Big Papa Lee’s Progress Report

Dear Friends & Family,

It’s been 54 days since I last held Lee in my arms and out of habit I still find myself looking for him everywhere. After he passed, I couldn’t believe I wasn’t limping or lop sided because I actually felt like I’d had an amputation that left me with an enormous piece missing. Initially, I was dazed and numbly mechanical just sort of lost in the void of my strange little universe. In spite of all that, amazingly enough, as incredible as it may seem I was truly never broken. Lee’s determination to help us land gently on the tarmac of our new lives unfolded without a hitch. With his optimism and direction the plan worked exactly as he had mapped it out. Within just a few short days we were busy worker bees with a community of helpers putting the finishing touches on the event he’d planned for the 26^th of September. I believe everyone in attendance knew we sincerely wanted to thank them and could genuinely sense that Lee celebrated a special connection with each and every one. In the days that followed I began to look over our first notebook that we had written together during his final days. I was ready to reflect on what he had planned for my days to come, what Lee often referred to as my ‘new life’. Using my ticket to see Oprah was the very first item on the list. My girlfriend Jodi set up everything, the room, the flight, even reservations for dinner. My heart was still trying to build the enthusiasm to go. At that point, I was still trying on my new skin everyday hoping to figure out who this new girl might be. I never realized how much passion Lee added to my hopes and dreams simply by being a part of them. As the day of departure approached I began to feel the real magnitude of this experience. In a weird way this was the ‘new’ beginning. Part of me felt like everything was sort of falling into place but the other part of me was so bittersweet because I knew it meant that my Levi was truly gone. I asked him constantly in my prayers to ‘come with me’, be my wing man and help me with my first big step in the ‘new world’. All the while my girlfriends and family were encouraging me to help build momentum for this incredible experience. On Monday when our flight left the runway I could feel Lee smiling over my shoulder the whole flight and by Wednesday morning his essence was so thick I could feel him with me with every beat of my heart. Jodi and I hadn’t slept all night, we were such a mess! We were so stinking excited we totally could not believe it was truly going to happen. I thanked Lee openly that morning for this wonderful dream fulfilling gift and said, but you know…… I’d really love to get a photo with Oprah. Jodi just rolled her eyes, because she thinks its nuts that I still talk to you let alone make ridiculous requests. But guess what baby, she’s a believer now! Honest to God, Lee, you KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!!!!!  Oh My God! I met Oprah, I talked with Oprah, and she held me in her loving arms for what seemed like an eternity. I met Dave Sayer, Publishing Clearing House’s delivery man for their prize patrol, won $25,000 which they insisted on paying my tax and well you know the rest. All I can say is, I believe in you and I always will. You’ve always been and you continue to be my compass. Just as I’ve always been, and will continue to be, your Susie.

I need to make a huge shout out to all of you that have graciously called, written and emailed to congratulate me. Your enthusiasm speaks volumes as to the size of your hearts.

This link will give you to a peak of that awesome day, just click on Action News 8 video http://www.ksbw.com/news/21458150/detail.html

And for fabulous photos of Lees event just click here and enjoy!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=192398778703:1823865025

To my family, friends, and community, you’ve made an enormous difference in my life and how welcome I feel walking alone. I miss my Levi every day but because of you I never feel lonely. I struggle to find the words that could show my genuine gratitude.

Thank you for your continued blessings,

Sue