 pm - Wednesday,June 28, 2006

entry 2306
name: Sandy
email: jjouppi@comcast.net
url:
message:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cry every time I read your journal. My heart breaks for your family. I know that if I lost one of my children, I would feel the same way you do and you can say the same thing over and over for years in your journal and that would be okay! I don't think it is possible to get over the loss of a child and life does have to go on like you said. Leah was so beautiful and the unfairness of it all sucks!!!!!!!!! I am sorry! Sany
date: 6:17 pm - Wednesday,June 28, 2006

entry 2305
name: Lauren Lucas
email: dlucas2385@wowway.com
url: http://www.thechristopherrainbowproject.org
message:
Thinking of you. Just wanted to say hi...we're still here, always will be. Smooches
date: 8:46 am - Wednesday,June 28, 2006

entry 2304
name: Marlene
email:
url:
message:
you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. If i could hug you I would. Peace be with you
date: 5:16 am - Tuesday,June 27, 2006

entry 2303
name: Melissa Etcubanez
email: mae011@hotmail.com
url:
message:
Hi Karen, Phil & Kylie. I think of all of you often. It seems like every child I'm with reminds me of Leah. I've continued working with young children, so I am reminded of Leah on a daily basis. We also have caterpillars in our room, hoping they turn into Painted Lady Butterflies. I will think of Leah and your wonderful family when we release them. I'll help spread the word about Leah's Happy Hearts, if there's anything else I can do, please let me know. Know that I'm here for you, praying and thinking of you. Lots of hugs, smiles and love!
date: 1:12 am - Tuesday,June 27, 2006

entry 2302
name: Joan Caldwell
email:
url:
message:
Karen, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and hope you know that you have the support of many, many people. Your notes are inspirational. You continually show your courage and your good heart as you make the world a better place while remembering Leah. I only met Leah once but she forever changed the way I see things. I think of her often and see her around me (such as when a butterfly flutters by). You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted on the status of Happy Hearts. I know that I want to help you with it and no doubt many others do too. Take care.
date: 2:31 pm - Monday,June 26, 2006