Dear Laurie,
I just listened to the podcast, and I am sobbing as I think about living the rest of my life accordingly. I loved that quote from The Departed as well, had forgotten it. How beautiful that remembrance was. Thank you so much for sharing that and Leroy with all of us. My mother was larger than life too, and we shared her as well. Your love and grief is palpable. He leaves such a huge hole in the world.
Much love,
M.A. Sullivan
Charlottesville, VA

Sent by M.A. Sullivan | 9:00 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Yesterday's celebration of Leroy's Life was wonderful. Thank you all for sharing..........

As always, prayers to all.

Sent by sasha | 9:14 AM ET | 09-15-2008

I was not able to watch or listen on Sunday but I have read the comments posted on here that were made during that time. Please know that my thoughts were with you, Laurie - and YES - He will continue to live thru all of us.

Sent by Deb from Michigan | 9:21 AM ET | 09-15-2008

I am so sorry I missed it. Is there a tape that can be watched?
I am glad you had such an experience.

Sent by Sandra Yudilevich | 9:25 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie - I hope the remembrance event brought you comfort and some peace. You're right he lives!! That's why we're all still here talking to each other, comforting each other, and lifting each other up!
I was tied up with work obligations all weekend, but can't wait to view the tribute to this lovely, lovely spirit!
Here's to a good week for you, and a little more peace moment by moment!

Sent by Ruth Chermok | 9:35 AM ET | 09-15-2008

It was an honor to be a "fly on the wall" yesterday and to hear the tributes to Leroy. I am sure you were overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection!

It sounded like you had a wonderful life together.

There is nothing I love more than hearing stories about the people I love who I've lost.

We are here for you, Laurie! Every day!

Sent by Liz L. | 9:36 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Hi Laurie

I was blown away. Thank you so much for the event. I feel better than I have in weeks. The ability to place life in perspective, if for a short while, is a blessing. I will miss him.

Sent by Kathy B. | 9:37 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Good morning Laurie,

What a beautiful celebration. To have the many special friends, family, and his Doctor there to share their experiences and how Leroy touched their lives. Laurie, Leroy will continue to live on through all of us. He has helped so many. You too Laurie have helped all of us deal with Cancer World. For those of us that have lost our loved ones and just trying to survive; we really do understand what you are going through. We hope somehow that the celebration yesterday will help give you a renewed strength. And we are all out there still lifting. We will all continue to miss Leroy.

Leroy will continue to live on through all of us. ^

Sent by dorothy from Oregon | 9:55 AM ET | 09-15-2008

I am listening to the podcast and overwhelmed by the affection expressed. I feel so close to all who knew him at a different level. What a tremendously giving person he was.

He is also a man before his time. Awesome individual.

Sent by Sue Chap | 9:56 AM ET | 09-15-2008

It was both very sad and wonderful to hear the celebration of Leroy's life yesterday. Hearing the memories and stories from people who knew him well was so bittersweet. And Laurie - so nice to hear your voice.

I continue to be amazed at the effect of someone I never met on my life, and on so many others that came to know him through this blog. How lucky we all were to know him, even just a little.

Sent by Gretchen Hoag | 9:58 AM ET | 09-15-2008

This is my second post but I just finished listening to "Celebration of Leroy's Life again............

Oh Leroy............how I miss you.......tears

Sent by sasha | 10:11 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie, being able to share in this wonderful event truly does help us to feel like part of Leroy's inner circle of loved ones, and how precious that is!! Thank you and bless you...sending love to you today Laurie, Linda

Sent by Linda Lee | 10:24 AM ET | 09-15-2008

I am with Sandra Yudilevich - I also could not watch yesterday but would love to see a tape. I am sure that it was filled with love and laughter as well as tears.
Love, Jan

Sent by Janice Goldberg White | 10:29 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Oh Laurie - how good it was to hear your voice...and laughter. Many thanks to all who put themselves into Leroy's Celebration of Life! It was especially touching on audio to be surprised to hear Leroy's clips interwoven with live speakers...to not know who was coming next. I was especially touched by Dr. Meyer, what a mensch.

Thank you for including us. Audio was fine, expect for missing out the 'costuming'.

It's scan week for me...I'm acting accordingly...headed straight to maui.

Aloha!

