My Auntie Kerry Just Died … I’ll Truly Miss Her

Mary Says:

July 12th, 2008, 8:47 am

Leo, I’m sorry for your loss.

My children recently lost both a beloved uncle (to cancer) and their grandfather (to pneumonia) - both on their father’s side of the family. And within a few short weeks of each other. The kids are teens and are dealing with the losses as well as can be expected.

But like you said, I just let them know that I am there for them, that I love them, and that it’s okay to be sad and angry and upset.

My prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

John Lacey Says:

July 12th, 2008, 8:47 am

Sorry to hear about your loss.

My grandfather died two nights ago. It’s easy to forget at times how fragile a thing ‘life’ can be.

Scotty D. Says:

July 12th, 2008, 8:49 am

Leo,

I’m a 26-year-old law student in D.C. who has been following your blogs for a few months…I have to say that you have my complete and absolute condolences for your loss. Events like this seem inexplicable in the moment they occur. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you move through the grieving process. Embrace your grief fully, and allow it to run its course…then, and only then, will you gain perspective and understand what all of this means in the grand scheme of things.

Take care, friend, from thousands of miles away. You have many online friends you’ve never met who will assist those you know in carrying you through this.

–Scott

Raymond Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:09 am

Leo,
I am saddened by your loss. And happy for you and your aunt that you spent time sharing each others lives.
Be at peace.

fathersez Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:10 am

So sorry to learn about your loss.

God works in mysterious ways. We just have to take strength in assuming that the AllMighty had his reasons.

May God give you and your family strength in this time of loss.

Jonathan B. Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:18 am

I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss, Leo.

I’m still relatively young and death has never taken anyone I’m close to yet. I imagine it will be an interesting and (probably) painful experience when it happens.

Adam Sicinski @ Study Matrix Art Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:29 am

Hi Leo,

I’m very sorry to hear about your loss.

Life is sometimes so incredibly unpredictable. We never really know when we will lay our eyes on the ones we love most for the last time.

You’re right, this is exactly why it is so very important for us to cherish every moment we have with those closest to our hearts, and tell them how much we truly love, care and value them as a person. It is these moments and these moments alone that matter in the end, and nothing can take that away.

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

Adam

Leo Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:43 am

Thank you, everyone, for your words of kindness and love. You don’t know how much they mean to me.

John Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:46 am

Leo,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Auntie Kerry, and offer my deepest sympathies to all who knew her.
Life is a journey and departure from this world is one of the paths along that journey. It was perhaps not a coincidence that you were able to spend some time with Kerry recently so that you could re-connect. As you said, these events can bring things into focus, and one interesting result from simplifying your material life is that you often enrich your personal life.
Keep doing what you are doing, knowing that Kerry and others are proud not only of your efforts, but of the way you share your experiences and touch other lives.
Peace

Richard Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:55 am

Leo,

Sorry to hear about your loss…

We often talk of ‘life force’, and we are all aware that ‘force’ is energy; and energy can never be destroyed, only re-aligned. In this respect, the positive influences that she obviously exerted in her life will resonate through the lives of others, and continue to bring them (and you) happiness.

:-)

Christopher Kijowski Says:

July 12th, 2008, 9:57 am

Leo, I am sorry for your loss. I lost my grandmother last October. What helped me get through the loss was recalling the wonderful memories we created together. It sounds as though you have similar memories. Rely on them in difficult times.
Namaste

Edgar Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:04 am

Leo, my prayers to you and your family.

Mona Morris Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:22 am

Hello Leo,
I am new to your web site, I was just reading your article on your trip to Thailand with your wife Eva yesterday. I was saying to myself how happy you both looked on your trip, and this morning when I logged on I was saddened to hear about your loss. It is so true that we never know what will happen from one minute to the next.

My deepest Sympathy to you and your family.

Mona

Elizabeth Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:23 am

I’m very sorry.

Toni Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:32 am

Leo,

My prayers are with you and your family. Please take care.

