Final Posting
Below is Carl Wilkerson"s letter to leisa he read at the funeral. It is a beautiful characterization of her. I'll cherish it always.
Before you read it, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the cards and emails over the past month. I can't possible answer them all....over 300 of them....but they mean the world to me, Raegan, and Sean. Thanks for taking the time to write, for putting your thoughts into words. I know how hard it is.
Leisa so loved the Church and School and all the people there.
Love to you all,
Jeff
October 19, 2007
5214 Acacia Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Dear leisa:
You have been in our thoughts, prayers, and rosary each day for what seems like a very long time. We ask God to give you great strength and courage. Recently, I read an article in a magazine from the University of Notre Dame that made me think of you. The subject of the article was entitled Why Am I Here, and it introspectively profiled the lives of several people. Each would finish with the phrase “that’s why I’m here, that’s all, that’s enough.”
Most of us in our careers try to give our best and behave honestly. In the end, however, we principally fulfill the mission of our employers. A respectable lot, but essentially a livelihood. In sharp contrast, your life has made a significant, long-term impact on many, many people. You have left an indelible mark on the countless students who acted in your musicals, sang in your choir, learned from your music classes, and followed your leadership as a coach. You spread joy, enriched our spirits, and brought us closer to God with your long tenure as de Chantal’s cantor. Your voice was the guiding core of the adult choir and a special treat to hear on your solos.
Your remarkable personality and talents made a bland world interesting, colorful, fun, and joyful. You were the engine behind a very long string of performing arts, music, and liturgies that made the school, the parish, and the community more humane. You didn’t have to, but you did it anyway, time after time. In de Chantal’s world you created and maintained a friendly, family atmosphere that is not easily replicated. You made de Chantal welcoming, relaxed, warm and inclusive. The student choir you established many years ago is strong and enduring.
In spite of a perpetually overflowing plate of responsibilities, you knew and remembered details about each person, their family and their life. You always made time to patiently listen to worries, stories, joys and aspirations. You did it all gracefully, with energy, enthusiasm and laughter. It had to be exhausting, but you never let it show. Your deep sense of humor and easy smile made life less dreary.
Your life is a rich and unique tapestry woven with a common thread of love. As a spouse, daughter, parent, sibling and friend you have been loyal, supportive, encouraging, and patient. You raised two great children who are making their mark in life. You are a patient foil for Jeff’s rich sense of humor. You are a positive model for many people facing difficult challenges. You continually developed your wonderful talents, and in generously sharing them inspired others to do well. Through you I have learned that each day is a special gift to be experienced and appreciated. You provide a template for a life well-lived.
Maureen, my children, and I are blessed to know you. Thank you for your kindness to Matt, Shane, Julia, Marie, and Tess as they progressed through de Chantal School. You created countless memories to treasure for the rest of our lives. You have been a great friend and colleague to many, many people. Thank you for everything you did for all of us every day. Our lives are richer because of you.
As I draw to a close, I circle back to the Notre Dame article entitled Why Am I Here. I am still trying to figure out why I am here, but I am absolutely certain why you are here. You have been a special gift to help all of us get through life. That’s why you’re here. That’s all. That’s more than enough.
With love and prayers,
Carl and Maureen Wilkerson
Before you read it, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the cards and emails over the past month. I can't possible answer them all....over 300 of them....but they mean the world to me, Raegan, and Sean. Thanks for taking the time to write, for putting your thoughts into words. I know how hard it is.
Leisa so loved the Church and School and all the people there.
Love to you all,
Jeff
October 19, 2007
5214 Acacia Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Dear leisa:
You have been in our thoughts, prayers, and rosary each day for what seems like a very long time. We ask God to give you great strength and courage. Recently, I read an article in a magazine from the University of Notre Dame that made me think of you. The subject of the article was entitled Why Am I Here, and it introspectively profiled the lives of several people. Each would finish with the phrase “that’s why I’m here, that’s all, that’s enough.”
Most of us in our careers try to give our best and behave honestly. In the end, however, we principally fulfill the mission of our employers. A respectable lot, but essentially a livelihood. In sharp contrast, your life has made a significant, long-term impact on many, many people. You have left an indelible mark on the countless students who acted in your musicals, sang in your choir, learned from your music classes, and followed your leadership as a coach. You spread joy, enriched our spirits, and brought us closer to God with your long tenure as de Chantal’s cantor. Your voice was the guiding core of the adult choir and a special treat to hear on your solos.
Your remarkable personality and talents made a bland world interesting, colorful, fun, and joyful. You were the engine behind a very long string of performing arts, music, and liturgies that made the school, the parish, and the community more humane. You didn’t have to, but you did it anyway, time after time. In de Chantal’s world you created and maintained a friendly, family atmosphere that is not easily replicated. You made de Chantal welcoming, relaxed, warm and inclusive. The student choir you established many years ago is strong and enduring.
In spite of a perpetually overflowing plate of responsibilities, you knew and remembered details about each person, their family and their life. You always made time to patiently listen to worries, stories, joys and aspirations. You did it all gracefully, with energy, enthusiasm and laughter. It had to be exhausting, but you never let it show. Your deep sense of humor and easy smile made life less dreary.
Your life is a rich and unique tapestry woven with a common thread of love. As a spouse, daughter, parent, sibling and friend you have been loyal, supportive, encouraging, and patient. You raised two great children who are making their mark in life. You are a patient foil for Jeff’s rich sense of humor. You are a positive model for many people facing difficult challenges. You continually developed your wonderful talents, and in generously sharing them inspired others to do well. Through you I have learned that each day is a special gift to be experienced and appreciated. You provide a template for a life well-lived.
Maureen, my children, and I are blessed to know you. Thank you for your kindness to Matt, Shane, Julia, Marie, and Tess as they progressed through de Chantal School. You created countless memories to treasure for the rest of our lives. You have been a great friend and colleague to many, many people. Thank you for everything you did for all of us every day. Our lives are richer because of you.
As I draw to a close, I circle back to the Notre Dame article entitled Why Am I Here. I am still trying to figure out why I am here, but I am absolutely certain why you are here. You have been a special gift to help all of us get through life. That’s why you’re here. That’s all. That’s more than enough.
With love and prayers,
Carl and Maureen Wilkerson
posted by Jeff at 6:07 PM
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