Sent by Joan S. | 11:21 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Laurie,

Your courage and grace are an inspiration, and I know Leroy must be so proud of you. I lost my husband three years ago, and I feel your pain in a unique way having walked the journey of loss myself. If ever you feel the need to check in about your feelings, find a sense of belonging (to a group no one willingly joins)among other women who have lost their loves, or just would like to be heard by someone who has walked this path...please visit some sister widows at www.widowsbond.com. Holding out a hand to you as you process the absense of someone so dear,so brave, and so deeply loved.

Michele

Sent by Michele Neff Hernandez | 11:28 AM ET | 09-15-2008

thank you thank you thank you....
I needed to hear his laughter again.
Lovingly lifting.

Sent by eaf | 11:35 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Of course your head is spinning - I hope you are able to give yourself some time now to just settle in. And yes, Leroy will live through us all. He lived every moment, it seems, and leaves big ripples as well as much mising of him.

Sent by Victoria Hendricks | 11:37 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Yes. Leroy lives through all of us.His words continue to affect the way I live my life and the choices I make. Like several others who have posted, I wasn't able to listen in yesterday. Thank you so much for the podcast. Did I read somewhere that a video would be posted on Tuesday? That would be wonderful!

Sent by Doris | 11:38 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Laurie,

Today, I'm "remembering the message", and will do my best to "act accordingly". And after today, I'll endeavor to do the same, each and every day of my life. That's the kind of difference Leroy has made (multiplied thousands of times over), just by virtue of his be-ing. Thank you again for allowing us to share in this remarkable occasion of celebration of Leroy's extraordinary life.

I'm thinking of you today as you remember the bittersweet wonder of yesterday's celebration of Leroy, and as you continue to share smiles and tears with your loving family and friends. (By the way, hearing Leroy's one nephew's voice ... I thought I was listening to Leroy himself. What a lovely surprise.)

Wishing you a good day today, filled with love~

Sent by Kim Forester | 11:44 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie,
He does.....
Graham, thank you!

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 11:54 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Thank you Laurie.... and so many others.... for making this sharing possible. You can hear the love and esteem these dear friends and colleagues hold for Leroy. I especially loved the fact that so many were able to show their emotions, even though I know how difficult it was for them to try to speak. I found it so emotionally healing too, to hear his doctor speak. You know, hearing his voice, how much he felt for Leroy, and, I believe, for all his patients and how frustrated he as a doctor felt in the fact that we are still not in a position to cure this horrible disease.

I hope you were able to receive as much comfort from this celebration of Leroy's life, as I was from the celebration of my daughter's life last month. I got tremendous satisfaction from knowing that I did everything the way she had wanted.

One thing in particular which I believe comes through with your sharing this event, Laurie. It gives caregivers, such as myself, comfort and a sense of healing but it must also give comfort to those who suffer with cancer and face an untimely death to know how much we, as individuals can tough others' hearts and lives and that remembrance by these same "others" will allow us all to live on and on. Thank you!!

Sent by Betty Obst | 11:57 AM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie, A very emotional day to be sure. I thought Discovery did a great job. Sure must have been difficult for you. Wish you the best for today. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 12:16 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Hi Laurie,
I downloaded the podcast and started to listen to it but had to put it aside to go to work. Will get back to it later, but I LOVED the description of folks wearing colorful Hawaiian shirts! Leroy would have loved that too!

Warm thoughts stay with you always!

Sent by betsey in albany ny | 12:28 PM ET | 09-15-2008

I just finished listening to the recording. What a wonderful celebration. While I found myself crying tears, I also felt warmth in my heart listening to people share their love of both you and Leroy as well as the stories that made Leroy so special. I feel so thankful for the willingness to share and the matter of fact way you both dealt with the cancer.

Laurie - I hope having your closest friends and family surround you brought you love and warmth. It was wonderful to hear your voice.

Sent by Alexis Redmond | 12:34 PM ET | 09-15-2008

PS - Ted Koppell mentioned "Leroy's music" that preceded the memories spoken ~ I am wondering, Laurie, if might share that music - and Leroy's favorites - with us? (I'm guessing that it was some good rock 'n roll!)

xo

Sent by Kim Forester | 12:41 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Laurie, I listen to the memorial yesterday and cried, cried, cried. And laughed, laughed. I wish I knew Leroy more than through this blog. I loved him, a stranger, but I loved him. I miss him. Damn I miss him. Thank you for allowing us to share in his memorial. Thank you for sharing Leroy with us. And thank you for sharing yourself with us. It is a very brave thing. Namaste.

