Uncle John's Youngest Hokie

Well Uncle John, it has been a long nine months but I finally made it into this world. Three days ago, my world changed forever, but I am loving where I am at right now. Mom and Dad are teaching me well, except Dad is having a hard time explaining to me what a Hokie is. Dad spent last night telling me the story about the Dave Matthews Band concert you guys went to at RFK Stadium and how you and him shared many experiences; traveling to foreign countries, Hokie football, concerts, and enjoying to the fullest hanging out with good friends and family.

I guess that I have a lot to live up to with the Leonard last name. But, I really look forward to it, and I hope that I will be lucky enough to experience as many good times as you and Dad had together.

The first three days have been pretty easy, a lot of eating, a lot of sleeping and a lot of #2. I appreciate your love for Dave Matthews also, his music was the only thing that got me through my first traffic jam yesterday on my way home from the hospital. I hear that that is the norm for I-95 in Northern Virginia, a ton of traffic at any time of the day; kind of crazy, huh?

So, I had a chance to meet some of the family. Moma Reesie and Pop has been around a lot in the first couple of days. Moma Reesie actually met me at home the first day after the hospital and spent time with me. Aunt Jes (AJ) came down from some other planet called Ithaca, New York to spend time at the hospital too. Mom's family came to see me also, Aunt Melissa, Grandma and Grandpa, and Mom's cousin Ron. Mom was ecstatic when Aunt Jessica and Uncle Ed came all of the way up from Norfolk and Aunt Sara stopped by too. Great Aunt Meg, Ticia and Susan all sent their love to me the first hours of my life.

I must admit, Uncle John, we have an extraordinary family. With that, I will be sure to update you on the happenings of my young life. Now, time for a nap, and I am a little hungry also; got to go find Mom.

Love,
Your niece
Ariana

Big Brother Duties

We were talking about our favorite John stories last night in remembrance and I kept this one to post.
For my first college senior game at St. Mary's College (when I was a senior in academic standing, not yet realizing that since I was only a third year in sport standing and that I would return for a fourth soccer season) John was my family member to walk me out on the field. It was in the middle of the week and both Mom and Dad were out of town that week (but made all other home games). So John took off work and came all the way down to St. Mary's County to walk me to center field as they introduced me with the rest of my senior class. I don't really remember the game or if we won, but I do remember him cheering for me when I made a save in the first half. (He left before the end of the game to return back to work). It really meant a lot to me but even more to him because it gave him a free card to not attend my three hour college graduation ceremony but was sure there for the after party. (And at this time, I do have to give props to Mike for flying out to Southern MD to make the ceremony and surprise me.)
Thanks John for walking me out.

And this post is in true John form, since it is a whole day late.

Love you and Miss you a lot!
Your little Sis.

Today

Three years - it certainly doesn't get easier with time. In fact, as if it was even possible, it seems as if we miss you even more, JW.

What becomes clearer, however, is how your legacy is continuing on in the lives of your loved ones. Like the ripples of a stone dropped into a pond, the inspiration you provide to family and friend alike continues to have a profound impact. Rather than mourn the circumstances of your death we instead celebrate the way you lived God's gift of life.

Yes, spring does renew

Tomorrow is Easter, a day of personal rebirth and renewal. The cherry blossoms are a perfect visual reminder of the possibility of that renewal.

The Japanese celebrate Hanami, the viewing of the flowers or cherry blossoms (sakura). It is one of the happiest events celebrated in Japan. It heralds the coming of spring and the end of a long cold winter. For the Japanese it also offers a deeper meaning. As the flowers disappear shortly, it is believed the sakura echo the transitory nature of our lives here on earth.

Hanami, however, is wildly celebrated in Japan with family and friends. Outdoor parties well into the night celebrate cherry blossoms, spring, family, life and love.

A few years ago, JW witnessed the beauty these blossoms have to offer. Somehow, I think he would agree with the Japanese and find they offer a great opportunity to celebrate life and the gifts each of us have received, including JW's love and friendship.

Life Renews

John's memorial, this day.

Note this difference in the trees from 1 year ago.