Leaves for Leontien ( @4leafclovercow )

“Don’t worry or be sad. Everything will be alright.”

 Two sentences. Eight words. In the grand scheme of things, in an age when words get tossed about like scraps of litter, those few words don’t seem like a big deal, scarcely worth noticing. However, I don’t think a single day has gone by since I received the text message containing those two simple sentences when I haven’t thought about the two sentences. They say so little, yet convey so much about the person who sent them. The sender was my good friend, Leontien. The text was beamed to my phone two days after she learned the melanoma cancer she’d been fighting for years had moved into her brain.

 I still find it impossible to think of my good friend Leontien without also thinking about laughter and a real zest for life. The sheer joy she always seems to get form life has always been a trait I admire. When I’m being completely honest, I’ll even admit to some envious twinges. I wish I could see the world through her eyes, to experience the same joy she always seems to find, and had her ability to look challenges in the eye. Even when she was exasperated or annoyed, Leontien’s anger seems to have a humorous quality. 

I can’t think of a single memory I have of Leontien, whether it’s doing a rain dance because she was tired of haying, watching her laugh and hug her horse and dog, working with her family to create a dairy farm, or sitting the passenger seat while we drove from one fast food restaurant to another when she’s not overflowing with life. Even her writing, the stories she posts to her blog, radiate delight. I have a difficult time reconciling my memories and impressions of Leo someone struggling with cancer. People so full of life and joy should not be connected with anything dark and nasty like cancer. 

As much as I admire the joyous way Leontien attacks life, I can’t think of a word strong enough, deep enough,  to describe how I feel about her ability to handle cancer, family, and life. I always knew she was both strong and caring, but I had no idea exactly how much. I, along with two other good friends, visited Leontien last spring, and her generosity and cheerfulness blew my mind. I was, am, humbled. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to call someone as special, brave, and lovely as Leontien friend. I hope tomorrow and all the days after overflow with good things for Leontien, I can’t think of anyone more deserving.

“Don’t worry or be sad. Everything will be alright.”  

 

 

This should have been posted a week ago as part of the Leaves for Leontien blog hop, hosted by A Rural Journey. I had a hard time trying to figure out what to say, hence the delay.

Six Sentence Sunday: Fools and Runts 11

I don't know about the rest of you, but July seems to be one wildly busy week after another, which is why I'm still in the process of responding to comment made on the SSS snippet I posted last week. Being busy is good, but I'm ready for things to slow down a bit.

This weeks snippet is from my YA manuscript, DWARFED. It picks up where last week's snippet ended. It's also the part where Grace and I are the most alike. We both have a well honed forgive but never forget attitude.

             I want to make him squirm, he should have to pay for using that ugly word and making me bleed, as far as I’m concerned, in matters of revenge, figurative blood is every bit as satisfying as the real deal.

            Still, he looks like he genuinely regrets his first words, and what he’d just said might be one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard, being compared to moonlight is flattering, almost Shakespearean, though Luke lacked the bard’s styles, and I’ve never been vengeful.

“I suppose,” I say slowly, choosing my words with care, “you just experienced this was one of those open mouth and insert foot kind of moments that people are always talking about.”

            Luke’s mouth quirks into a small smile.

            “I've had a few moments like that,” I continue, “I guess you’re allowed to have one or two as well.” No sooner were the words out of my mouth when I start feeling the ragged edges of my soul starting to knit together.

            Luke studies my face.

You're thoughts and opinons are always appreciated. I adore feedback when it comes to my writing. Thanks

Check out the other amazing writers participating in Six Sentence Sunday right here.

Flowers for Leontien

One day you’re going through life, enjoying the simple things like starting a new farm, playing with a gorgeous horse, and hanging out with a handsome man with whom you’re planning a future.

 The next you get news that changes everything. and find yourself fighting an

unforeseen battle.

 

 That’s exactly what happened to my good friend Leontien.

 
I still have a difficult time coming to terms with the idea that this wonderful person with whom I shared so many good times, and who was always so full of life, strength and happiness, can possibly be fighting for her life. It's something I always assumed happened to people I didn't know.

Seeing someone you love, especially someone as young, vibrant, and loved as Leontien fighting for survival is a humbling and heartbreaking experience.

Since being diagnosed with cancer she’s been taking things one day at a time and surviving. She’s had good days and bad days, and takes each one as it comes.

One very clever blogger, decided to organize a massive blog event called Flowers for Leontien. You can learn more about the event, and learn how you can participate, by visiting this blog post.

All of my hope and love and hugs goes to Leontien.