A Gift From John's "2nd Family"

We just received an early holiday gift from John's "2nd Family", the family of his life-long friend Joe. They sent us a slew of photos from John's and Joe's high school years. The constant smile on JW's face gives no doubt as to how much he loved God's gift of life.

We are so very grateful for the sharing of such a special gift. The photos can be viewed by clicking on the below picture.

JW's "2nd family"

John's Memorial Scholarship Update

Besides the never-ending love he shares with his family and friends, one of John's continuing legacies is the memorial technology fund established at his elementary school alma mater, Mother Catherine Spalding School. Recall Mike & Gina's gift, in memory of their "everlasting bro," to John's technology fund in the name of each attendee at their wedding. With their $4,000 gift and others, total contributions to the fund now approach $85,000 and continue to grow.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel in response to the extraordinary generosity of so many who have enabled the continuation of John's legacy with respect to youth who share John's love of technology.

For those interested, tax-deductible contributions can still be made to:

MCSS for J.W. Leonard Technology Scholarship

and can be mailed to:

Mother Catherine Spalding School
Helen, MD 20635

Thanks to all for your continuing generosity and for helping the "Big Geek foster a lot of little geeks."

Holloween w/Mike, Gina & John

Mike and Gina recently moved into a new townhouse. To commemorate their new home and Halloween, they put a few jack-o-lanterns out on their front stoop, to include a Virginia Tech pumpkin in honor of John (and one for the Washington Redskins, too).

Live at RFK

Recall the earlier post regarding Mike's recounting of the time he and John and some of John's friends to include his best bud, Mark, went to a Dave Matthews concert in the rain and John got soaking wet while Mike sat next to him while wearing John's slicker -- yet John did not allow that to diminish his enthusiasm.

It turns out that the concert was held at RFK Stadium in Washington on July 19, 2000. Last night, Mike & Gina presented Mom & Dad with a copy of the entire live concert that JW and company attended that day in the rain and that Mike was able to recently download from the web. By clicking at this link you can hear Dave's acknowledgment of the rain in his introduction and then listen to the version of Long Black Veil as it was sung that night.

To John

I realized that dad asked me to post my poem I wrote for John at his wake to the blog when he first put it up. However, I never got around to it. So I think it is fitting for his 18 month anniversary.

To John:
My blood,
My brother,
My torturer,
My healer,
My teaser,
My comfort,
My pain,
My strength.

The one who knows how to push my buttons to piss me off
And the one who knows what to say to keep my calm
He's always advising me on what to avoid
Whether it be bad movies, lame places, or situations with boys
He's my financial adviser, loveline advice, and techie support
We hang out, we hang in,
we do all social activities of the sort
But with all these gifts he gave to me
There's one that's the best of them all
It was the times he let me be the one to hold him up before he falls
When all the advice and experiences he taught me through the years
Came around 180 degrees and was spoken into his ears.
You see, I'm the baby sis, in age and in height
So when I get to play big sis to my big bro- ooo, that's a sight
A sight I wish to all, a relationship everyone should begin
like the relationship I have with John
my blood,
my brother,
my idol,
my best friend.

The Hidden Side of John

Not many people know this but John was a borderline “cat person”. He actually owned a kitten for a few weeks after he graduated college. His name was Boltz because every time the cat saw someone, he bolted into a room and under a bed. Since the cat was not very sociable, John brought him back to the pound.

I tell this story because a few days ago, Maxine, my cat of 20 years, passed away from kidney failure. Maxine lived a relatively healthy and very long life, even outliving the cancer that was found over two years ago. After Maxine had a cancerous tumor removed from her posterior, she had a slight incontinence problem. I couldn’t bring her to school with me and she needed to be taken care of. Therefore, knowing John’s somewhat admiration for cats, I asked him if Maxine could stay with him when I moved to New York. While John never was able to give me a definite answer, he never said no right away, even though he knew of her “bathroom problems”. This is just another story of how great a big brother he was.

(Over the past few years, my great parents allowed Maxine to stay downstairs and take over my room. My mom also took care of her while I was away. Thanks again.)

These are pictures that Alex took of Maxine a couple months ago in John’s memorial which I thought is fitting since now Maxine and John can play together.