Sent by Susan | 12:56 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Good afternoon Laurie. I missed it over the weekend but listened to the memorial this morning while working. I had a hard time keeping quiet with all the laugh out loud moments and of course tears. Laurie, it was so good to hear your voice. I hope that the love that was shared for Leroy helps you feel supported.

Sent by Nichole in FL | 1:17 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Kim - my feelings exactly about Leroy's nephew's voice. It was actually uncanny - and strange since it was a nephew!

Sent by Liz L. | 1:42 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Kim - my feelings exactly about Leroy's nephew's voice. It was actually uncanny - and strange since it was a nephew!

Sent by Liz L. | 1:42 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Just read the comments during the gathering and wished I had been able to actually hear the whole thing. Will anticipate the possibility Tuesday? Thank you, Laurie, and all who gathered to celebrate Leroy!

Sent by Lucy Groh from Alaska | 1:49 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie,
I was able to listen to the podcast of the celebration of Leroy's life this morning and I was so touched by the words of his friends and family and i was brought to tears as well. My husband certainly is not a world famous journalist but he seems to have a lot of Leroy's personality traits. He is just a big kid still! I was so surprised to hear how much his nephew's voice sounds like Leroy's. I think that must be a little chilling as well as comforting at times. I was so pleased to hear your voice and your rememberances but the pain in your voice was hearbreaking. I can't imagine what you are going through right now but you seem to be handling it remarkably well. Thank you so much for allowing us to hear the thoughts of his many friends, caregivers and his doctor and of course you. We continue to lift you I hope.

Sent by Kathie | 1:56 PM ET | 09-15-2008

What a great goal for us all - to "live accordingly" every day. Whether our time here is short or not so short, to do that and have such an amazing event as yesterday's center around each of us when we go...now that would really be something, wouldn't it?
(lifting, lifting, lifting)

Sent by Renay | 2:24 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie,

Yes, without a doubt he lives through us all. It is my conscious decision to carry Leroy forward in my heart so I can bring him into whatever I do. You are quite a dear person Laurie. You and everyone did a great job yesterday. Thanks again. Love Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 2:25 PM ET | 09-15-2008

I am with Sasha, my second post.

I just finished the podcast, WOW!
What a truly wonderful celebration of a Leroy's life. Truly touching. The impact that he had on Dr. Meyer is profound. His colleagues, friends, and you Laurie. The strength, I am sure you found to speak came from Leroy. (I know because I managed to speak at my dad's celebration of life and that is where my strength came from).

Thank you for allowing us to share this moment, and Leroy through his journey.

1-2-3 Lifting....

Sent by Sue Chap | 2:28 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Laurie,
Your Leroy was quite a guy....so giving...sharing.....inspirational...
loving....caring....and I could continue. Thank-you for all that you do.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 2:29 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Just finished listening to Leroy's memorial service. It was really special and I thank you for sharing it with us. Take good care, Laurie.

Sent by Jen | 2:52 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie,

For some reason, I clicked on the blog Sunday. Now I know there are no new topics on Sunday, just thought I'd play a little catch-up. Imagine my surprise to find this event was happening. I didn't have time Sunday to listen live or participate, but I did listen today. That was the loveliest tribute I have ever heard. I want to thank you for allowing us access to it. I was moved to tears by the depth of emotion.

You are well on your way to healing.

Sent by Teri Thomas | 3:24 PM ET | 09-15-2008

The memorial sevice was beautiful and heartfelt. Leroy has been such a mentor to me as I too travel this road. I have quoted him often and to hear his voice over the pod cast touched me. God Bless you Lori. I love you both.
Katie B.

Sent by Katie B | 3:28 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie: I'm unable to spend time today at the computer but from all that has been said, I can't wait to listen to the PODCast.

I spent a few minutes with Burge in a dream early this morning...got to hug him and laugh. Then spent the next few dream minutes telling his sister how I had dreamed of him...Ha! what our minds can do to us. It was so peaceful for me, so I'm wishing you, Laurie Hirth, Elaine, Bruce, Graham, and others pleasant dreams of their loved ones. I miss mine so much.