Toni

SpaceAgeSage Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:40 am

Leo,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. The initial impact of grief is always so tough. I’m glad you have fond memories of your Auntie Kerry. What a great legacy she left for you personally and for you to pass on to your children. People with good hearts have a knack for inspiring those around them. You must have picked up lots of it from her, because your good heart comes through your writings. My thanks to your Auntie Kerry’s influence in your life. You honor her by passing it on.

Emily Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:44 am

Leo, I’m so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

Evert de Ruiter Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:50 am

I’m sorry to hear that.

My mothers uncle just passed away a couple of days ago. Although I didn’t really know him all to well it was still a shock.

Especially since my grandmothers family is shrinking rapidly. It makes me think that my grandmother (or father) is next :(

M3 Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:54 am

Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this sad time.

Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map Says:

July 12th, 2008, 10:59 am

So sorry to hear about your loss, Leo.

If it helps, I always remember this poem at a time like this:

“Don’t stand by my grave and weep,
For I am not there.
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond’s glint on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
In the soft hush of the morning light
I am the swift bird in flight
Don’t stand by my grave and cry,
I am not there,
I did not die.”

— Unknown Native American Author

Siva Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:07 am

Dearest Leo, my condolences to you and your family during this most difficult time.
An old eskimo saying goes “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
Love,
Siva

Stephanie Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:08 am

I’m sorry for your loss.

Elizabeth McQuern Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:11 am

Hi there, I’m a longtime fan of Zen Habits and I just wanted to say I’m so sorry to hear this sad bit of news. What a lovely tribute to her your beautiful words are. My best to you.

Celeste Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:13 am

Those who go to that next place are never really gone because nothing, not even death, can separate those who love.

Hugs to you, Leo.

Mike OD - The IF Life Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:42 am

Death is the greatest teacher in the world…as without it how do we appreciate life?

Death is also a natural process….and there is nothing or nobody that we really lose….as we never really owned anyone or anything in the first place. It seems natural for us to have regrets and miss someone, but we should try and remind ourselves that we can only live in the present….as that is where true joy and life is (no sadness in the “Now”).

Leo my wish for you in your troubling times is that you may find eternal (as eternity is only in the “Now”) happiness with precious life that is around you, and live in that happiness that is the journey of life moment by moment.

Philip Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:45 am

So sorry to hear about this, Leo. As the others have pointed out, you have many hearts going out to you and your family.

Always remember:

“The real does not die.

Once you know that death happens to the body and not to you, you just watch your body falling off like a discarded garment.

The real you is timeless and beyond birth and death. The body will survive as long as it is needed. It is not important that it should live long.”

- Maharaj

mmwc Says:

July 12th, 2008, 11:57 am

I am sorry to see your sad news. She must have loved you very much to make such a long trip to be with you at your wedding.

conceição Says:

July 12th, 2008, 12:31 pm

may she have peace in now and in her future life.

Miguel de Luis Says:

July 12th, 2008, 12:42 pm

Sorry for your and our loss. I’m confindent you will make her spirit alive for us, for those who love never die.

Just live with the good things she taught you.

hungrychica Says:

July 12th, 2008, 12:46 pm

I am from L.A. and been following your blog for the past year. Your words have helped me through these past months and I thank you for that.

I am so sorry for your loss.. Lo siento mucho.

Sylvester Becker Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:17 pm

My take away: ‘you never know how much time you have with someone you love …’

Sara at On Simplicity Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:22 pm

Best wishes for you and your family in this difficult time. I’m glad you got to spend time together recently.

mark Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:22 pm

Leo - so sorry to hear about your loss. I am glad you got to spend some quality time with her before she passed.

Frugal Dad Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:35 pm

Leo - this is terrible news. So sorry for for your loss. We’ll be thinking about you and will remember your family in prayer.

SD Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:52 pm

my condolences to you and your family, it sounds like you all are close and hopefully can find some comfort in each other.

Janice C. Cartier Says:

July 12th, 2008, 13:56 pm

Leo,

I am so sorry for your loss. Her essence will always be with you. How lovely that she travelled all that way to share your joy. I hope it makes you feel better that perhaps you provided a sweet rich last glance around for her.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time.

