These posts don't get easier to write. I am numb with sadness tonight. One of the greatest blessings of having CF is the incredible connections you make with others who have CF. On the other hand, the hardest part about having CF, BY FAR, is losing the ones you love and cherish to this devastating disease. I only met Leslie a few years ago. When we were introduced, she told me I was her hero for having the courage to go ahead with my pregnancy. I answered that she was MY HERO for showing us all how it's done...fighting so gracefully and being an example of a vibrant, beautiful and strong CFer!
This picture of us was taken last year at the Women Who Take Our Breath Away luncheon. Leslie and I were fellow nominees. As you can see by my red puffy eyes, I was grateful (and emotional) to be honored with and sitting next to one of my heros.
You will learn from the video below that Leslie lived a life full of adventure and passion despite her physical limitations. She celebrated her 50th birthday this year and inspired ALL who knew her to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Her days and months were filled much like mine, with treatments, coughing and in and out of the hospital, but she certainly didn't let that prevent her from completely loving, living and inspiring others to "BELIEVE...anything is possible!"
Breathe Easy Sweet Leslie, you will be so dearly missed.
7 comments:
What a beautiful woman. I'm sorry for her loss. It looks like she touched many lives for the better. Love you, Shar! Hang in there, sweetie.
-Annette
Sharlie, my love and prayers are with you today. I am sorry for your loss. You are an angel and so loved!!! xoxo Aunt Linda
My heart is so touched Sharlie. I am so sorry......What a beautiful woman and touching video that shows a glimpse in the life of a CFer and the courage to live as full of a life as possible. My love and prayers and tears are with you right now. Hang in there beautiful.
Love you!!
Stacy
What an inspiring woman! She will be missed. We love you, Sharlie!
Wow, what a beautiful and strong woman.... the magnificence of her life shared in the memories of her day to day experience... thanks for gifting us with a small portion of her story... love, Derek
Sharlie, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. My thought & prayers are with you.
Once again I gear up to read your touching posts with a box of tissue! What a beautiful woman! Today I will run a little harder, love more freely and pray more deeply and I will be thinking of you and your friend the entire time. We love you Shar!
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