entry 1541
name: Linda Connolly
email: padwik@yahoo.com
url: http://www.caringbridge.org/mi/ryanc
message:
Thank you for signing Ryan's guestbook. My heart breaks for you guys as well. Leah was such a beautiful little girl and I'm sure Ryan was there to greet her in Heaven. We met Jacob's parents in NYC while Ryan was receiving treatment. Our Ryan also liked frogs a lot so we too became familar with Fully Rely on God. It will be on his headstone. We see frogs often too. We also cry each and every day as we miss Ryan so much. We try to stay busy too but so many things remind us of him. I pray that as time goes by things will get easier but realize a piece of our heart (as yours) will be gone forever. God Bless you and your family.
date: 2:15 pm - Wednesday,September 14, 2005

entry 1540
name: Diane Zawacki
email:
url:
message:
Dear Karen, What a beautiful song Lindsey wrote for you on the website!! What an angel she is for all she has done for you along with so many others. Our prayers are with you everyday and always will be. Our children talk about Leah often and know she is in heaven with God along with our friend baby Rachel who lost her fight with a fatal heart problem at 3 years old this year. It's true what one wrote in about grieving. Don't be in a hurry. Just try to focus on one day at a time. Happier days are coming. Rachel is always on your shoulder and never leaving you in spirit. My husband lost his brother when he was Kylie's age. It is tough. It will take time but with faith and love of your family and friends. You are going to make it to brighter days. Live on through Leah. Celebrate those happy moments you had with Leah. You make her proud of you too everyday. Hang in there and we'll keep in touch. Diane
date: 1:34 pm - Wednesday,September 14, 2005

entry 1539
name: Colleen
email:
url:
message:
Karen, Phil and Kylie. I'm here if you need me. Hugs, hugs and more hugs!
date: 12:47 am - Wednesday,September 14, 2005

entry 1538
name: Teri
email: teri_hayden@yahoo.com
url:
message:
Please don't feel bad that you're not over this yet. You spent so much time caring for Leah while she was sick, then the rush of plans to be made after her passing, the shock and the busyness of it all made you somewhat numb. Now what's left is raw pain. Each minute will be harder than the last. The black hole that you are sinking in will get deeper and deeper and the despair will become unbearable. How could it be any different, you loved her so much.. There's no rushing through grief, Leah is to important to get over quickly. As sucky as it is, the only way to move forward is to move through it. It's ok to tell people you're suffering, that you cry each day, that you're questioning your faith, that you're asking why Leah, why us. Everyone knows that with time the pain becomes different (which may take years), but we also know that before we reach that place in time, our hearts will be heavy, so heavy that we're sure they will never beat again. You will never be "over" this, Leah was your baby girl. You may be putting one foot in front of the other and doing what you have to do to get through each day, but your longing for Leah will not end, it's supposed to feel like this when you lose a life that is so precious. Give yourself the freedom to feel everything that you feel, Leah's life meant something and your sorrow will not be over quickly. I pray for you all the time.......
date: 7:54 pm - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1537
name: Tammie Wilson
email: twilson@ucntc.org
url:
message:
Phil, Karen, & Kylie.... Just wanted you to know that you're in my thoughts today and everyday, you are each such a blessing to those around you. I pray that you find joy in the little things around you, that you will know peace when you feel the love that is sent your way each and every day. Love and prayers, Tammie.
date: 3:08 pm - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1536
name: Stephanie
email:
url:
message:
Karen I cannot imagine what type of person would say such a cruel and rude thing. I hope he is enjoying the warm weather as I am sure he will be spending eternity somewhere hot. Whenever you think of that jerk (keeping it clean), run over to your computer and read all of these wonderful entries. His opinion doesn't matter, he doesn't matter. Someone said something the other day that made me think of Leah. They said that the stars in the night sky were just little openings allowing us to see the light of heaven. Now everytime I see the stars at night, I think of Leah and the fun she must be having! I continue to pray for peace, comfort, and more signs from Leah. Love, Stephanie
date: 9:53 am - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1535
name: Colleen
email:
url:
message:
The main thing in one's own private world is to try to laugh as much as you cry. - Maya Angelou I'm here if you need me. {{{{{HUGS, HUGS, HUGS and more HUGS}}}}!
date: 8:45 am - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1534
name: Peggy Elliott
email: peggylelliott@msn.com
url:
message:
Dear Karen, I am so sorry to read about your little Leah. What a precious little girl! I read about your story because you wrote in my cousin's son's guestbook (Sam Walsdorf). I read about the frog. Even though it wasn't my child, my mother died of Alzheimer's in March 2004. About 2 hours after she died, my sister and I left the house that she was living at for the last time. It was in March, so here in Colorado in early March, no flowers are blooming yet. But when we walked out the door, there was the most fragrant smell in the air that I have never smelled before, or haven't ever smelled again. My sister asked me if I smelled the air. I said it was the most beautiful scent I had ever smelled. We decided that it was my mom telling us she was doing great! So, I think the frog was a message from Leah. I didn't know her, nor do I know you. But, I now have cried many tears for your Leah because I have two little girls of my own and can't imagine what you must be going through. I hope my experience will give you some peace in knowing that heaven must be a beautiful place, and there are a lot of people there to love her. Who knows, maybe my mom has met her? I hope you find comfort and thanks for signing Sam's guestbook for Hope, Pete, Sam, Tara and Luke. I will say prayers for you and your family. Peggy Elliott Lakewood, Colorado
date: 2:20 am - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1533
name: Livonia Resident
email:
url:
message:
in response to the big "L" I know somepeople will say forgive or feel sorry for him. I don't believe this theory, I think it's okay for you to go ahead and hate him. God will forgive you as I know he forgives you for the hate you must feel for him as well (I would too), and I even love God very much, but I can only get real at times like this. I don't always believe in forgivenes either. Not forgiving is not a sentence of anger for you. I believe what I believe and I believe the big "L" has just made his reservation in the deep deep south of the big "H".
date: 0:55 am - Tuesday,September 13, 2005

entry 1532
name: suzanne kaley
email: kaleys@msn.com
url:
message:
Karen and family....what a idoit to say that to leah's dad...there is not cure for studpidity..mean people will never get it...We get it and we love you guys and we are all bless for knowing Leah and just remember her happy heart!
date: 0:35 am - Tuesday,September 13, 2005