Aaron Says:

July 12th, 2008, 14:34 pm

Very sorry to hear about your loss. I have an aunt that is very much a coordinator of the family and losing anybody who is that dear would be a great loss.

You and her will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Nat Says:

July 12th, 2008, 14:47 pm

You’re in my thoughts.

Very true about life being fragile. Hugs to you. I’m am sorry for your loss and your pain.

Leonard J. Waks Says:

July 12th, 2008, 14:55 pm

Leo,

Thanks for sharing your loss with your community. I found the words and the picture very moving, and it hit me like a poke in the ribs to remember those in my family that are still alive.

I lost my uncle Manny at the end of 2007 and the family had a nice rememberance party for him. He was 90, and had ben losing it for the last year or so. Mostly, he was the guy at the family parties who sat in the corner with a nice smile and a friendly word, about whom we knew little. It was always great to see him because he really had a kind of warmth.

Only at his rememberance party did we learn that he was a professional gambler and a poet who had been publshing his poems in the NY Times! I can’t remember a time when he ever said a word about himself; he was always focused on YOU.

Len Waks

Joe Crisara Says:

July 12th, 2008, 15:11 pm

I know this is difficult Leo. One thing i am sure of is that Aunt Kerry was very fortunate to feel your love and the the love of your family while she was here on earth.

Celebrate her legacy by telling stories about all the fun, quircky and great things she did and said. You will cry, laugh and in the end realize that life is precious and fleeting. Think about what you had and not about what you don’t have.

With warm regards,

Joe Crisara

Tiffany X Says:

July 12th, 2008, 15:15 pm

Hugs to you and your family Leo. It’s amazing that she was able to visit Guam for several weeks and to attend your very recent wedding! I hope she visits you in your dreams.

Eala Says:

July 12th, 2008, 15:34 pm

Hello Leo,
I’ve been a fan of your blog for several months, but as one who listens intently and speaks very little have not made any comments until now - I feel it is the right time.

Your aunt will always have a place in your heart, and will never truly be lost. Take comfort that she has found peace and her death will seem less of a burden.

My thoughts are with you.

Kelly Says:

July 12th, 2008, 15:39 pm

Someone is missed to the degree they were loved. It is so difficult to grieve.

I hope there is comfort for your family in the fact that the last weeks of her life were such happy ones surrounded by family who loved her.

My heart goes out to you, Leo.

vered Says:

July 12th, 2008, 16:18 pm

I am very sorry for your loss.

Dread Knight Says:

July 12th, 2008, 16:33 pm

My grandpa died recently.

I’m very sorry for your loss, my friend.
She looks to me like she was a great person.

Shilpan | successsoul.com Says:

July 12th, 2008, 16:41 pm

Leo - Sorry to hear about the loss. I’ve lost my brother when I was barely nine years old. He was my mentor and a role model. Even at the young age of sixteen, he taught me world of wisdom - to love others, to act selflessly and above all, to make difference in this world for as long as we are here. He had more mourners than anyone imagined at the time. Looking back, I still miss him but on the other hand, I’m proud of him for being my brother, for showing me the righteousness that still guides my life and it will guide me until my death.

Shilpan

chris Says:

July 12th, 2008, 19:28 pm

I wish you peace during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.

sandra Says:

July 12th, 2008, 19:56 pm

I am sorry for your loss.

Topher Stott Says:

July 12th, 2008, 21:07 pm

Good vibes to you and your family , my friend

Jennifer Lyall Says:

July 12th, 2008, 21:18 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a beautiful person and I know that her memory will live on in your heart forever.

al_bedo Says:

July 12th, 2008, 21:19 pm

dear leo, whan my grandmother passed away, i almost went crazy with grief - until she was gone i didn’t know how much i loved her - one night about a year or two after she died, i was awakened in the wee hours by a commotion the cat was making out in the living room - a weird yeowling noise he’d never made before - i jumped out of bed in righteous anger intent on going out & giving him a swat on the rear for having the temerity to awaken me - as soon as i walked out of the bedroom i noticed an orb of light about the size of a tennis ball, in the corner of the dining room - it was bouncing gently around atop some boxes i’d stacked in that corner - i was so intent on my ‘mission’ howver that my momentum kept me going towards the cat (who i could see pacing nervously back & forth down the hallway) - as i moved the orb crossed in front ofme and floated near the wall about a foot off the floor - i watched it as i moved past it - the strangeness of the situation still not registering with me - after a few more steps, i said, “WHOA” and turned around quickly but it had disappeared - like we all do in unusual circumstances, i began to replay in my mind what has just happened like a recording - and everything went just as i’d experienced in the original encounter…except for one thing: when my mental loop got to the part where i first saw the orb, THE ORBE WAS INSIDE MY MIND at that very moment - it was not a memory of the orb but it wsa actually there…and then i knew - it was my grandmother come back to say a final goodbye …and as she left she left me with her natural unmistakable imprint inbuing my spirit with a gentle peace…hang in there, buddy …

Leo Says:

July 12th, 2008, 21:42 pm

Thank you, thank you, to all of you. Your words have warmed my heart … it’s strangely comforting to have so many people share in my grief, even just a little … it’s like distributed computing or something … I just want to thank all of you for that!

Devan Says:

July 12th, 2008, 22:07 pm

My condolences Leo,

I am so glad you got to catch up with your aunty at your wedding, and got so hear her say those words…

gerryc Says:

July 12th, 2008, 22:12 pm

So sorry Leo, our prayers are with you.

Dana Says:

July 12th, 2008, 22:26 pm

Leo, you’ve given so much to me through your words here. I feel a little of your loss as a result of that connection. I’m so sorry for the grief you and your family are dealing with, and I am sending you peace like a warm blanket tonight. Ten seconds from the time this comment posts, I will be lighting a candle in memory of Kerry and thinking heavily of you and yours.

Putta Says:

July 12th, 2008, 22:33 pm

Leo:

My heart is out for you.

banji - LessonInLife Says:

July 12th, 2008, 22:51 pm

I’m really sorry for your lost. If there’s anything we can do to help, we’ll always be here

garth Says:

July 13th, 2008, 0:20 am

As a new reader, I am sorry to hear that you lost a person so close to you. May God bring comfort for your soul, peace to your mind, and joy to your heart that you had such a GREAT auntie.

Elizabeth Gage Says:

July 13th, 2008, 2:36 am

Dear Leo,
Words can’t do much at a time like this but know that I, like so many who’ve written already, will be thinking of you. She sounds like a great person and from her photo I can tell she was WAY too young to die.

Elizabeth

Dot H. Says:

July 13th, 2008, 2:55 am

I’m so sorry to hear of this. I’ve been grapplilng with issues of death and grieving for the past two months, ever since I lost one of my two beloved dogs who are my only “family.”

It’s so difficult to understand — one minute a person’s here interacting with us, and the next minute, they’re gone. And whatever we believe about an afterlife, for the time being, we can’t interact with them. That’s the hardest part of the grief for me — no more sharing.

I’m glad you have taken comfort in the beautiful words all the other commenters have written. You may also find comfort in sharing with others who will miss your Auntie Kerry as you do. And I’m very glad you have a large, extended family to support you through this. It really makes a difference.

At first, even happy memories hurt, but eventually, they comfort. Or at least so I’ve been told. I hope so, for me and for you.

Miss Gisele B | myBeautyMatch.com Says:

July 13th, 2008, 2:58 am

Hi Leo,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and your family during this most difficult phase of your life.

Anna Says:

July 13th, 2008, 5:30 am

So sorry to learn about your loss, Leo.
I am very very far away, but my thouhts and my love are with you and your family.

hamed Says:

July 13th, 2008, 6:18 am

I’m sorry to hear this loss, Hope god give you power & patience

Ron Says:

July 13th, 2008, 6:41 am

Sorry to hear of your loss Leo. We just attended my wife’s Aunties funeral here today in Hawaii.

Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your entire family.

Kaled Asmri Says:

July 13th, 2008, 7:38 am

sorry for your loss Leo. you’re %100 right:

Her death reminded me that you never know how much time you have with someone you love …

garg Says:

July 13th, 2008, 8:03 am

I’m sorry for your loss :(

Drew Says:

July 13th, 2008, 8:04 am

Leo,

I am very sorry for your loss. The saying “you don’t what you got, until it’s gone” is a very true statement in my opinion. My grandmother died in 1989 and I still feel her loss everyday. I’m glad that you and your Aunt Kerry were able to share special moments together recently. I’m sure you will cherish those moments.

Namaste

jlyons Says:

July 13th, 2008, 9:09 am

I pray God was happy with her life. Peace and blessings to you and your family.

Steve Says:

July 13th, 2008, 9:47 am

I’m sorry for your loss.

Carolyn Says:

July 13th, 2008, 9:48 am

Dear Leo,

I am sorry to hear of your Aunt Kerry’s passing. Sending you and your aunt prayers and love, may you be supported and comforted.

Carolyn

KCCC Says:

July 13th, 2008, 11:45 am

Leo,

My thoughts are with you and your family. May you draw strength as you pass through sorrow, find comfort in remembrance, and experience solace in community.

The words of other posters speak to the universality of loss… and deep love. What a blessing that you had recent good times with her to look back on.

Best wishes.

Chautauqua Says:

July 13th, 2008, 12:59 pm

May the Grandfathers guide your Aunt to the Summerlands, and may you be consoled by your sweet memories of her. Goddess Bless.

Chuck Bartleson Says:

July 13th, 2008, 13:24 pm

Leo,
Enter into a realm of infinite peace and tranquility. Let your senses be hushed and be aware of GOD. Peace prevails and you have a heightened awareness of the healing presence that heals all. You are strengthened and fortified. Alice moves on to kiss the face of God and you
carry forward to begin Life again.

Sara Says:

July 13th, 2008, 14:14 pm

I’m sorry to hear about your loss as well, Leo. I hope you and your family can deal with the grief, and I’m glad your aunt isn’t suffering anymore. Best wishes.

April Says:

July 13th, 2008, 14:49 pm

I’m sorry. I’m glad you were able to spend some time with her recently. It’s a reminder we can’t take our family for granted. Peace for you and your family.

Tom Stine | Living from Consciousness Says:

July 13th, 2008, 15:28 pm

Sorry to hear about your aunt. I know you will miss her. Much peace to you and your family, Leo.

Paul Says:

July 13th, 2008, 15:38 pm

Leo,

Sorry for your loss.

-P

Lette Says:

July 13th, 2008, 16:04 pm

I’m sorry for your loss Leo.

I’ll be thinking of you in this difficult period.

RhodesTer Says:

July 13th, 2008, 17:08 pm

Aw, what a great post and tribute to a wonderful lady.. well done!

Jay Says:

July 13th, 2008, 18:10 pm

Best wishes Leo

Anni Says:

July 13th, 2008, 18:21 pm

Leo,

may the peace of God envelope you and Auntie Kerry’s family.

from South Texas
Anni

Israel Says:

July 13th, 2008, 21:48 pm

Leo, sad to hear the news. I have an aunt that is no longer with me, I miss her so much.

Nicole Says:

July 13th, 2008, 22:22 pm

I’m sorry to hear about your aunt. My aunt died early April of this year and it was also very sudden. I made a last-minute trip back to the island to attend her funeral. We don’t even really know what happened. She is also younger than my mom, by only a year. She was very energetic and happy the last time I had seen her. It scares me to think that whatever took her, might take my mom so suddenly as well.

*shudders*

Now I just try to remember the good times whenever I think of her and start feeling sad. Maybe our aunts will meet wherever it is they are.

Take care.

Yarky Says:

July 13th, 2008, 23:19 pm

Good stuff, Leo. I would agree 100% of your assessment of her. She was one of the most energetic and talkative people I’ve ever known. I remember how as a small child, she talked to me like an adult in a way that few other adults did. And that’s a great picture. She looks much better there than she did in December, which is when I last saw her.