(Hopefully, Max now uses the kitty litter properly… )

You Learn Something New Everyday

The other night, Mike & Gina along with Mom & Dad were sitting out on the deck. In the background, we were listening to our favorite radio show, Vin Scelsa on WFUV in New York. Although we never heard our DJ of choice on WFUV ever play Dave Matthews before, we quickly realized that Vin was playing a live recording that the band made in the Gorge in Washington State in 2002. Vin played it, of course, in recognition of the tragic death of LeRoi Moore, the band's saxophonist who died on August 19th at a relatively young age.

Listening to Dave Matthews in such an unexpected setting started a discussion as to how Mike became a veritable "groupie" to the Dave Matthews Band, literally traveling all over the country to see his concerts. In fact, Mike & Gina had plans to see Dave Matthews in the Gorge this Labor Day weekend but changed those plans only recently. Anyway, after associating Dave Matthews with Mike over all these years, we were surprised to learn that it was actually John who turned Mike onto Dave Matthews years ago before the band achieved any degree of its current success. It was through John, when he was at Virginia Tech, that Mike went to his first Dave Matthews concert many years ago.

In any event, Mike then relayed a typical John story from not too long ago. Mike, John & some friends had plans to go to a Dave Matthews concert locally. John, however, was going to go directly from work. Mike, seeing that the weather was turning inclement, stopped by John's place to pick up a slicker for himself; not thinking to get anything for John believing that he was already prepared. Well, you can guess it, John was the only one to show up at the outdoor concert without a slicker and he proceeded to get soaking wet while his brother sat next to him staying relatively dry in one of John's slickers. Nonetheless, JW didn't allow the weather to dampen his spirit and he proceeded to enjoy the concert in typical John fashion, getting the most out of life at every turn, no matter what the challenges.

In order to gain an appreciation of the music John loved from a few years back, you can hear Dave Matthew's live rendition of the Johnny Cash hit, "Long Black Veil," by clicking on this (the second) link.

Reflections

This blog is intended more than anything else to be a reflection of John's life. In that vein, I thought this picture which I had taken earlier of the sun rising over St. Clements Bay on a tranquil morning most appropriately reflects the theme of JW's blog.

New Life ...

... flourishes! Note the newly hatched birds this past weekend from a nest in one of the cherry trees in JW's memorial.

Nothing Went Unsaid

Immediately after John's death, I began to scour the Internet looking for information to help all of us understand and cope. One of the first things I recall finding was an article that talked of the many challenges in dealing with the death of a child. The article indicated that one of the most difficult things, especially when a child's death is sudden and unexpected, was having to deal with things that were left unsaid. We both took solace from that because we knew right away that with regard to JW, as with all our children, there was nothing left unsaid -- we knew that John realized how much he was loved just as we knew how much John loved us.

That solace was reinforced just recently when I was searching my computer looking for a particular document Jessica wanted. In doing so, I stumbled upon a copy of the note we had stuck into John's card for his thirtieth birthday (his last). We share it as a reminder to all of us of the importance of never leaving anything unsaid, especially with respect to those we love.

You can read the note by clicking on the image.

2nd Annual (sort of) Kick Ball Game

Recall last year's commemoration of John's birthday which included a beer cup kickball game. This year, June, of course, was a very busy month with three very important weddings of the sons of the Brussels crowd, to include Mike & Gina. As such, although JW was very much in everybody's thoughts this June, the 2nd Annual beer cup kickball game was not practical that month. Nonetheless, John's little sister, Jes, turned a quarter-century old this month and she wanted to ensure that her brother's presence was incorporated into her celebration this past weekend. As such, a beer cup kickball game was the highlight of the celebration! In that all present were participating in the game, unfortunately no photos were taken -- yet somehow we all knew that John was present, cheering his little sister on.

All of John's family, friends, co-workers, kickballers, flip cup teammates and any and all who love life the way John did should mark their calendars now for the 3rd annual beer cup kickball game to be held June 20, 2009, John's 33rd birthday.

