Lewann, I just read your article after a friend shared it~ I am so incredibly moved by your story - thank you for sharing Leo with the world, and with me. When we choose to love what we know we will lose (though losing is actually, always, the risk of loving), it is a beautiful thing. Grief is so hard, yet so worth the love that comes before it and endures after it. Blessings as you reflect on your precious Leo ~~
Thank you so much, Nancy. Yes, I couldn't agree more. It's a powerful and brave choice to love and experience joy, especially when we *know* it's fleeting. In hindsight, though... I can't imagine the regret of missed opportunity we would have no doubt had for the rest of our lives. There's pain in our hearts with him gone physically; yet, knowing we left it all on the field in our 7.5 years together, the pain is softened with peace and comfort. Thank you for being here!
As a fellow journalist, I can certainly appreciate the thoughts that go into whether you should or shouldn’t chronicle a special season in your life knowing it will take away from being in the moment. You have done an incredible job sharing this story. I sought you out on social media to tell you how your story has impacted me. I cried and am different for knowing your story. No doubt your story, now that it’s out, will catapult you and Ryan into a world of inspiring other moms and dads challenged with special needs children. May God bless you richly as you continue through life.
Aw, thank you so much, Genevieve! Yes, being in the moment was always our top priority... in hindsight, even though I do sometimes feel guilty for not getting his story out sooner (while he was still here), we would have likely missed out on some experiences as an exchange. We'll just keep talking about him and the beautiful 7.5 years we had for the rest of our lives instead, haha... :) Thanks so much for seeking me out after reading the piece in Outside!
Thanks, Vickee! Yes, exactly.. such a gift. I was chatting with my editor about it a bit last week about gratitude over the opportunity, especially considering a decent amount of their stories focus on those doing extreme, badass things at high endurance and peak performance levels... but then I remembered, what we did with Leo—and how Leo thrived, much in part to his exposure to the outdoors—was totally extreme and badass in its own unique way. :)
Thanks so much for your support, Bonnie! The words really were tough to find for this one, the Outside piece reads much less clunkier lol... can't wait for you to see it!
WOW, Lewann, this is so amazing, and you are such a gifted author and have brought a voice, a special one to Leo's life with you and Ryan. Much love, my friend. I will check out Barnes and Noble for a copy or perhaps my local grocery store first.
Thank you, Jann! It always feels like a tall order when writing about Leo and our experiences.. the right words often don't even exist. Or, maybe I just need to work on expanding my vocabulary a bit, hahaha.. can't wait for you to read the piece! :)
Lewann, I just read your article after a friend shared it~ I am so incredibly moved by your story - thank you for sharing Leo with the world, and with me. When we choose to love what we know we will lose (though losing is actually, always, the risk of loving), it is a beautiful thing. Grief is so hard, yet so worth the love that comes before it and endures after it. Blessings as you reflect on your precious Leo ~~
Thank you so much, Nancy. Yes, I couldn't agree more. It's a powerful and brave choice to love and experience joy, especially when we *know* it's fleeting. In hindsight, though... I can't imagine the regret of missed opportunity we would have no doubt had for the rest of our lives. There's pain in our hearts with him gone physically; yet, knowing we left it all on the field in our 7.5 years together, the pain is softened with peace and comfort. Thank you for being here!
As a fellow journalist, I can certainly appreciate the thoughts that go into whether you should or shouldn’t chronicle a special season in your life knowing it will take away from being in the moment. You have done an incredible job sharing this story. I sought you out on social media to tell you how your story has impacted me. I cried and am different for knowing your story. No doubt your story, now that it’s out, will catapult you and Ryan into a world of inspiring other moms and dads challenged with special needs children. May God bless you richly as you continue through life.
Aw, thank you so much, Genevieve! Yes, being in the moment was always our top priority... in hindsight, even though I do sometimes feel guilty for not getting his story out sooner (while he was still here), we would have likely missed out on some experiences as an exchange. We'll just keep talking about him and the beautiful 7.5 years we had for the rest of our lives instead, haha... :) Thanks so much for seeking me out after reading the piece in Outside!
The magazine arrived today💛!!!! Thank you so much. I will read it this weekend. I opened to the page and the artwork is amazing!
Yayyy! I can't wait to hear what you think. Thank you for always being a source of encouraging support of my writing, Jann. Much love!
This is so exciting Lewann. What a gift to be able to share Leo with the world like this. ❤️
Thanks, Vickee! Yes, exactly.. such a gift. I was chatting with my editor about it a bit last week about gratitude over the opportunity, especially considering a decent amount of their stories focus on those doing extreme, badass things at high endurance and peak performance levels... but then I remembered, what we did with Leo—and how Leo thrived, much in part to his exposure to the outdoors—was totally extreme and badass in its own unique way. :)
For sure. He was a badass little man and so are his parents!
Lewann, I look forward to reading the story soon! It's such an honour to get to know you through your stories and authentic voice. 🧡☀️
Thanks so much for your support, Bonnie! The words really were tough to find for this one, the Outside piece reads much less clunkier lol... can't wait for you to see it!
WOW, Lewann, this is so amazing, and you are such a gifted author and have brought a voice, a special one to Leo's life with you and Ryan. Much love, my friend. I will check out Barnes and Noble for a copy or perhaps my local grocery store first.
Thank you, Jann! It always feels like a tall order when writing about Leo and our experiences.. the right words often don't even exist. Or, maybe I just need to work on expanding my vocabulary a bit, hahaha.. can't wait for you to read the piece! :)
Beautiful Lewann, I can’t wait to read the article. Thank you for inspiring me and sharing your beautiful heart.
Aw! Thanks so much, Cindy. It should be out virtually soon! :)