Laurie, I think Leroy would have been very pleased.

Sent by dorothy from Oregon | 8:41 AM ET | 09-16-2008

When my boyfriend died I couldnt go to the funeral, didnt have my passport yet, so i missed out on all the stories told at the funeral, I am sure it is a healing experience, part of the process.

I hope you can hold those stories close to your heart Laurie...

thank you for posting!

jenn from Maine

Sent by jenngie | 8:52 AM ET | 09-16-2008

There is something to said about sharing memories of those passed. Some make us cry and others make us laugh. At my dad's celebration a women who had played cards with dad for almost 10 years, told a story about argyle socks. I'll admit, I have really try to picture socks like that, but it made those in attendance laugh.

I am having a hard day today for some reason. My sister and I have had to go and sign the papers to transfer funds that are our inheritance and think about what happens to other funds that are still being used because his condo not sold. By the end of the year, my dad will be no longer on a number at the bank he used. This is reality and boy does it hurt.

1-2-3 Lifting a tad lower today, but lifting.

Sent by Sue Chap | 8:54 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Beautiful. That's just perfect.

Sent by Dianne (DC) | 9:05 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Good morning, Laurie! Ah, such wonderful friends and family...such love...What a tribute to our wonderful, larger-than-life Leroy!

As my precious Dad said to me when I lost my beloved Maltese last year, "Saying goodbye is the hardest thing we're called upon to do. I'd take some of the pain off of you if I could." Then, a year later, almost to the day, I said goodbye to my Dad. Two weeks later, to Leroy.

You were right Dad. Saying goodbye is tough. Love doesn't end though. It doesn't die with the worn out body of our loved one. It continues to live within us and at times, in some mysterious way seems to move about and around us, and becomes a loving presence along side us.

Sending you love today Laurie...Linda

Sent by Linda Lee | 9:12 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie...........enjoy all those wonderful memories............still lifting...............

Sent by sasha | 9:16 AM ET | 09-16-2008

"Saying good-bye for him" is your title today.

My comment is: the things we do for the ones we love! :-)

I remember a few weeks after my grandmother died, her girlfriend saw me in the grocery store and kept saying "Com'e un' sorella" (excuse the spelling) which meant "(She was)Like a sister!" This little old Italian lady, Etta, needed to say it as much as I needed to hear it!

Sent by Liz L. | 9:21 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Who could ask for more? What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man!

A bittersweet day for you I'm sure. Sending warm wishes for another healing day. You're always in my thoughts Laurie.

Sent with love...

Rhonda H

Sent by Rhonda Howard | 9:22 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,
It has been said that a funeral is not a day in a life, but instead, a life in a day....as you savor it all.

Blessings of comfort however you find it.

Sent by Sandi | 9:23 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie,
How blessed you and Leroy - to find and share the deep, wonderful love, companionship, friendship, respect and partnership. I know it will always be close to your heart. Thoughts and prayers.

Sent by Annette | 9:25 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,
I want to believe we never say goodbye, they are always with us in our hearts, in our minds and in our memories. The physical body is no longer here, I try take comfort in knowing that physical body no longer hurts, no longer has to fight another day, but in reality, I would give anything to hold that physical body just one more time!
Sue Chap, I am sending cyber hugs and Sasha, we are lifting you too!
Laurie, we love you, hang onto those memories.
Much love, hugs and continued prayers.

Sent by Laurie Hirth | 9:33 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Thank you for sharing Leroy with us.

Sent by joan beth smith | 9:34 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,

Thanks to you and all your friends and the people at Discovery and NPR for sharing your stories of your wonderful man with all of us. We all recognized how unique and wonderful Leroy was, but we only caught a glimpse of the post-cancer Leroy he shared with us. Was fabulous to get snapshots of Leroy B.C. and learn a bit about what made him the wonderful guy he was. I can't even begin to imagine how much you miss him.

Always lifting....

Sent by Robin L. Fairfax VA | 9:50 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie---The celebration of Leroy's life was beautiful. Hearing his words in between the speakers reminded me again why we loved him so much and miss him so terribly. Sending you my love and sympathy.

Sent by Nancy | 10:00 AM ET | 09-16-2008

I listened this morning...the celebration was uplifting, sad, humorous and inspiring.

Thank you to those who made it possible for Leroy's blogger family to be a part of this event.

The part that struck me and is now a mental image was the description of Leroy standing out in the road waving a flashlight to enable Lisa (hope the name is correct) to find her way to his and Laurie's house amid the devastation. Leroy was a beacon for good, for help and for hope even then. We've all learned over the last 2 years how much light he shined to keep the darkness away and to help those in need. An imposing beacon he was and best of all he was our friend.

