Vale Leanne Young
The A.E.R.G. committee and members are all saddened by the loss of Leanne Young and would like to acknowledge her many contributions over the years: co-ordinator for two years, phone contact person for many years, co-founder of the Eastern Suburbs Support Group, ideas person, communicator extraordinaire and a RAY OF SUNSHINE!
We love you and will miss you. We’ll remember your auburn hair streaming behind you as your long legs ran full pelt from meetings to catch an escapee. We’ll remember your triumphant returns with a child firmly tucked under one arm, a warm smile on your face and a sparkle in your blue eyes. We’ll remember your sense of humour, your generosity and your friendship. Our memories to keep.
We could fill an entire issue of “Otherways” with stories of how Leanne touched and enriched the lives of so many people. Leanne always saw the best in everyone she met and took a genuine interest in all that was important in their lives. She would be the first to offer practical help or a listening ear and put the needs of others before her own. We would all do well to follow the example of one member who has expressed a commitment to endeavour to be more forgiving, tolerant and selfless in honour of Leanne’s memory.
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Yesterday’s history, Tomorrow’s a mystery, Today is a gift we’ve been given. That’s why we call it the present! |
Leanne spent a lot of time reflecting in the last few weeks of her life and she spoke about being mindful of the things that are most important to us and distinguishing them from the seemingly more urgent day-to-day concerns that consume most of our waking hours. Let the following selection of prose serve to remind us all to give time to the important things as our busy lives continue to unfold.
If I had my life to live over, I would have more actual
troubles and less imaginary ones. Oh I have had my
moments and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more
of tem. In fact. I’d try to have nothing else. Just
moments, one after another, instead of living so many
years ahead each day.Nadine Stair, 87 years.
If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first and the house later.
I’d finger paint more and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes.
I would care lo know less and know to care more.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing seriously and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often.
I would be firm less of often and affirm much more.
I’d model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.Dianne Loomans
Otherways #85, September 2000