Special tribute to Leanne from her cousin Lindsay / Susan &. Bob Oling (Parents)
Lindsay's paragraph from her "Reflect" writing assignment...
Finaly an experience in my life that has shaped me to become the person I am today is when my cousin died a few years back. Her name was Leanne Alward She was born on December 7th 1974 and passed away on November 13th 2003 at the age of 28.
She was one of those people who was kind to everyone around her when she walked into a room she just lit it up. Even though I was young when she died I was still very close with Leanne. Her death was so sudden and unexpected.
She was riding her sister's horse and it was beleived that the horse spooked and she was dragged ( thrown) It was extremely freighting to me because I had recently been riding that horse only a few weeks before the accident.
The reason why she has changed my life significantly is because I've seen how much she was loved and how much of an impact she had made on so many people's lives.
I want to be looked at as half as a good person as she was. And one day remembered in a good light. So that effects the way I live my life today and every day.
So much time has passed and so much has happened and its still soo hard to open up. 6 years have passed and I still I think of you every day wishing you were here. Seeing Laura's post made me smile knowing that I was able to be with you on your dream vacation. Staying in Scottsdale with Susan the Grand Canyon and LA. I was just looking at the newspaper we kept from the day we were in the middle of the bank roberry and showing to my co workers on our way to the Laker Game. I will agree it was a dream of a life time. The memories we shared and time we had together I will always remembered and cherish. Brody is still smiling and running around although he is getting old and his breathe stinks like crazy he sends his love and kisses. Time will always pass but memories and love will never fade.
Until I see you again watch over me and guide me and know that I will always love you.
Where has the time gone. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )Read >>
Where has the time gone. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )
It seems only yesterday that we lost you. But then so much has changed since you've been gone. I still find myself living the way you would want me too. I'm kinder happier stronger because of you. You have made a bigger impact on my life more than you could ever know. Wish you could be here to share it with me I know you are in your way. You smile at me through the sunflowers the rays of sunshine and calls of nature. Miss you always more and more each day. Close
Missing you today as every day / Laura Sokoloski-Stewart (Friend)Read >>
Missing you today as every day / Laura Sokoloski-Stewart (Friend)
I can't believe that today marks 6 years since you left us behind.
I realized this week that the photos in our apartment keep rotating...now we have my own wedding photos photos of our puppy wedding photos of mutual friends etc...the things in my life that you weren't in this world to see. But there's one photo I have of you that is the only photo that is never rotated...of you happy on vacation in L.A. I see it everyday and remember how ecstatic you were about that trip. I really can't believe how much more has happened that you haven't been here to experience.
When we were married this September everyone commented that our groomsmen outnumbered our bridesmaids and everytime it was mentioned I thought of you. Beacuse I left one open bridesmaid spot that no one filled on purpose because it would have been your spot. I know that you were there in spirit looking like a beautiful bridesmaid and I thank you for that.
This year I also finally made it to the destination that you kept telling me that I had to visit....the Grand Canyon. And you weren't kidding! It was absolutely beautiful and I knew you would have been happy that I was standing there seeing the beauty that you saw (and couldn't stop talking about;). You were really attached to that place and I can ee why...it is breath-taking and truly heaven on earth.
I miss you so much more than I can write here. You are in my thoughts everyday not just today. Your absence is always felt. I thank you for watching over me (as you know I always needed it;). I missed you at my wedding but I know that you were there in spirit. I love you and I know that your wait for me will feel like minutes but my wait to see you feels like forever.
Remembering you today / Jennifer Seddon (Cousin)
Leanne
It is hard to believe that six years has passed since you were taken from us. The joy you brought to so many lives is remarkable. You are a true hero to so many people and I am one of them.
I am so proud to have had you in my life to have witnessed your sparkling smile and to have been there to see how you lit up a room.
We were the scuba cousins and the rotten egg collectors. Thank you Leanne for such wonderful memories. Close
Missing You on your 6th Anniversary... / Susan (Mom to Leanne )Read >>
Missing You on your 6th Anniversary... / Susan (Mom to Leanne )
Today I touched your picture and watched you for awhile.I talked of things deep in my heart and wished I could see your smile.I stroked your hair and told you "I'm so proud of you my Girl" For all the little things you did and for the way you did each one.
You showed such courage daily and you taught me how to Live! To make each moment count in lifeand to give what I can give.
Did I remember to tell you " You're my Hero" when I spoke to you before or did I let it slip my mind as I sadly put your picture away.
I know your time with us was short but it was how you lived each day. You made the most of what you had and always found a way
To touch the hearts of so many and loved them come what may. I wish with all my heart right now your face I could touch today would not be made of paper or neatly placed away.