Laurie, family and friends, thank you for sharing Leroy with us. We are all better people because of him.

Sent by Al Cato | 10:02 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie,
Saying goodbye to someone you love is the hardest thing anyone can do. I don't know how many times I have thought about the day I said goodbye to my Dad. Sometimes even now 2 1/2 yrs later it dosen't seem real and at other times it seems like it was a lifetime ago. It will get easier for you as time goes on but there will always be those moments that are still hard to remember. Hope you have a sun filled day. God Bless and lifting.

Sent by Teresa in WV | 10:15 AM ET | 09-16-2008

I think Leroy would have been very happy to hear the stories and would have laughed his deep chuckle and decline to agree how fabulous he was.

I'm glad it brought you some warmth as well. It is a reminder that you are surrounded by many and loved by so many more.

Lifting....1....2....3

Sent by Alexis Redmond | 10:33 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie, I am SO happy to read of the celebration of Leroy's life, and of you even hearing some stories that you'd not heard before. That room had to be full of such healing, laughter, loss, remembrance, joy and love! I am glad you had a standing room only day for Leroy's life and legacy. I hope that memories of that day will continue to infuse you, and all who loved Leroy, with comfort, a sense of his abiding presence in the stories and essence of his spirited life, and with healing as you create a life without his physical presence. You are dear to share this news with the blog group. Blessings!

Sent by Sarah | 10:34 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Thank you Laurie for drawing us unto this inner circle of Leroy's. It is a privilege. It makes me feel like we were his friends in more than just a 'cyber' way and I guess we were...but your thoughtfulness and compassion during such a difficult time means so much. It puts it in "living time". It is great to experience all the amazingly good friends that are so loving and understanding too that they have done all the 'goodbyes' that needed to be done.

Sue C. Sorry for your pain...a big symbolic passage and that's just it...it will pass and you will feel better soon my friend. Know this as fact even though you are in the middle of it. With Love to all. Graham from Sag Harbor.

Sent by Graham G. Hawks | 11:13 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie, It was amazing the impact Leroy had on whomever he came in contact with. After listening to the memorial service, I realize how blessed all of us were to be a part of his life, if even in a small way. I also realize the profound effect he had on me personally - something I will carry close to my heart forever. What an inspiration he was.
You, Laurie, will always be surrounded by true, genuine people because that is what Leroy attracted - You being a perfect example. We will all keep him alive by following his lead. You can count on it.

Sent by Jeanne Stevens | 11:14 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,

My dad died just months before I was diaganosed the first time with cancer. I kept a picture of him very close to me through both chemo treatments. I felt like his love carried me through because I always wanted to make him proud.I used the stories to get me thru it all...when I was at my weakest, my daughter and I would talk about silly stuff he used to do, and it made me feel better.
I hope you are healing well.
PS SUE...we are lifting you too.

Liz Z

Sent by liz Zimmerman | 11:16 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,

Listened to the archived file last night, and it was wonderful. Your great love, strength, humor and devotion really came through to us....and so did Leroy's, once again. Thank you, NPR and Discovery for allowing us to share.

Still lifting in MA

Sent by Sheara | 11:29 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Leroy lives through us....Laurie your in my thoughts and prayers....

Sent by sue | 11:32 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Leroy is living in all of us...laurie you are in my prayers.

Sent by sue | 11:35 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie, I can't find the words for my family or friends. I hope I can delay it for some more time. Leroy is special, to all of us for sure, but to all he worked with also. I think what Discovery did was magnificent, stay in touch. Thoughts, Stan

Sent by Stan Wozniak | 11:41 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie,

I echo Al Cato's thoughts - we are all better people because of Leroy. I'm still chuckling at the "salad" story.
All my best.... Holly

Sent by Holly | 11:52 AM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie,

Leroy's day of life celebration was so rich and full and so perfect ~ I find myself wanting to tell everyone about it; about HIM; about you ... The stories about Leroy, while each one different, all had a common theme: Leroy's intelligence, humor, loyalty, thoughtfulness, courage, honesty, integrity, friendship, penchant for fun, devotion, appreciation of "what's important" ~ and last but not least, his great, loving heart. He was - and IS - a thousand points of light.

And now, this, for you and Leroy:

Love Sonnet LXXXIX

When I die, I want your hands on my eyes; I want the light and the wheat of your beloved hands to pass their freshness over me once more; I want to feel the softness that changed my destiny.

