Journal entry by Jody Thielman —
Good morning... it is with a heart of great sadness that I tell you Leon crossed over into Heaven last night into the arms of the Lord.
Based on information from the doctors about his very critical condition, his low chances of survival, and the low quality of life that would be expected should he even make it through a very long and arduous process of healing and rehabilitation, we decided to stop any further treatment. Leon and I have had numerous conversations in the past couple of years about this subject. I did not want to put him through an extremely difficult process to end up just being alive without any chance of truly living a life.
I feel blessed that I had a day where he rallied and I was able to spend time with him and get some direction about this. And I feel blessed I was able to be with him right to the end.
Leon and I were together almost 42 years. We really have had a great life together. He was one of the most generous people I have ever known. He would do anything for anyone if it was within his means. And then there is his sense of humor... anyone who knew Leon even a little is bound to have a funny story that would make us all laugh. Over the last couple weeks in many conversations with family and friends, we would end up laughing over something that he said or did. Leon was all about having fun.
I also know he had a relationship with the Lord. And I have the assurance he is in God’s presence where there is no more pain or suffering. A place of unspeakable joy that as a believer we call our true home. A place where will will see each other again.
My life will be very different without Leon. His main goal in life was for me to be happy and he worked hard at it. He taught me a lot about myself and I will carry these things with me. I know he would want me to move forward and make a new life for myself. But he will be terribly missed....
Thank you all for the prayers and kind words of caring and support. It has meant more than you can imagine. And it’s because of the support of friends and family that I feel I can move forward with confidence and hope for a good future.
Please don’t be too sad. Leon is truly at peace now. And he would want you all to that he loves you and to be happy.
May God bless each and everyone one of you....
Jody
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