I am long overdue for a post, and I can think of nothing that I would rather share with you. I have started this post several times, because I want to get it just right. It is important to me that you truly appreciate and understand one of the most incredible people I know.
I met Leigh through my daughter, Olivia. We had just moved back to Langley after my ALS diagnosis, and Olivia was starting back at the dance studio that she had been at prior to our move to Calgary. It was her first day back and she was nervously standing in the waiting area, girls all milling about, chatting excitedly. I was feeling anxious for Olivia as everyone seemed to know one another and I was worried that she would feel left out. No sooner did this run through my mind, that this sweet girl comes over to Olivia and says “Come with me, I’ll show you around”. And just like that, they were gone and my fears were alleviated.
After that first class, Olivia told me that her new friend’s name was Renee and that she was going to the same school as Olivia and was in the same grade. I dared to think, ‘Is it possible that they will be in the same class?’. Sure enough, a few weeks later the first day of grade six arrived and lo and behold Renee and Olivia were in the same class. For this mom it was such a blessing knowing that Olivia wouldn’t be starting at a new school alone. It was a God thing, there was no other explanation for so many variables to align.
One day after dance was done, Olivia came running out to the car and said that Renee’s mom wanted to meet me. That was my first interaction with Leigh and I could instantly tell where Renee got her kind, empathetic nature. I told Leigh about my ALS and some of the challenges associated with it. She instantly offered to drive Olivia to dance. It was such a relief because I knew I would not be able to drive for much longer and my parents were already helping us with so much.
The girls friendship flourished, and Renee spent a lot of time here and vice versa. As my ALS progressed and it was harder to get out, Leigh and Dan, Leigh’s husband, took Olivia under their wing and took her with them on family vacations and different outings. I can’t explain how much of a weight it lifted off of me. I was feeling guilty that Olivia would miss out because of my illness, but Leigh and her family saw to it that that didn’t happen. Leigh always sent me pictures of the girls so that I would feel included and be a part of the action. 🙂
I progressed to the point where I was confined to my wheelchair and couldn’t speak anymore. It became intimidating to go out, especially to places where I knew people. Regardless of my discomfort, I would not miss Olivia’s dance competitions for anything. I think I made most people uncomfortable, but not Leigh, she always came over to talk to me and would even sit in the designated wheelchair space so that I would have a friend to sit with. This might not seem like a big deal, but ALS can be lonely and it was great to have a friend by my side. Despite the fact that I couldn’t speak, Leigh chose to sit with me, even though she had a bunch of friends in the audience.
Around this time, three years ago, the most devastating thing happened. Leigh texted me and said that she had brain cancer. The first thing that went through my mind was that she had to be okay because she was Olivia’s back up mom. I had such peace knowing that Olivia would have her if I was not here. Leigh immediately started doing everything possible to heal. I have honestly never met anyone as brave and full of hope as Leigh. Her faith in Jesus only seemed to grow. She would come over, pull up a chair beside me, take my hand and begin praying. She talked about how in Heaven we would not be sick anymore and we could laugh and run. I always cherished those times with her because they were so real and she always left me pondering something that she had said. In a strange way it was comforting to have someone who understood what it was like to be facing the same thing.
Leigh still did a lot with Olivia, and one of the highlights was when she took the girls to Tofino to go surfing. Leigh kept me in the loop by sending lots of photos, including one with my name in the sand and the caption,’Prayed for you today’.
Last week Leigh texted me after her doctor’s appointment. She said, “I think I will beat you to heaven. My cancer has spread quite aggressively”. It took me a few hours to respond, I couldn’t type because I was crying and my eye gaze system won’t work if you are teary. I wrote that I had so much to say, but I couldn’t at that moment. I asked her if I could write a blog post about her friendship and how much she means to me. I really wanted you all to know how amazing a person Leigh is. I truly can’t imagine a life without Leigh in it, and I say this as someone who has a limited time left. It will not be the same without her smiling face.
She ended the message with,”It (heaven) is going to be glorious”. I am continually in awe of Leigh; her courage and optimism and faith in the midst of all that she and her family are going through is truly inspiring. I ask that you please keep Leigh and her beautiful family in your prayers. Thank you so much. I know that they would appreciate it.
I am so grateful that our girls will always have each other.
Leigh, my beautiful friend, I will see you in Heaven!
Love,
Leanne
Love you Leanne 🩷🩷🩷
I love you so much Renee!
