"I'm looking for someone that will be like my sister," I said in my typical un-conventional interview. Sara came prepared with a resume - a real, impressive resume. Yes, I was impressed (not a single typo!) - but I didn't care about what she had done, where she went to school or how many babysitting jobs she had in the past.
I just wanted to choose someone that I could spend my days with. That I would like. Finding someone that would bond with Gavin and Brian was never a challenge... they never met anyone they didn't like. And vice versa.
As it turns out, I found more than my sister. Sara quickly became part of our family. And I truly see her like a daughter. It was always seamless around here. We practically finished each other's sentences.
And when Gavin lay dying in the hospital, she chose her own sentences to explain to Brian what was happening. She answered his questions. She kept her composure. She handled things just as I would have and I'll never, ever forget that incredible gift.
Today was Sara's last official day with us. She had been planning to leave to start an Internship at DuPont (Gavin's hospital!) in their Public Health division. But she will be with us forever - an official Leong. Our wish for her is that she'll walk through the rest of her days remembering the difference she made in our home. And that Gavin will always be with her.
We love you, Sara!
We love you, Sara!
You were all so lucky to find each other. You have all been gifts to each other, and will continue to be family. Good luck, Miss Sara! I will miss seeing your smiling face on the blog.
ReplyDeleteblessed xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing! I think it is going to feel so strange at first. Obviously Gavin is the most devastating loss. But now Sara isn't there with her support (and she must be feeling it, too). Hold tight to each other, you, Ed and Brian. And know that, even though we are strangers, I and most of the people on here would do anything to help you. Right now we are praying for all of you during this tremendously difficult period of grief and adjustment.
ReplyDeletewhat a great tribute to her, and what an amazing person she is.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Miss Sara, but as an honorary Leong you've got the protection of one superhero guardian angel on your side, Gavin! You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate through your grief.. And in case no one else has Kate I just wanted to remind u to pay your domain name... Don't want it to get shut down like last year. Just the friendly reminder you had asked for... Last year ��
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these images and the incredible bond Sara had with your family. We have had a number of people who have come into our lives to work with our son and I always think of them as angels.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful tribute! You are so lucky to have found each other. No doubt you will be part of each others lives forever. Good luck to Miss Sara!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. I am sorry that you had to say another good-bye so soon. Good luck to Sara. She seems like a very special person.
ReplyDeleteEvery child deserves a Miss.Sara in their lives. Good luck to you Sarah and god bless.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet way to honor her!
ReplyDeleteGod be with you Sarah as you enter a new phase in your life. As an honorary Leong, I hope you can keep some form of contact with Kate especially if that is a mutual desire. Neither of you will be able to separate easily, I would assume. It would be nice just to have an. Occasional private message on Facebook is send/receive a cheery card in the mail. To Kate, please pace yourself. People will wait for your replies. Maybe you need to even be very choosy and do a mass message that covers the majority on your blog. You did this for you and when it stops helping you or becomes overwhelming, it's perfectly appropriate to take a step back. No parent can lose a child without experiencing massive amounts of anger and grief. Give yourself the gift of time. THE PRESENTATION VIDEO AND PHOTO ALBUM FOR SARA'S TRIBUTE WAS BEAUTIFUL AND MOVINNG. I'M SURE SHE'LL TREASURE IT AND GAVIN AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! She will remain a part of your family and Gavin will always be with her. Good luck Sara!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful....the video, Sara, your family....and, most especially, the LOVE surrounding this entire blog!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI just thought I'd let you know Kate... that Gavin was the first person I never met that I loved. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute, I'm so happy you guys have each other.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteSara, it is obvious how special you are. I wish you all good things in your future. Anyone who has Gavin watching over them will always soar!!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing that you have found each other. With the months that you haven’t been there for each other, it is obviously awkward at first. This will not be a permanent though. What I can suggest is for you to be able to get through the days you miss each other’s arms.
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