Thinking of those of you still in the nightmare and wishing you moments of love and peace together.

love always,

Nikki

Sent by Nikki in Kansas | 4:03 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Nikki,
I have been wishing to have dreams of my husband for three months now and just the other day, I finally had one. In my dream however, my husband was still sick though I had noticed that he wasn't coughing anymore. I once heard that when you dream about a loved one who is deceased, it means that it's his or her way of contacting you. I wish it were so. Thanks for thinking of me, Nikki.

Sent by Elaine | 4:39 PM ET | 09-15-2008

That was profound and touching. This has been my first time visiting the blog and I wish I had been on here sooner to interact with Leroy and you, Laurie. But I get the message loud and clear. Thanks for sharing your lives and your glow with me and others. both of you lift me.

Sent by Mani | 4:45 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Listening to that ceremony was an honor for those of us who came to knwo Leroy through this blog. It was also good to hear your voice, Laurie, and the stories and memories you had of your life with Leroy. It sounds like a charmed life in many ways--up until when he entered cancer world I guess. But in terms of how he spent his energy when he DID enter cancer world, I think it was charmed even after that.

I was also very touched by his oncologist's grief. I couldn't help but think that most of us who are cancer patients hope we will form that kind of relationship with our doctors and oncologists - that they will care that much about us--and I'm not sure most of us are ever able to achieve that (the sheer volume of patients they need to see these days makes it even harder). It's good to know that once in a while it happens, though, especially for someone as special as Leroy.

Anyway, Leroy's influence and example will be remembered by this member of "Leroy's army" for a long long time. I'll just miss having this blog to post on and share if and when the time comes to end it.

Sent by N.R. | 5:09 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Have not yet listened to the Celebration of Leroy's Life. Often it takes such an event to place in perspective what a difference he made in so many lives. He touched so many and made things better for each one if for only a brief period of time.

We will all ensure that Leroy's memory, his good deeds and his spirit carry on through us. This is the least we can do to perpetuate the goodness he began for cancer patients and caregivers (lifegivers). I am honored to have "known" Leroy and proud to be one of his many bloggers.

Our mentor has passed but his teachings live within us so let us do as he would do.....help one another, then another and another until our time comes.

The little flame of Hope and Help for Others continues to burn in my heart. It is my way to celebrate Leroy's life.

Prayers and blessings to you Laurie as always.

Sent by Al Cato | 5:16 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Elaine and Nikki,
What I wouldn't give to have just one dream of Neil. I hear the music that talks to me, at times I think I can feel his arms around me, and I talk to him all the time. Then there are the times that words pop into my head that sound like his. But I have not had any dreams. Sometimes I think I am nuts and I am afraid to tell anyone my thoughts or they will think I am. Maybe this is all just wishful thinking, but I miss him so much. I am afraid I just think this stuff because I miss him so much. Who knows what happens, all I know is that he told me that once in a life time you meet a person to never leave and that was me. I always hope that he is still here with me....My grief therapist says that some day I will find a place for him in my heart, I know he is right. In the meantime, I just hope I am not alone. I am so glad you shared this today.....

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 5:26 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie S, Laurie H, Nikki, Elaine and all the rest of us surviving...

Someone posted to another site I visit just today and said "Hearts won't ever be practical until they can be made unbreakable." How true, but how sad if we go through this and feel...nothing.

Which is worse, to remember and hurt, or to not remember at all?

Sent by Bruce | 6:28 PM ET | 09-15-2008

What a beautiful tribute!! How wonderful it is to be remembered in that way. You must be very pleased and proud. Thank you for sharing.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 7:17 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Laurie,
I listened Sunday and finally said my farewell to Leroy. I have the picture of him in Kosovo on his 44th, on my desk. I kept looking at him, through the tears, still wanting him here in this world. I loved that you included Leroy's voice and words in the remembrance. Thank you, Laurie, and whatever you decide to do next, I will always be thinking of what you both gave to me and so many others in the midst of your own, private sorrows.

Pace,

pat

Sent by patricia benson | 9:31 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Thanks for posting the link to Leroys' memorial. I am glad to be part of "Leroys' Army". I only wish that I could have known him personally. It's obvious from his blog, as well as from the rememberences of his family and friends that he was a force to be reckoned with, a true original, and everyones' "most unforgettable character". Laurie, consider yourself hugged. Nancy

Sent by Nancy K Clark | 9:32 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Thank you so very much for allowing us to be a part of Leroy's memorial.

