Hi, this is Michael, Leni's 4th son. Yesterday a group of Leni's friends met after a lunch meeting to plant a tree in her honor. For me it was a very moving and significant moment for more than one reason. I know there are many facets to mom, and in meeting each new person with whom she had a relationship I get to see a new part of that facet; what an honor for me. This group of women, meant the world to her, and it is apparent that they to her. I am so thankful for them.
The tree is a lavendar crepe myrtle and is planted in front of McKinley Park Library. It is the second tree to the right of the front door as you face the Library. Please visit this living symbol to Leni. I know I will take my boys there regularly.
I hope to post photos of the event shortly.
mike
5 comments:
hello
Today, I was doing business as usual and someone said to me
"go do good" and it felt like Leni was talking to me. It changed my whole attitude. Leni was very important to me and I loved her like a best friend. I'm sad that it looks like people are not continuing to honor her blog. I miss her so much, and I miss talking to her and seeing her smile. Lots of love to her sons!
I found an old card from you tonight. Such a joy to see that familiar handwriting, and as always more words from you to help me deal with missing you. The letter of course was written on my sister's birthday, but the words touched me so, I wanted to share them with others.
"Whatever you have felt today, know my thoughts and my love is with you. May you find comfort and acceptance in God's gifts of life to you - whatever they are and may her presence in your heart affirm your journey. Peace and my love to you."
This is something that I love and admire most about you. Your ability to suggest and actively aid people in simply "affirming" their journey. Always allowing the individual to find their own answers and direction, providing confidence in them that they would take the path that was right for them. It is a beautiful thing to stand so free of judgment of others, and so empowering for whomever is sitting across the table from you.
I do not share this gift. I can hear you chuckling at me, knowing it to be true. But as you would say to me, I have other gifts to give. Again, reaffirming at every opportunity. I would say that I miss this, Aunt Leni, but you said it so much that I hear you in my head at every turn! And I smile. I thank you for this continuing, unwavering support. How very blessed I am to walk through life with the "Leni vote of confidence."
I miss you dearly, mostly on Mondays when we would walk through the streets of your neighborhood, leaves crunching under our feet.
"There is a lot to be said for acceptance, Kristi." One of the last pieces of advice you gave me.
How true and how hard. These words come to me often when I think of you these days. I'm learning and I'm trying. And in true "Kristi" fashion, I am changing the task to suit my ability. I accept how blessed I am to know you, to be loved by you, and to share the wonderful conversations we still have when I'm alone driving in my car. I accept that you have been and continue to be one of the most beautiful parts of me, and that the footprints you left on my heart are always with me.
Today, I imagine you embracing your father, having tea with my sister, and laughing. How I love that laugh and those dancing eyes!
I love you as always, I'm so proud of you, and eternally humbled by the gifts you've given me.
Today marks a year that our dear Leni has been with her God, and yet my heart misses her so. We who knew Leni are blessed because we have a treasure chest of blessed memories to touch into. I often hear her laughter or gentle word. To you boys, know that you are often in my thoughts and prayers. We have so many wonderful memories and many of them from Powell Ave. Newport. Shalom, Michelle
Thanks Michelle. i still check this once in a while, it is nice others do to.
mike
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