Put I will put you back on this shelf again for all the world to see and I'll talk to you tomorrow just as I do each day.
And I'll tell you " You're my Hero" as I sadly walk away.
You are Deep in our Thoughts and Forever in Our Hearts....Love MomBob and sisters.
Oh how you would love it out here. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )Read >>
Oh how you would love it out here. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )
Hey sis Dad was very lucky to come out here last year and see the wonders and beauties of the mountains and wildlife. I'm sure you can see how happy I am as Dad did. All he could talk about was coming back. Well back he's coming kiddo. Both of you are with me here. I love you both so very much. Days don't go by without me missing you. Help me with more of the amazing strenghth that you've already given me to continue the wonderful path my life has taken. I love you so much! Close
Where does time go... / Greg Taft (brother-in-law & friend )Read >>
Where does time go... / Greg Taft (brother-in-law & friend )
In your travels today Leanne as you coast from cloud to cloud, when you see my mother (Edith), give her a hug for my dad and I and wish her a Happy Birthday .
Thanks Leanne....your missed and thought of often.
From: Greg Taft and the kids...BlueSpirit Wrangler, Sammie & Spice (the vocal cat).
I fondly remember the year that the 3 of us (Christine, Leanne and I) drove up to Huntsville for Christmas to see your mom, Bob, Wendy and Laura. We got behind a slow going snow plow at Gravenhurst but it cleared a pathway on Hwy 11 right to Huntsville. We arrived safely and had a wonderful time. Memories are never forgotten. Merry Christmas Leanne...may your Spirit and the Spirit of Christmas always shine bright. I will be talking to my friend Andy in a few minutes and I know he too remembers what a wonderful person you are.
Missing you so...on your B-Day and for the Holiday / Mom &. Bob (parents)Read >>
Missing you so...on your B-Day and for the Holiday / Mom &. Bob (parents)
Saw this cute little Bear and he was perfect for your site...Happy Birthday Sweety, we will be thinking of you with Joy today....as hard as it is...for we have only a picture to hug....
You are always on our minds every minute of each day...but today as I recall your birth, and all the warm memories of all your Birthdays...I am Thankfull for the most Amazing gift of all...You!!! and the years we enjoyed together
Missing you so much....Love & Hugs, Mom & Bob ox ox
Memories of a wonderful person... / Greg Taft Read >>
Memories of a wonderful person... / Greg Taft
Leanne, on this day of your cross-over, I wanted to say 'Hi' and thank you for the many wonderful memories as my sister-in-law. When we went on on the tour train in Port Colborne..it was your 1st train ride and I will always remember the excitement and the happy smile you had. When I bring Wrangler for a walk tonight, I will look up and give a wave to you. Oh, and as your strolling from cloud to cloud, when you see my mom, please give her a hug.
Take care my friend, your advise and our chats will always be remembered.
Regards: Greg, Spice, Sammie and Bluespirit Wrangler
We will Remember You.... / Mom &. Bob Oling (Parents)Read >>
We will Remember You.... / Mom &. Bob Oling (Parents)
To my sweet Angel Leanne
I have shed enough tears....today we remember you with joy in our hearts and and laughter in our souls....and cherish the 28 years of memories that were made with your short stay with us. Thank You for always being there for us and everyone's lives you touched. When my time comes I cannot wait to hug you for eternity...
As always you are Deep in our Hearts, with all our Love Mom & Bob ox
Never Forgotten / Wendy Alward (sister)
It's been five years. And even though you are not here on earth you are in my heart. I have never stopped loving you and never forgotten the love you had for others. You were a very special person and I'm sure that God has put good use to your loving and giving nature. I love you very much and I wish I had said that more often. Take care of Grandpa and Memere. I miss you and still love you very much! Love your sister Wendy Close
On a lighter note. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )Read >>
On a lighter note. / Christine Alward (Big Sister )
You know Leanne never was afraid to give me #$%!. I swear she gives it to me still. She is almost 2 years younger than I and still I looked up to her for guidance. She was never afraid to let me know if she disapproved or was disappointed. Although she still does now in her own spiritual way. I know she is happy with me where I am and with what I'm doing all the way out west. So when I hit a barrel or a horse kicks me I look up and say what???? Thanks for all your guidance and please let me leave the barrels up!!!!
Always, Chrissy & Derek , my dogs and proud parents Wrangler and Dally, my new kitty Leela, and the horses Smoke, Secret, Moose, Hoss, Boss, Casper, and hopefully the new addition Dash. Oh yes and the 4 tanks of fish (I haven't changed lol )