True friendship is a wondrous, sacred thing. Thank you, Leigh. Thank you, Renee. Thank you, Leanne. God bless you all. 🥲❤
Thank you so much Sandra. xo
Thank you for sharing this very touching tribute…💔💞🙏
I appreciate your messages Heidi. I feel like I know you. xo
Oh Leanne. The tears and the prayers are flowing. Such a beautiful friendship to cherish. God has provided in so many ways – He will continue to provide comfort and peace in this heartbreak, for Leigh and for you and your families. Sending you hugs 💛💛💛
I appreciate your message and prayers Michelle. So much love to you. xo
Hi Leanne! That was an awesome blog you wrote. You guys are so blessed to have each other’s friendship. I’m very proud to have you as our daughter, Take care. Love you! Dad
Thanks so much Dad. You are the best and I am so grateful to have you as my dad.
First off Prayers … secondly, I couldn’t agree more that God has a plan and that not only were the girls brought together but that you two moms were also.
At the school I work at which is also a Christian school we have had 3 parents go to heaven in 1 year. All from cancer. Two moms and one father.
Friendship is such a gift from god… as is “heaven”. He has gifted us everlasting life and friendship in our Christian communities.
Leanne my heart is with you always and you’re from Leigh. My heart and prayers go out to your families. I love you and love her too. Sounds like she and her daughter have left presents of kindness, love, faith and hope wherever they go.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help support your friend or yourself.
Thank you Brooks. I always appreciate your comments and prayers. I love you. xo
Your friend sounds like an amazing woman and Mother Leanne. Much like you. Sending positive thoughts to all of you. 💕💕
Thank you Betty Lou. You are such a great mom and have been such a blessing to me and my family. Love you.
Leanne, as always beautiful piece of writing. Your and Leigh’s bond is so strong, like Olivia+ Renee’s friendship. We don’t all get the opportunity to have such a wonderful relationship….I am thankful that you have❤️
It sounds like Leigh will live on in her beautiful daughter and Olivia. My thoughts are will you all❤️🤗
Love you lots xxx
Thanks so much Sharon. I love you so much. xo
Beautiful tribute….im so glad renee and olivia have each other…ill keep yall in my prayers…
Thank you so much Serena. I am grateful for your prayers and your message. xo
Heaven will be glorious. Thank you for that reminder. You don’t know me, I follow you because of Brian Wallach. But I love your posts. You are so uplifting. Just know that you are loved and prayed for and appreciated so much!! ❤️❤️❤️will now add Leigh and her family to my prayers 🙏🙏
Thank you so much Laurie. I appreciate you taking the time to send a message and for your prayers. I also follow Brian. I am so inspired by him and Sandra. xo
Oh Leanne, what a beautiful post for your beautiful friend. I am thankful that God placed your in each other’s lives. What a gift! I will add your friend Leigh and her family to our prayers. Yes, Heaven will be amazing…
Miss you lots, my friend!
Thank you so much my dear friend. I miss you so much. I will always cherish the sweet memories of those early days in Calgary when we spent so much time together. Love you.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story about the power of friendship. Not only have you and Leigh created a bond between yourselves, but your daughters will share powerful bonds as a result of experiencing joy, happiness and grief together. It is amazing that they will have each other to lean on.
Leeanne, the McCorquodale family was thinking about you earlier this week, so I am thrilled to see this post. Take good care, and know that you are in our thoughts.
I appreciated your article. The beautiful-ness of friendship never ceases to amaze me. Sending you and your friend love and support at this time.
Leanne this is so beautiful! Being present the day that Olivia and Renee met will always be so special to me! I was so proud of Renee and so glad for Olivia!!
Your words about Leigh are beautiful. She truly is a gift. I can’t imagine a world without my dear friend. But am so thankful we will all be reunited again.
Thank you for this post! I am so glad I found it to read!
What a beautiful piece of writing. You eloquently showed us what it means to have a true friend by your side. After reading this, my heart is just full. Sending love and prayers.
I just saw your post that your beautiful friend had passed and had to come back and read this post again. Leanne, we met on facebook by what seems like by accident. But the truth is, it was no accident. My mom had a brain tumor and I know the journey well. You are such a gift as is your beautiful friend. Sending you, her and both your families so much love today ❤️
Thank you so much Amanda. I am really sorry about your mom.
I really appreciate your message. xo