Sent by Sandra V | 9:45 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Gosh, these are just such unbelievable posts here...I am so amazed to be even a small part of something like this. Leroy teaches us that it is not acceptable to be bystanders in life. Even though it is human nature to blend in with the crowd and be a follower Leroy stood up for justice, truth and loving compassion throughout his entire life. It is a cop out to say "I'm not like Leroy". We all must strive for truth justice and love in our affairs. Leroy's life is a good arguement for why we each should try to dig deep when we meet any of life's challenges in order to make a difference like Leroy did: that's all he wanted - and he succeeded. It can be a hell of a good life if we let it be so "live accordingly". ---Graham from Sag Harbor

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 10:32 PM ET | 09-15-2008

I was glad to hear the laughter with the tears.

Sent by Dorothy - Los Angeles | 10:36 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Hi Laurie, thanks for the invitation, and sorry that I couldn't attend.... Leroy will be missed, and I hope that you are hanging in there as best as possible....

Sent by Krupali Tejura MD | 10:49 PM ET | 09-15-2008

Dear Laurie,
I can't stop thinking about yesterday. It was so amazing, I simply cannot stop remembering everything about the afternoon. I keep replaying it in my mind. It will stay with me forever. The beautiful words that were spoken about Leroy! Seeing him on the TV screens, hearing his voice. The way it all came together, weaving in and out about his life and his experiences between the beautiful tributes. Brilliant. So meaningful. So respectful. Such deep admiration from so many! I just know Leroy could feel the love in that gathering. I can honestly say, it was the most amazing and beautiful memorial service I have ever attended and it has really affected me, in so many ways. Yes, it was very sad, but I came away with so much more knowledge about what kind of man Leroy was and how much of an impact he made on so many people. No wonder he was the love of your life!I have told many friends and family members about yesterday. Sad as it was, it was perfect. Absolutely perfect. I think Leroy would agree. I am back in Chicago now, up late, just thinking and remembering the experience, and I hope you were able to get through the day without too much exhaustion. Laurie, I am so happy that yesterday went the way it did. I think it was a gift to you, from Leroy.

Our love to you.
p.s. I couldn't believe how much the second nephew, (Adam?) sounded like Leroy when he spoke!

Sent by Catherine | 12:06 AM ET | 09-16-2008

I did the Danskin Tri on Sunday and had Leroy there as my swim angel. When I thought i should stop there was a voice in my head saying "you are on chemo; this swim is easy". Finished the swim, bike and run and thanks to my swim angel.
I will listen to the podcast later. With care.

Sent by anne lumberger | 4:40 AM ET | 09-16-2008

He WAS an amazing man, to us here in "this" part of his life. It is unmeasurable how much he affected our lives.
He lives through us all in this family. No doubt.
Prayers,
Wanda Amorose

Sent by Wanda Amorose | 7:35 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie
What a wonderful tribute to such a remarkable man who has touched so many thousands of lives in cancer world and out. The stories from friends, the emotion in thier voices, brought a new flood of tears to my eyes. Such respect and admiration from so many who knew him on a personal level.Absolutely Loved hearing Leroys voice.. among the many things I miss about my husband, like Leroy he had a commanding voice that made you stop and listen, I so miss hearing his voice. Thank you for letting us hear Leroy's. I was so very moved by Dr. Meyer. He cant help but continue to be a more caring and compassionate doctor to his patients. You could tell by his words he is not afraid to become "involved" emotionally with those he cares for. We need more like him, not all of our loved ones have been treated with such respect and feeling.
What a treasure hearing your voice also Laurie. You will find in the months to come new strengths you do not know you posess and they will help carry you through. Reading Nikki and Elaines's notes, how fortunate they are to have dreams with their loved ones. I have been waiting for 1 year this week to see and feel Bruce in a dream. My luck is not there. Hope yours is so much better.
Leroy's nephew deffinately sounds like his uncle. How Wonderful is that. Blessing and Hugs to you Laurie

Sent by raven | 11:37 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,
I have been an avid follower of Leroy's blog from the beginning. A fellow journeyman and a fellow survivor. He often said for me what I couldn't say to friends and family. He often explained the "club", the fears, the celebrations, and the hopes to others for me. I now want to be a voice for him and a support for you. He will live on for a long time in all of us who quietly loved and thanked him daily for his wonderful words. I hope thefew words can be a support and memory for you as long as you need it.
Love and prayers,
Phyllis

Sent by Phyllis | 4:17 PM ET | 09-19-2008