I was just thinking about lucky we’ve been in our family. In my whole 30 years, that’s the closest relative I’ve lost (on that side). Unfortunately, there’s virtually no chance that the next 30 years will go as well.

Vern at AimforAwesome Says:

July 13th, 2008, 23:43 pm

I was sad to hear about this news Leo… I know it’s odd to hear it, but I live most everyday as if it could be the last one. Not just saying that. Here in Thailand there are many things that could happen, making it my last day. Did you get on a motorbike when you were here? I’ve driven here for almost four years and had a few really close near death experiences. I’ve seen countless m.bike riders that weren’t as lucky as me.

I notice that I’m more able to enjoy life in this way… death doesn’t have the power to influence any decisions I make. I don’t fear the future because I don’t even know if it’s coming. I’m not set on anything happening in the future… just happy to have the present to do something with.

I don’t fear death because I don’t have any ideas about what happens after death. There’s nothing I can do to change it. The reincarnation / re-birth idea has it’s appeal - but it’s just a story like every other story about what happens after we go.

I do live according to the idea that what I do now has some effect either in my present life or later, after death. Its a karma type idea that guides most everything I do and it’s a very positive way to live life - but is it the truth?

Who knows… I’m happy doing it! Guess that’s all that matters.

Mary Matthews Says:

July 14th, 2008, 0:58 am

Leo and Eva,

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure it is difficult and shocking. What a wonderful tribute to you that she was at your wedding and able to connect one last time. Live well in memory of her and do good as she would have done. Teaching your children about her will be a gift she will always give to you and to them and to her memory.

Bless you all.

jaxs Says:

July 14th, 2008, 1:11 am

http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050815/article_02.htm

“Death is swallowed up forever”

Darryl Heron Says:

July 14th, 2008, 2:00 am

Leo:

Sorry to hear about you lose. One of the saddest things about life is that we all eventually lose people that we truely care about. The longer you live, the more people you will lose. I think that it is very important to take the tiem to mourn your lost loved ones. Thinking about some nice memories that you have of them or some of their wonderful character traits is conforting sometimes. I’m sure that you’ll do your best to keep your aunt’s memory alive through the stories about her that you’ll tell you kids.

Darryl

Richard Says:

July 14th, 2008, 2:48 am

Hi Leo,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy. May the beautiful memories of the times that you shared with her comfort you as you go thru this difficult time.

Bless you.

pril Says:

July 14th, 2008, 9:37 am

Sorry to hear the news, Welcome back tho!!!
Don’t forget her love will never die! Every time you feel that added energy or your having “Too” much fun with the kids!
That’s her love!!!
Never forget it Leo!!!
She sounds like a GREAT person!

Laura Says:

July 14th, 2008, 10:06 am

I’m very sorry for your loss. I just experienced a very similar loss, and I know how unsettling it can be. Hang on to those happy memories.

Roopesh Says:

July 14th, 2008, 10:19 am

Sorry to hear about your loss, Leo. My sincere condolence to you and your family.

Elizabeth G. Says:

July 14th, 2008, 10:27 am

Dear Leo,

I am so sorry to hear about the death of your beloved aunt. I had an Aunt Kerry myself — my Aunt Giddy, who, with Uncle Bep, was a giant of my childhood. It is hard even to articulate the kind of grief you feel at the loss of such a remarkable person who was so integral to your development.

As always, you did not fail to include an inspiring message, re cherishing and loving people while they are with us since we can never know when death may intervene.

Thank you also for another gorgeous family picture. You are all so photogenic! Am I right in thinking your family is also a testament to the wonderful globalism and diversity which infuse our lives today on this small (and shrinking) planet? I take it that part of your family is Northern European? Much like my own family — my son is 1/4 Dominican, 1/4 Puerto Rican, and 1/2 German. His German great grandpa came to the US in steerage on someone else’s visa, to escape being drafted, after many years as an orphan and child laborer. He built up a small but business which supported six children. The kids grew up to be a meat packer, a clergyman, a factory foreman, a teacher, an Army officer/professor, and the founder of a vocational school sysrem.

