Ken Leatherman Family To All Warriors - Thank You

[Ken Leatherman]

The Joy of Our Life
Olivia Grace Leatherman
April 11, 2005 - June 7, 2009

My Dear Warrior Family,

Late Wednesday afternoon my family and I were able to take our first tiny step forward in our daily life again; without the physical presence of our precious Olivia Grace being with us. We received Olivia's remains in a beautiful pink urn and now she is home with us. Olivia's beautiful sweet spirit surrounds us and lives in our memories deep within our souls and always will.

Your outpouring of support, prayers, positive thoughts and expressions of heart felt sympathy, have helped us so much as we grieve. Frankly, my family and I have been overwhelmed with the hundreds of e-Mails and Warrior post. I have set up a special folder on my computer to put them all in; so our family can draw on them for support in the days ahead.

I would really like to thank each one of you with a personal reply, but right now I just can't do it. Please accept my apologies for not being able to do so. Thank you all for caring.

A special thanks needs to go out to my friend Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios for being there to help you folks out, when you needed the support with your articles or short reports. He is a truly amazing friend.

Now, if you don't mind, please let me share one of my very special memories of Olivia with you. This will put a smile on your face and I'm grinning ear to ear as I write this.

Olivia has a great imagination and loves to dream up little games for us to play with her. She called her favorite game "Papaw the Sock Monster". She would curl up next to her MaMaw, in their favorite chair, and holler for the Sock Monster to come get her. I would run into the living room and growling "Here Comes The Sock Monster". Olivia would hide under the cover, screaming and laughing, and tuck her legs up under her chin.

Then I would yank the socks off her feet and run back into my office with them. In a few seconds here she came to grab them back from the Sock Monster. The entire time Olivia was screaming and laughing her head off and of course so were Barb and I.

What a wonderful memory she has blessed us with. Please folks take the time to reach out to love your children and your grandchildren.

This is from the bottom of our heart, to each one of you. Thank you for being there. Please continue to pray for us in the days ahead.

With our heartfelt gratefulness for our Warrior Family,

Ken, Barb (my wife), Paul and Tammy (my son and daughter-in-law and Olivia Grace's parents)

[Karen Newton]

Ken and family,
My deepest sympathy for what you are going through, I can hardly imagine how it must feel like. When I first heard of what happened, I couldn't even read past the first post of that initial thread nor could I reply. Instead I was tearfully telling my husband what had happened. We have a 3 year old girl and the thought of something ever hurting that precious gem sends me over the edge.

I truly hope that you, your family and your friends gather together to share your strength through this difficult tragedy.

With the deepest regards,
Karen

[MichaelHiles]

I've got no way to convey my sympathy to you other than saying that as a new dad of a 7 month old baby girl that is the love of my life, I cannot imagine something so horrific as to lose her. The day your loss was posted, my little wiggle worm fell off the sofa and scuffed her little nose on the carpet with her first boo boo before I could catch her. It was a tiny little minor thing, but it really hit home with me just how things can change in the blink of an eye.

There are no guarantees, so love each moment like it is your last.

[Jeremy Kelsall]

What a beautiful little girl she is, Ken!

I'm glad you guys are finding a little bit of piece in having her with you.

Jeremy

[Steven Carl Kelly]

Ken:

You know that my family recently had two devastating losses ourselves. We're just now recovering. Everything in life was put on hold. I thank my Father in heaven for His strength in helping us get through hard times.

My best to you, friend.

Steve

[Jenni Mac]

Hi Ken

I sincerely hope that you and your family have all the support and help that you need at this time.

As someone who has been working with you for the past few months, I know you're a true family man.

So from my family, who you have helped more than you will ever know, I send best wishes to you and your family at this sad time.

God Bless

Jenni

[Sandor Verebi]

Hi Ken,

It is possible to live on two manners.

One is that there are not miracles. We all can live our life from start to finish. No exception. Last year I suffered two losses, the family waited for my sister's wonderful recovery vainly from a serious illness. Her son were a victim of a car accident.

And this were not enough. In this March my dear Mom left us here. The miracle didn't come, they went away only.

The other one is that everything is a miracle. The life goes on on his own road because it has to go. All day brings something new, some miracle. If you see Olivia, she is a miracle, a great girl. Enjoy her smiling, love her and your loved ones.

God bless.

