From John's Little Sis

Oh the times have changed…

As a Leonard, you have an ability to make an entrance and an exit, even in death.  Which is why you have two anniversaries: the date of April 7 and the holiday of Easter.  While they both bring on great sadness, they also bring on the joy of remembrance.  (Not to mention the irony of the almost agnostic Leonard who went into the hospital on Good Friday only to continue your journey to the afterlife on Easter Sunday…;)

So on this Easter, I find myself thinking about all the big stuff you have missed in person – when you left, I wasn’t even sure what Masters graduate program I was going to.  So, here I am, 9 years later – not a sport psychology consultant, but a freegin’ Doctor! And where did I go to school?  West Virginia!  Who knew?  But it’s a good thing I did, because of all the bars in the world, of all the nights in the year, I met my future husband in good ol’ Bent Willey’s on July 4^th weekend, in Morgantown, WV.  And now, I’m a Mainer, getting ready for a good ol’ Southern Maryland wedding in a few weeks!  With a subtle theme of Crabs vs. Lobsters at the weddingJ 

  

And while you knew how worried I was about leaving Maxine around, you offered to take her in for me for grad school.  She lived to golden cat age of 20 before she left to meet up with you.  I finally have a new furry member of the family – Ruckus.  You would like him – he’s cute – and he knows it!

  

 I have the tattoo that you didn’t want me to have.  You talked me out of getting it in Ireland because (based on your experiences) you didn’t want me to have a tattoo that’s publically visible.  But the joke’s on you – because the tattoo is visible, it’s there as a daily reminder and a conversation starter about you! And I got Dad in the seat – how about that for fate?

There are so many things that have happened throughout the years – not to mention me being in my 30s!  And while I know you are always here with us, it’s never the same without you. While I know you are looking down on us, I always wish you were experiencing life with us, next to us.  But be sure big brother, your story and legacy live on with us.  Heck, your birthday parties continue to grow with the new generation!  So on this Easter, I cry at the thought of your passing, but I smile at the thought of your impact that you continue to have on me.  Love you lots!