A story ended

I had started to write a post about my crazy weekend, but the words have fallen flat in light of something that weighs heavily on my heart. You see, another in my circle has been taken away. This was a friend and cheerleader, a wonderful old soul that may have been short in stature, but loomed large in spirit.

Leona was pure love and energy, even when she seemed to have nothing left to give. At least as long as I had known her, she was a devoted paraeducator, working with the special needs kids at the local school district. She loved her job and the kids, even when her health forced her to step down earlier this school year. She always had a soft spot for her kids and she let others know they were hers.

She also loved her friends and it showed. She never seemed to be the center of the spotlight, yet there she was, radiating her warmth amongst those who loved her as family even if they were not related by blood. She collected people along the way, drawing them in with her compassion, her loving nature, and her friendly ways.

More importantly, Leona loved her own children, especially her daughter Teri, a talented musician who has been working to get her name out. She was proud of Teri and her work, even if she didn’t agree sometimes with the lyrics or the venues that offered Teri a chance. Every time Leona spoke to me, I could see the pride she had for what Teri was doing, especially Teri’s fundraising after the recent Maui wildfires that affected some of Leona’s friends and family.

Equally as important to me, she was one of my more vocal cheerleaders. She always took time to tell me she was impressed by something I had written. “You’re awesome, Kelley,” she would repeat to me, knowing I needed the words as much as she needed to say them. She especially loved my serial novel, The Magician, and was excited every time a new chapter was released. I am saddened to know that she will never get to see how it ends, nor will she know more than what I had told her about the sequel I had been working on as well (that I had stopped writing, but will once again work on in her memory). And while she had not gotten into my Portals Series like some of my readers had, she had told me she downloaded at least the first book and was always thrilled to hear of my successes as well.

She was such a wonderful, kind, and caring woman who always had a smile for anyone who needed it. It was a bit shocking to hear that she had passed suddenly earlier this weekend. Her soul and her magic were both beautiful and she will be greatly missed by all those she touched. And while her story is now over, her legacy lives on in those who remember her.

Dearest friends, magical readers, and anyone else who may need to hear this….. Know that you are appreciated by this wonderful writer. In Leona’s memory, I hope you all find some way to help make this world a more kinder, more magical, more wonderful place. Whether you tell someone over and over again that they are awesome, cheer on someone who is starting out with their creativity, pour your love into those who need it, or just simply show someone a smile, do it. Be magical.

Write your own story, just as Leona had.

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