Sandor

[FlightGuy]

Ken and Family,

Olivia is a beautiful girl, she reminds me of my two twin nieces. I know what it is like to lose a loved one, and have grieved many times. My mother abruptly lost a son, my brother, to synovial sarcoma (a rare cancer) when he was only 22 years old. Through the grace of family, friends and God, we were able to pull through together.

Although I do not know you personally, it seems as though she was a blessing to not only friends and family among your physical presence, but many people on this forum as well.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making her life a part of this community. Among all the bustle and business of this forum, it has reminded us that we need to take a step back and appreciate the things we live for.

My sincerest regards,
John Dennis

[Nigel Greaves]

Ken,

I can't begin to imagine the pain that you, Barb, Paul and Tammy must be feeling at this time. Perhaps though you can seek some solace in knowing that you all very clearly gave Olivia Grace so much happiness and love in her short life.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Nigel

[MikeCollins]

Ken, she is absolutely beautiful.

Like many Warriors I have young children (2 girls just about Olivia's age) and when I first received the email of the tragic news I felt like I had been kicked in the belly. Its so scary how fast things like this can happen.

I'm truly sorry for your loss. And though I don't know you personally, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family in your time of need.

Mike

[Kevin McNally]

Ken and family, my thoughts are with you at this time.

Take care

[ecoverartist]

Ken,

She has such a captivating smile! I'm sure those happy memories and pictures will live on and I pray they bring you comfort and peace in the times ahead.

[Mike Hill]

Ken,

My thoughts and prayers reach out to you and your family during this difficult time. I cannot even begin to express my deepest sympathy for this tragic accident.

I have young children who fill the house with so much joy I could never imagine a day when that would suddenly stop.

In that picture she looks extremely happy and loved.

May God look down upon you and ease the pain and take comfort in knowing we are all praying for you...

God Bless!

Mike Hill

[John Durham]

Ken, thank you for the picture, now everyone else has a wonderful memory of her too.

May you and your family have strength and peace in moving forward. I know it's not easy.

What a blessing that 'YOU' can say "In this life, I was loved by Olivia".

[Steven Fullman]

Rest in Peace, Olivia.

My heartfelt wishes to you and your family, Ken.

S

[GFox]

Please accept my deepest condolence for your most tragic loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Anna Johnson]

Dear Ken,

Thanks so much for your post. I can't help but shed a tear when I think of Olivia and your loss. Olivia reminds me of my own precious 4 year old and I can only imagine the devastation you and your family must be feeling right now. Let me also say that I admire you for your strength and ability to keep going (including maintaining your great sense of humor) through this time. You're an inspiration to us all.

Anna

[indexphp]

Aww man, I'm so sorry to hear that. I know how tough it is.

[Chuck Burke]

God bless, Ken.
I don't know if I could deal with that.


Chuck

[WritingMadwoman]

Ken, still praying for healing and peace for all of you! She's a beautiful girl and I couldn't help but laugh at the story you shared (I have a 4 year old nephew and he LOVES to play games like that!).

Keep focusing on those happy memories as much as you can, as I'm sure Olivia is too.

Blessings and love to you all,

Wendy

[joe.marsh]

Ken..

My heart and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Please know we are thinking of you.

Joe

[Oosha]

Such a beautiful little girl, Ken! I know, nothing can fill the void she left. Nothing can replace her spot in your hearts.

But I'm glad you and your family are getting involved in life. In time, the pain will fade to heartache and will become more manageable. Just hang in there!

[MikeAmbrosio]

Ken,

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story with us. You can tell just by that picture what a special little girl she is and always will be (in your heart).

It's difficult to understand what Gods plan is for her, but it must be big. Why else would he call her home so early.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Mike

[lozz1960]

Deepest sympathies Ken,
What a lovely little girl. Thoughts are with you and your family.

Lorrienne

[kayvee]

My condolences Ken to you and your family,

What a terrible loss. We come from our Creator and to Him we return.

I cant imagine the pain of such a loss

She is in heaven now.

[George Wright]

Ken,

Thanks for the smile. And what you said about reaching out to family, thanks for that also.

George Wright

[Dave Allen]

God bless her sweet heart. What a crying shame. She really is an angel.

[Kim Standerline]

She is a beautiful little girl Ken and with memories like those she will be with you always.

