karen

I hope that you continue to write.  I am one of many that check your site everyday.  What you write so often helps me feel like my feelings are normal.  You are helping so many people without even realizing it.

I too hope that you continue to journal.  I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.  I wish I could say that I know how you feel, but I don't.  I lost my mom at the end of January and am finding myself crying everyday, looking at sweaters she would have loved, or the teddy bears she collected. She loved Christmas even when her sight was stolen.  And each time I miss her, I think of you and know your pain is hundreds of times worse than that.

Just know that there are many people, whether they write or not, that keep you in their thoughts.

Big hugs to you! 

Kristy

Karen,

I just found Leah's website through Alicia Martin's and I've spent quite awhile reading through your journal entries.  My beautiful daughter, Brenna Marie Hanson, earned her angel wings on June 30, 2006 www.caringbridge.org/visit/brennahanson2  She also had Pontine Glioma.  As hard as we tried, we couldn't save her and it ripped my heart to pieces.  So many of your thoughts and emotions were and are the same as mine.  This is the worst pain any person could ever possibly deal with and I know my heart is never going to heal.  I know in time it will get better, but it will never be the same.  Brenna had just turned 16 and she too hated how the steroids made her feel and look.  Once her tumor took off and started growing again it went up into the cognitive area of her brain, so throughout her last month she gradually lost all ability to talk.  She slowly reverted back to being a child.  There is so much I could write, but just know that my heart goes out to you, and as another mother that lost her child to brain cancer I truly understand how you feel.  Even though my daughter got to live with me for 16 years, it will never be enough.  Take care and God bless you and your family.

Julie Hanson

I really hope you will keep journaling.  I, like so many others, check this site so often.  Every day - usually more than 2 or 3 times.  I think of Leah so often.  I wish I could have met the little munchkin.  Even though I have not, I feel like I know her.  She has touched the lives of sooooooo many people - you should be so proud of that!!!!!!!  It is through your words that Leah remains alive in all our hearts!!!  It is your decision whether or not to journal, but I really hope you keep it up.  I would miss it so much!

I received my Leah bracelet the other day - I love it!!!! It is perfect!

Thank you Karen - thank you for sharing your emotions with us, thank you for keeping Leah's memory alive, thank you for being the best mom to two very special girls...From one mom to another - THANK YOU!!!

A friend...

Karen and Family, I just read your last update from yesterday and do hope that you continue to journal, speaking for myself, I don't write in your guestbook as much as I could or should, but I do read your updates all the time, and sometimes go back and read previous ones.  But ultimately it has to be your decision and you do whatever works best for you.  Your journaling has helped so many people, including myself.

Recently, I lost my dear furry friend, my first Greyhound Sammy.  Obviously animals are not people, but the loss hurts so much, I had my Sammy for 6 years and lost him suddenly by a stupid disease called Leptospirosis, which by the way has a vaccine, which I never knew about and he didn't have.  I thought of you very quickly and as much as it hurt to lose Sammy, I can't imagine losing a son or daughter, not in a million years and your words over the last couple years sing in my heart.

I summed up my feelings by saying this.  "It hurts so deeply to lose, but the depth of hurt is equal to how much we love.  I would never want to love any less, just to lessen the hurt."  They go hand in hand, emotions are such a tug of war and we never know how we will be from one moment to the next.

I very much understand your need for the non-profit to help raise money for research and further studies about this horrible monster.  I commend you Karen for your persistence, dedication and commitment to doing something in the name of Leah – you just never know who's lives you have helped through information, education, and now a non-profit organization.  I too have a very strong need to educate pet owners, vets, emergency vets and everyone to the deadly disease that took my fur-baby, because it COULD have been prevented!  That hurts even worse!

Love to you, hugs and kisses to you, Leah, Kylie and Phil. 

Karen,

I am always here reading and weeping for you.  I pray that somehow you will be able to go on and realize that you did everything possible to save your little girl.  I think when something happens to our child we always have guilty feelings but you truly did go to the ends of the Earth for your child.  I read every entry you write and l look forward to seeing how you are doing.  I may not post here but I am always here.  Thank you for writing.

Tina

Hi Karen,

I am glad that everything with the I.R.S. is taken care of so that you can move forward with Leah's Happy Hearts. I wanted to let you know that I am always checking for your updates sometimes a couple of times a day. I hope that you continue to journal but you need to do whatever gives you peace. Just remember that if you need help with anything PLEASE let me know!!

I pray that during this time of year that you feel some peace and that Leah will be able to send you some signs so that you will have a few good days.

Julie

Hello,

Your lovely Leah has touched my heart. Although I never met her, I visit her site often. What a beautiful angel.  Her drawing is incredible, and the song, well I have no words.

I am blessed to be Kate Hrischuk's Kindergarten teacher. It was through Kate's Caringbridge site that I found Leah.

My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you all and give you strength to take each day as it comes. You have done a wonderful job with her site.

With Love and Prayers,

Jeanine Decker

I read an old card 
sent many years ago 
during a time of turmoil and confusion. 
The soothing words written then 
still caress my spirit 
and bring me peace. 

I remember who you used to be 
the laughter we shared 
and wonder what you have become. 
Where are you now, 
Where did you go, 
When the body is left behind 
and the spirit is released to fly? 

Perhaps you are the morning bird 
singing joyfully at sunrise, 
or the butterfly that dances 
so carelessly on the breeze 
or the rainbow of colors 
that brightens a stormy sky 
or the fingers of afternoon mist 
delicately reaching over the mountains 
or the final few rays of the setting sun 
lighting up the skies 
edging the clouds with a magical glow. 

I miss your being 
but I feel your presence, 
In whatever form you choose to take, 
however you now choose to be. 

Your spirit has become for me 
a guardian angel on high 
guiding, advising, and watching over me. 

I remember you. 
You are with me 
and I am not afraid. 

Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS

-Smooches to you.  Put me down for a booking of a party in February...
Clothes AND a party, I'm in!  LOL.
Also, please send me your phone number.  Since we moved ( and the stroke) seems I can't find a darn thing.
Blessings.
Lauren

Just thinking of Leah this morning.  It is just amazing how many times a day I think of her.  Not as much as you and your family but more than a lot.  Just the other day I was walking up to Westborn to enter the market and looking at the Halloween display and it made me think of Leah.  Whenever I drive down Monroe...passing the bakery, when I pass by Julie's old house, whenever I am in Livonia or driving on 96, 275 or think of Northville.  Every time I see a frog, see the color purple, see or think of a heart.  I think of Leah while at work.  I think of Leah when I'm with my own kids.  I think of Leah all the time, every day.  She's changed my heart.  She's a little Angel.  Hugs Hugs Hugs Hugs Hugs