entry 1991
name: Colleen
email:
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Thinking of you this morning - Karen, Kylie and Phil. I think of Leah often... Give Kylie lots of hugs today.
date: 7:57 am - Sunday,January 15, 2006

entry 1990
name: sherry
email:
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message:
My name is Sherry Bridson, I was lucky to be Kylie and Leah's teacher at the child care center. I met the James family about 6 years ago when Kylie started at the center. What a sweet happy child. That's when I found out what wonderful caring parents Phil and Karen are. Karen called me when they were trying to decide on the best kindergarten for Kylie. I told her Kylie would be fine whatever decision they made. Because the parents who care this much are the ones who have the best kids. When Leah started in room #8 (the room before mine)she seemed so quiet, even reserved. I set out to make her comfortable, make her smile. This did not come easy. This did not come fast. But it was worth the wait. By the time Leah started in my room, I knew of her diagnosis...her prognosis. Having never been exposed to anyone, let alone a child with this sort of an illness, I was frightened. What would the school year bring? What would she be like? What would she need? How would the other children react? When she came, she was puffy from her treatment. The children didn't seem to notice or comment. She had a little bald spot at the crown of her head. One day when it was pointed out to her by her friend...they inspected each other and Leah replied "You do too." and that was the end of it. As time went on and her body began to fail her; she never once complained, whined or whimpered to me. Her spirit was so light. She wanted to play with her friends and have fun. She loved dress-up and pet shop. She loved coloring and art projects. When her arm didn't work the way it used to...she could still hug. And hug us all she did. When the other kids were running, I told her she could walk. Sometimes dragging a litte, but always with a smile; LEAH CHOSE TO RUN. Everyday she found things to giggle about. I know there is sound in Heaven...that's where Leah's giggle is. My memories of Leah are so precious to me. -A blossoming child -dancing and giggling in the arms of her best friend -graduation day -her last visit to the center, with her Daddy. She was happy and looking forward to so many things. COURAGE...HUMOR...LOVE Those are my memories of Leah. They continue to be her legacy. Phil, Karen and Kylie show courage in living each new day. I believe Leah would want us to find our own giggles in everyday. We've all been witness to the love that has poured forth, all because of Leah. I know your spirit is with us. Happy Birthday Sweetheart Fly high...
date: 2:38 pm - Saturday,January 14, 2006

entry 1989
name: Trina
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Karen, I am thinking of you today as Justis Waynes' family is having his memorial service for him. Noah and I are holding you in our hearts. What a job you did at Leahs' memorial service, she loved it I am sure of that. Talk to you soon. Trina
date: 12:55 am - Saturday,January 14, 2006

entry 1988
name: VALERIE
email: ALVAL002@AOL.COM
url:
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I am a sister-inlaw of Jody Pisching, your cousin, I read your guestbook faithfully, what a beautiful "FAMILY" you have,I pray for all of you. I bought some ballons for your beautiful daugher Leah, let them go and said a prayer to her"please help your Mommy and Daddy and Kylie know your happy, and not in pain anymore, well it was so dark and still and then they sailed up and it got so so sunny out, I never ever saw balloons take off so fast, I think they went straight to heaven I had such a peace comeover me!Your angel is with so many of us. Leah thank you, you are with all of us, we come together here for the same purpose, to help each other remember this is only a short stay on earth, we will all be together again someday, then our HEARTS WILL BE TRULY HAPPY! God Bless.I know Leah was overwhelmed with purple balloons. I could almost hear all the angels laughing. What a party they had........
date: 11:27 pm - Thursday,January 12, 2006

entry 1987
name: Jen Corbett
email: jlcmer0776@sbcglobal.net
url:
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To the entire James Family: I just wanted to let you know that I still think of you all often, and pray that you find peace. I lit a candle at midnight mass at Shrine ( not my usual church) for little Leah. I was sure that you all could use a little help that night. Happy Birthday Leah! I really do miss you Karen. It is hard not being able to help you thru work anymore. I have decided to go back to school for medicine, and I will do something to help children with pediatric cancers. Leah has been my guide and inspiration--as you all have been. Love to you all! Jennifer Corbett
date: 8:03 pm - Thursday,January 12, 2006

entry 1986
name: Cynthia Hartsaw
email: chartsaw@ford.com
url:
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Karen, I believe that for Leah's birthday wish, she asked God to make her Mommy, Daddy, and sister Kylie feel better. Take care, Cynthia
date: 6:40 pm - Thursday,January 12, 2006

entry 1985
name: Lisa
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All the purple balloons that filled the sky...it's as if they were racing to get to Leah first! And Kylie with the biggest bundle of all ~ I'm sure that made Leah's heart happy. You did such a wonderful job celebrating in honor of Leah. Your words touched my soul, as always. It was truly beautiful and something I will remember forever. Sweet Leah ~ Happy Birthday little angel!! ^i^ A piece of my heart is with you always. Hugs to all of you.
date: 6:49 am - Thursday,January 12, 2006

entry 1984
name: Melissa Etcubanez
email: mae011@hotmail.com
url:
message:
Thinking of all of you more than ever today...prayers and messages sent up above to comfort each of you, Karen, Phil & Kylie. Leah was sent a balloon near the Golden Gate Bridge as I wished her a happy birthday. My new bunch of 3-year olds in class today spontaneously sang 'Happy Birthday,' it's as if they knew it was someone's special day that was close to my heart. :)
date: 0:31 am - Thursday,January 12, 2006

entry 1983
name: Diane Verploegh
email:
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Thinking of Leah and you on her special day, the first day your eyes met and will know eachother for eternity. Leah's soul, in the time of eternity, is a little bit older now. She must be smiling on you with thanks for the beautiful purple balloons!! One can only imagine what she said to her friends in Heaven!
date: 9:55 pm - Wednesday,January 11, 2006

entry 1982
name: Holly Bianchi
email:
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message:
A truely beautiful birthday! I will always remember watching the purple balloons journey to heaven to Leah. It was AWESOME!! Listening to Leah's teachers speak of her touched my heat. Leah is truely a special angel.
date: 8:30 pm - Wednesday,January 11, 2006