I've been trying to come up with an adequate, worthy post for Leanna today
and I just can't come up with good enough words - so I'll just offer my best
try with a testimonial of sorts:
Some of you will remember just a handful of years ago, I had fallen into such hard times
as a result of ongoing cancer/health issues (and the accompanying difficulty in
retaining employment) that I was in danger of losing my beloved old Mopar "Fred"
the GTX. It was time to sell him off in order to survive; it had gotten that bad.
Well, Leanna wasn't having any of that, no sir.
What transpired the moment she learned of my dilemma was nothing short of a
miracle - she organized and ran such a massive auction on FBBO, with fellow members
(and some from here on FABO too) offering up items for sale to raise funds.
It was incredible to watch; I have never been one to accept such things and she
had to work me over pretty good to do so, but I was humbled beyond belief
and she'd never have taken no for an answer anyways.
Her efforts were successful and not only did I get to keep Fred (who's been my
therapy car for 14 years now, as I recovered from this or that) but it held me through
until times got better. Amazing!
Better yet, she became a friend and I always enjoyed her chats via text or phone when
we got together.
Later on, when she got in similar dire straights (and was losing her mom),
you bet your arse I felt obligated to return the favor for her - and although my
efforts were a little less fruitful than hers before, we still managed to get her through
with another benefit auction for her cause, too.
The point is - she's that kind of person, one that not only performed such selfless acts
on behalf of others but I think inspired people like me to "pay it forward".
I think of all the reasons we humans get put on this planet, that's gotta rank right up
there on the list, doesn't it?
I join everyone expressing our heartbreak at her passing and I pray for her friends and
family to find some peace in having been a part of her life.
Godspeed, Leanna. I still owe you bunches.
- Ed