A huge hug to you and your family

Kim

[kennethtang]

Ken,

I'm no good at such things, so I wrote you a poem (or attempted to, anyway)

Olivia Grace,
The little girl who screamed and laughed and yelled so loud,
When the Sock MOnStEr came for her socks,
She'd knock her PaPaw and MaMaw off their blocks.
She is now in a better place,
And yet, in her little way, she has left a shiny little star
In the hearts of those still here,
That in their heart of hearts
They may know there still is a beautiful little Grace.

Kenneth

[rosetrees]

I don't personally have children. My extended family lost a child 4 years ago. She is still with us, she is still talked about as if she is here.

Olivia is part of your life and always will be. I know that having her back home with you now will be a huge comfort. She's not gone, she is there for you to talk to.

My thoughts go out to you all.

Carol

[Zack Lim]

Hi Ken,

Thank you for sharing the story.

Praying for you and your family in the days ahead.

Zack

[Leah]

What a gorgeous, beautiful ray of light she is! Thank you for sharing this picture and for sharing your pain. Heaven is certainly a bright place because of her smile. Our prayers are with you.

[MizzCindy]

Ken, she's absolutely beautiful. She has such sparkle and personality!

May her memories provide you with all the peace and serenity necessary to get you through the tough moments.

God bless!
Cindy

[UBotBuddy]

Ken,

Thank you for sharing.

[Ivancho]

What a nice beatifull smile she has. I am so sorry Ken again and I will pray. I don't even want to imagine something like this happen to me...

[MavisAA]

Hi Ken,

My heartfelt condolences. I speak God's supernatural comfort and strength for you and every member of your family today and for the days ahead.

I speak restoration that God will give you and your family double for your loss - that will wipe away your every tear.

In your quiet moments just remember that God is the Rewarder and not the Destroyer. Continue to activate his promises in your life and they will come to pass.

[Yankabilly]

Dear Family & Friends

Our heart goes out to you, in your time of healing. My wife & I have 2 kids a 16 year old son & a 5 year old girl. Life without ether of them would surly be the end of me. Everyday I thank god for them and my fantastic wife who without her, there would be no me.. I just said to her this morning time truly fly's by and we must spend every second together we all can.

I'm really sorry for your lose even tho we've never met or spoke I wish you all only the best and may God Bless you and keep you all and help you though this very sad time.

She Really Is Beautiful
Take Care

[Gambbit]

What a cute girl!

I'll pray for your family Ken. My thoughts with you.

[jhongren]

Wow, what a pretty and cute girl!

I am feel the immense amount of joy and laughter she has brought into your life.

I can feel that just by looking at the picture.

Ken, I do not know what to say...really...

But thanks for sharing with us the beautiful moments you had with her.

Let me know if you need a listening ear....I am just a skype call away.

John

[RobinSkeen]

Oh what a beautiful little angel. Ken, my heart hurts for you and your family. Sending you love and prayers that some day there will be more laughter than tears.

Love

Robin

[rapidscc]

Ken,

There's no word for the sorrow. I understand the grief.

I hope you'll be comforted with the thought that a lot of us here is with you in this sad event.

oMar

[roby2000]

Dear Ken,

You should be more than sure that your little beautiful angel has been simply called earlier, after seeing her photo I know why.

Now she's enjoying her time with Jesus and God and They love her.

One day you will meet her again, she's fine now...

In Italy we believe that very often the most beautiful people pass away earlier simply because God like them and want reward them with the joy of the eternal life immediately...

Roberto

[knucks2]

My sincerest condolences.

Remember you were touched by an angel while she was here.

Joe

[Michael Mayo]

Hi Ken,

I can't and have also avoided even attempting to even think about such a thing.
Sorry, I just couldn't bear the thought of loosing someone so close to my
heart. God Bless You and Yours!

If there is anything I can do to help then please give me a shout.

My Family is Praying for All of You!
God Bless,
~Michael and Family

[mmurtha]

Hi Ken,

What a touching memory to keep my firend - juts simply beautiful!

Please know that you and Barb have a very special place in my heart, and will always remain so. Goodness knows, you've both lifted me in prayer for many many months, and have always been there when I needed you most. And although we've never met in person, I feel like I've known you all my life.

Anyway, you and your family are in our prayers over here, and if there is anything I can ever do for you, just name it, and it's yours!

As always, God bless!

your friend ....


Mary