Your blog always reminds me, in one way or another, of how each such story is the story of all of us, so to speak, and of how we are all family in the broadest sense. I have come regard you as my third brother despite not having met you. Your feelings about Aunt Kerry are almost palpable to me. You have a knack for sparking good thoughts and kindly reflections even in cranky and stressed-out people.

Given your “zen” title, I used to wonder if you did any customary Budhist meditation. I finally understand that you have answered this question many times over: Your blog is your meditation. Thank you so very much for the insightfulness and poetry of all that you write.

Joli Says:

July 14th, 2008, 12:48 pm

I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jeffrey Keefer Says:

July 14th, 2008, 13:05 pm

I am very sorry for your loss. Amazing how life ends up, always full of surprises.

Tibi Puiu Says:

July 14th, 2008, 13:38 pm

Leo, please accept my sincere condolences. May her soul rest in peace.

Boston Lady Says:

July 14th, 2008, 14:35 pm

I’m very sorry for your loss.

Jamie Pick Says:

July 14th, 2008, 15:46 pm

I’ve been subscribed and following this blog for only a couple of weeks now (love it, by the way), yet I feel your pain as if I’ve know you for years. My sincerest condolences to your families through this challenging time…

gemellen Says:

July 14th, 2008, 21:28 pm

blessings. & blessings.

Leslie-Ann Says:

July 14th, 2008, 21:38 pm

Leo, my condolences. I am thankful to your Aunty Kerry for being a positive influence on you and all those that knew her. She sounds very special.

Sara Says:

July 15th, 2008, 0:04 am

Leo, I am so sorry to hear about your Auntie Kerry. But how wonderful to read your post, I feel like I know her. It reminds me not to take people I love forgranted.
She sounds like quite a woman!
Hugs, Sara

Frogsinatree Says:

July 15th, 2008, 10:38 am

Dear Leo and Family,

Just a quick word to express my condolences. I am extremely sorry for the loss you and your family has just experienced. It is such a shock to loose a member of your family unit, and my thoughts are with you and your family.

My 20-year-old sister just lost a friend, of the same age, on Saturday. I shared a short poem with her yesterday in an attempt to console her and let her know that I am here to support her. I would like to share that poem with you as well, as you may find some comfort in the words.

**Her Journey’s Just Begun***
“Don’t think of her as gone away… her journey’s just begun… life holds so many facets… this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting…. from the sorrows and the tears… in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how she must be wishing… that we could know today… how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched… for nothing loved, is ever lost– and she was loved so much.” ~ By Ellen Brenneman

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
~ Frogsinatree

designer4u Says:

July 15th, 2008, 11:27 am

Dear Leo,
I’m sorry to hear about your auntie.

Om Shanti .. Shanti … Shanti ….

eclecticaliah Says:

July 15th, 2008, 19:50 pm

Leo,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. May you be blessed with peace as you grieve. We may not always understand why things happen, but we can still have peace.
When my grandfather died last year, I was asked to create a PowerPoint of photos from his life for his memorial service. The process of looking at all those photos, listening to my grandmother tell stories about him, and creating something out of that was an integral part of my healing process. I encourage you to continue to talk with your family and ask them to show you pictures and tell you stories about your Auntie Kerry.
My thoughts are with you.

Ana Says:

July 16th, 2008, 0:24 am

I’m so sorry for your loss Leo… wishing you all much peace.

Babak Says:

July 21st, 2008, 19:34 pm

so sorry to hear :(

Shivanand Sharma Says:

July 27th, 2008, 16:41 pm

We all stand by you in this sad moment.

cohnsey Says:

August 5th, 2008, 17:15 pm

Sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you

Migo Says:

October 2nd, 2008, 2:53 am

My prayers are with your auntie and im very sorry for her loss. She is truly a wonderful woman!