I want you to live while I wait for you, asleep. I want your ears still to hear the wind, I want you to sniff the sea's aroma that we love together, to continue to walk on the sand we walk on.

I want what I love to continue to live, and you whom I love and sang above everything else to continue to flourish, full-flowered;

so that you can reach everything my love directs you to, so that my shadow can travel along in your hair, so that everything can learn the reason for my song.

~Pablo Neruda
from the collection "100 Love Sonnets"

Wishing continued great love to you today, and every day,

Sent by Kim Forester | 12:07 PM ET | 09-16-2008

It really is true that people live on through the memories people retain of them. Too bad they aren't still hugable...

Sent by kate | 12:36 PM ET | 09-16-2008

I listened and learned..What a delightful, insightful person. He will be missed.

Sent by Sue Loux | 12:40 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,
Thank you for putting my feelings into words, and so eloquently. I have struggled with identifying my thoughts and feelings. You are helping yourself heal, as well as so many of us 'out here.' You are a blessing!

Sent by Heather | 1:40 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie, I have such gratitude to you, your family and many friends, for allowing all of your many cyber-friends to share in the celebration of Leroys' remarkable and precious life. I have just fininshed listening to the audio and laughed, cried and most of all savored the many wonderful memories shared by friends and family. We all miss him and his wise voice and humor so much! I deeply appreciate that you have continued the "conversation" with all of us in the midst of your own grief. Clearly, you are act(ing)accordingly! I aspire to do the same. Thank you Laurie and Thank you Leroy. With love to you and yours.

Sent by Peggy in MN | 1:50 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Dear Laurie, What a wonderful memorial. To even hear some new Leroy stories was a treat. Take care and we are still lifting l, 2, 3

Sent by Martha C. | 2:01 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie, I came to Leroy's blog late, but I'm reading from the beginning up to the most recent. I thank you, and his memory, for the uplift.
I'm facing stage three, inoperable lung cancer and need the strength and wisdom and hope I find here.
Perhaps you would want to take a look at my blog, facingcancer.blogspot.com.
You're in my prayers. Thanks again.

Sent by Kieran Doherty | 2:01 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie,

What a beautiful gathering - and thanks for including all of Leroy's online friends as well. I do believe strongly that Leroy was there, listening to all of the funny stories and tributes, smiling and basking in the love of friends and family. The beauty of the day is such a testament to who he was and still is, and what he's given all of us.

I think of Leroy often, yet I never met him personally. He taught me to live in the moment, to not "kill the day" as Dave Matthews sings, and I'll forever be grateful.

Hope you're well, thanks for reaching out to all of us!

Sent by Amy in NJ | 2:31 PM ET | 09-16-2008

I only knew Leroy from this blog. As I listened to the stories, I realized Leroy was really an awesome guy. I don't think he ever really had to worry about whether or not he made a difference. It was obvious to me that he made a huge difference.

Sent by Missy Patterson | 2:42 PM ET | 09-16-2008

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man! Thank you, Laurie, for remembering this cyber family/garden during this very difficult time for you.

I cried, I laughed, I enjoyed hearing Leroy's voice again.

Hugs and lifting prayers...

Sent by Kathy Barney from Michigan | 3:53 PM ET | 09-16-2008

How wonderful to hear the laughter amidst the crushing sadness that follows such loss. Through these remembrances of every-day moments we both give up and take back our hearts.

From Maureen in Arlington, Va.

Sent by Maureen Doallas | 5:28 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Isn't it funny how it's the "little" things that make up the most vivid memories? Some stupid thing that brings a laugh; or just mundane moments that are shared -- no big earth-shaking experience......just the "little" things.

Sent by Marilyn Trujillo | 5:44 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie, it was so good to hear your voice. Thankyou for sharing this aweaome memorial service. I just got to hear it today and cried, laughed, and just pictured everyone in their special Leroy outfits. You and Leroy had a very special relationship, one that not too many people accomplish. I pray that you can find peace and contentment in your memories. I enjoyed hearing Leroy's nephews and sister. He sure was a BIG loving, giving guy. Thank you for continuing this Blog.

Sent by Carol | 9:23 PM ET | 09-16-2008

Laurie dear,
I cherish the times we had food and fun and laughter in your home with Bruce, Lisa, Rachel & Ethan. Getting to know a little of Leroy enriched our lives. Thank you for the Celebration of his Life. I laughed and cried as I sat at my computer while you all were there.
Love Hope & Merrill, too

Sent by Hope Dan | 2:57 AM ET | 09-17-2008