"Southern" John

This past weekend we had a wonderful time with Charleen & Tom and Joayn & Steve at Tom & Charleen's place at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Traveling there and back we had to go though Richmond, VA, which brought back memories of John's youth. Although New York born, JW spent the ages 2 through 7 growing up in Chesterfield County south of Richmond. I knew it was time to get JW back north when he came home from school one day and I noticed that he pronounced house as if it had two syllables as in "hA-OOs". The thought of having a "southerner" for a son was something I never thought this New York family would ever have to countenance. As it turned out, through living in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Belgium and the District of Columbia, and being a world traveler to boot, John would prove to be a very cosmopolitan man indeed.

One of John's Ultimate Gift Recipients

... has thoughtfully corresponded with us over the past couple of months. It is very heartening to hear how John's gift has been put to extraordinary good use, and with Joe's permission, his notes are included here. Just click on the image in order to read the text.

For those who have not considered it before, perhaps Joe's story will inspire you to go to www.beadonor.org to learn more about what you can do to enable similar gifts.

John's Technology Fund

Recall earlier posts here, here, and here, with respect to the technology fund established at Mother Catherine Spalding School in rural Southern Maryland as a part of John's continuing legacy. This part of John's bequest continues to grow exponentially, as does his impact on the lives of so many others. Earlier, over $50,000 in contributions had been made to John's fund. Since then, contributions continue to be forthcoming. In addition to a number of individuals who have contributed to John's fund in memory of his Papa as indicated in this link, Mike and Gina, in memory of their "everlasting bro," have contributed $30.00 to John's technology fund in the name of each attendee at their wedding for a total of almost $3,000.00.

In addition to the above, as an extension of their mission to provide comfort, Georgetown University Hospital has contributed an "unrestricted donation of $25,000 to the technology fund established in John's memory at Mother Catherine Spalding School."

All together, the technology fund in John's memory is now in excess of $80,000. As Mike says, this fund will allow the "big geek to foster a lot of little geeks."

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel in response to the extraordinary generosity of so many who have enabled the continuation of John's legacy with respect to youth who share John's love of technology.

Go Geeks!

Summer Memories

As a reminder, this blog was created to allow ALL of John's friends and family to share their remembrances of JW. It is a virtual and hopefully perpetual memorial to his life here on earth. The below is another great example of such a remembrance which was recently shared with us by John's "second" family, the Drumgooles. It is reproduced with their kind concurrence.

Clarice&Bill:

I wanted to share an old picture of one of our beach vacations with you. We went back to the beach this month and John was in our thoughts and hearts.

My last memory of John was him and my granddaughter Ava playing on our living room floor with her toys and John amazed at how "cool" the toys babies today have. One of my Christmas gifts from my children was a digital picture frame that they filled with pictures from their albums. Ava loves to look at it and was asking about the pictures of John and where he was. I told her he was one of God's most special angels.

This spring Ava was frightened when she heard thunder and I told her that was Uncle John rollerskating in heaven . Ava and I collected the shells and sand to bring home to John....but of course we know he was with us. We've never gone to the Outer Banks without him.

Blessings...Barbara and all the Drumgoole's

Thank you so much, Barbara, for sharing this special memory and we encourage all to share similar remembrances.

John's Toast to Mike & Gina

John's "little" brother, Mike and the love of Mike's life, Gina, were married this past weekend. John, of course, was the best, best man at the wedding and through his Dad, who was standing in for him, John offered the following toast:

In addition to your never ending love, may you forever be each other's best friend; and when you are blessed with children, may they grow up being each other's best friend; and may you be especially blessed so that when your children become adults themselves, they become your best friends. To friends, to best friends, to family, to Mike & Gina.

For some great pictures and a beautiful description of the wedding, be sure to check out the blog belonging to Mike's best friends, Aaron and Angie at this link.

Papa and JW Together Again

Today, June 22nd, Papa joined JW in heaven. John William Leonard the elder and John William Leonard the younger are reunited in the eternal reward they so rightly deserve. The world is such a richer place because of their time on earth -- both have set the standard so high for those of us left behind. All we need to do is follow their extraordinary example. Thank you father -- thank you son -- for the wisdom and love you share with us.

32 Years Ago Today

Pictures of JW's first and last birthdays. The joy at each was matched only by the joy at the 28 in between and we are so very thankful for each and every one. The never ending Mother/Son bond is apparent throughout.

The Best Father's Day Gift Ever

All my children are special in their own way -- but there is one indisputable way that JW is unique. He was the one who made me a father for the first time -- and it was 32 years ago on Father's Day, 1976, that JW was born. I always told him that he was better than any old tie. Thanks JW -- ever since that day you never stopped giving -- even now you continue to give inspiration.

What a Difference a Year Makes

... in so many ways.


JW's memorial last June.


JW's memorial this June

The Essence of John

Looking at the pictures of John in the previous posts, I'm struck by how unchanged his physical essence was for a period of almost 30 years -- as was his spiritual essence. JW was and is such a loving soul.

Destined to Be A Civilian

Recall this post and this post which give strong testimony to John's service to his nation as a civilian. In looking for the photo included in the below Mother's Day posting, I came across the following two photos which clearly indicate that JW was destined (just like his old man) to serve as a civilian, in that he just doesn't look all the fearsome in his sailor suit or his Army jumper. We love you guy.

A Memorable Mother's Day

All of the off-spring of the Leonard kids of Plainview are special in their own way. But John was extra special, because he was the first -- and for a long time, the only off-spring. He was almost three-years older than his brother, more than seven years older than his sister, and more than nine years older than his oldest cousin. He was the first to make his Mom & Dad parents -- the first grandson, the first nephew -- he was "the Dean" of the next generation and fulfilled that role so well in so many different ways.

Although I'm sure there were trips to the barber beforehand, my first memory of my then only son and I going out on just a guy's outing was when we went to buy flowers for John's Mom for Mothers' Day in 1978. JW was not quite two-years-old. It was just the two of us and John William was so excited at the prospect of buying something for his Mom. He, of course, helped pick out the flowers and you can see his excitement in the adjacent photo. Every child loves his or her mom; but anyone who ever saw JW and his Mom knew that his love for his mother was something very special indeed -- it is truly a love that is never ending.

Thanks for the sweet memories, son; thanks for the everlasting love we share.

A Special Day

It was two years ago this weekend that Jes attended her commencement ceremonies, having graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland the previous December. With the pomp and circumstance of graduation, along with the big party afterwards, it was a big day. It was a special day for another reason as well -- for that was the day that we all got to meet Alex for the first time. I'm not too sure she ever forgave John for that. It is, of course, always stressful to "meet the parents" for the first time. But imagine adding to that the grandparents, the siblings, the aunts and the uncles and all the related kin and friends, and you can imagine what kind of day it must have been for Alex. Nonetheless, I guess she did forgive him after that -- because from the very first time we saw them together, we knew that John and Alex were meant for each other. We are so glad that the last year of JW's life was his happiest, and that was all due to Alex.

Another Beautiful Remembrance

Recall the posting from last year by Bridget, John's friend and high school classmate. Bridget has her own family blog at which she recently posted a beautiful remembrance as to The Miracle of April 7th. Her posting can be found here.

Jes' Blog Entry

The folks at the Washington Regional Transplant Community were struck by the simple beauty of Jes' Blog posting of a remembrance to her brother and the ultimate gift he gave to others. Their link to it can be seen here.

A Grandmother's Love

It was five years ago today that John's Mammy (Dad's Mom) , preceded John to heaven. After Mammy's funeral, all the grandchildren were given an inscribed photo; John's is to the right. For the next four years, JW proudly displayed this photo in his living room. It is still on his bookshelf at Mom's & Dad's home. JW and Mammy, of course, are at home together in heaven, looking down on all of us with eternal love.

Lucky Girl

It's a beautiful, sunny day.
Immediately, I want to share my thoughts with you.
I go to my phone, to call like old times,
But suddenly, my worst nightmare again comes true.

I can no longer hear your voice,
Get infected by your laugh,
Vent all my frustrations to you,
And listen when you vent back.

But in this moment of complete despair,
When I start to feel so sorry for me,
I realize how much I WAS able to tell you,
And in this moment, I become free.

How we shared so many experiences,
The good, the bad, but mostly the great;
With both friends and the fam.
I have no regrets,
I now take life to the fullest,
I realize how lucky I am.

Memorial Additions

Thanks to Mary & Tom as well as Gail for the lovely additions.

The Blossoms Have Faded

But not the memories -- thanks to Alex, Steve & Sue, and Mary Ann & Tom for the cherry tress which serve as a living memorial.