I see the countless trees around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description to hear the angel sing.
I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessings or love he has for you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away the tear.
Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
(Anonymous)
We love and miss you so much TC, but we are all together tonight, loving on your girls and bringing smiles to their faces, just like you always did. Merry Christmas Tc.
Chrissy
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
If I Leave Here Tomorrow…
Will you still remember me?
For I must be traveling on, now.
“Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see.
(Freebird, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Today was the first day I had an opportunity to spend a little time alone.
I had plenty to do, Tc left us at a time when Mike and I had started some renovations to the house and we had to put the workmen on hold last week.
They’re coming back tomorrow and I really needed to do some prep-work.
I turned both a downstairs and upstairs TV on to a 70’s Rock satellite station and just cranked it.
Tc was always a Rocker; she never deviated.
She’d roll her eyes at us when we turned on Country tunes or God forbid current Pop hits.
I’m not sure she had a clue who Garth Brooks was, much less Hannah-Montana!
Stevie Nicks, The Eagles, CCR… these were her people.
At first, the music Gods were working against me.
Roberta Flack’s “First time ever I say your face” came on; that got the flood gates open.
Next up was something equally as sappy.
After a couple of Captain and Tennille tunes, I hit the mother load.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird” came on.
Initially, after the musical build up leading to the opening line, I was a mess.
I just stopped what I was doing, sat on the stairs and wept.
And then the magic happened.
I felt her.
And I rose up.
And I danced.
Toby’s leaving tomorrow; she’s going back home to Ireland.
I don’t want her to go.
But I know she must.
She and Tc were a lot alike that way…
Freebirds.
For I must be traveling on, now.
“Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see.
(Freebird, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Today was the first day I had an opportunity to spend a little time alone.
I had plenty to do, Tc left us at a time when Mike and I had started some renovations to the house and we had to put the workmen on hold last week.
They’re coming back tomorrow and I really needed to do some prep-work.
I turned both a downstairs and upstairs TV on to a 70’s Rock satellite station and just cranked it.
Tc was always a Rocker; she never deviated.
She’d roll her eyes at us when we turned on Country tunes or God forbid current Pop hits.
I’m not sure she had a clue who Garth Brooks was, much less Hannah-Montana!
Stevie Nicks, The Eagles, CCR… these were her people.
At first, the music Gods were working against me.
Roberta Flack’s “First time ever I say your face” came on; that got the flood gates open.
Next up was something equally as sappy.
After a couple of Captain and Tennille tunes, I hit the mother load.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Freebird” came on.
Initially, after the musical build up leading to the opening line, I was a mess.
I just stopped what I was doing, sat on the stairs and wept.
And then the magic happened.
I felt her.
And I rose up.
And I danced.
Toby’s leaving tomorrow; she’s going back home to Ireland.
I don’t want her to go.
But I know she must.
She and Tc were a lot alike that way…
Freebirds.
Friday, November 30, 2007
My Heart is Dancing
Tc had a beautiful turnout at her visitation this evening.
Heartfelt appreciation to all of you.
The stories you shared,
The tears you shed,
The way you held us up, collectively…
We’ll never forget.
My heart dances tonight because Tc is free.
She is among all God’s children and like them,
She is whole again.
Tc never wanted much.
Not the sorts of things money could buy.
She was happy with the simple things life gave her;
Family, furry friends and fishing.
She has all that now,
And so much more.
She is in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Halleluiah.
We say our formal Goodbyes in a few short hours.
I hope I’m the first one through that door.
I thought I would be scared; scared of the pain.
But I’m not.
I am so happy for her.
Today we get to honor not only who Tc was,
But who she is in her new role…
Guardian Angel.
I hope all of your hearts are dancing.
We have a new Angel watching over us.
That is Tc’s true legacy…
She took care of people, she took care of animals, she took care of anyone in need.
My soul may be sad for a while.
But my heart is dancing.
Heartfelt appreciation to all of you.
The stories you shared,
The tears you shed,
The way you held us up, collectively…
We’ll never forget.
My heart dances tonight because Tc is free.
She is among all God’s children and like them,
She is whole again.
Tc never wanted much.
Not the sorts of things money could buy.
She was happy with the simple things life gave her;
Family, furry friends and fishing.
She has all that now,
And so much more.
She is in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Halleluiah.
We say our formal Goodbyes in a few short hours.
I hope I’m the first one through that door.
I thought I would be scared; scared of the pain.
But I’m not.
I am so happy for her.
Today we get to honor not only who Tc was,
But who she is in her new role…
Guardian Angel.
I hope all of your hearts are dancing.
We have a new Angel watching over us.
That is Tc’s true legacy…
She took care of people, she took care of animals, she took care of anyone in need.
My soul may be sad for a while.
But my heart is dancing.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Theresa (TC) Sachsenmaier Knedlik Leonard
Theresa Leonard, 48, passed away peacefully on November 25th, surrounded by her devoted family after a valiant four-year battle against breast cancer. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home in Spring Hill, KS. Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, November 30, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe. Inurnment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery, following the service.
TC was born on May 3, 1959, in Brooklyn, NY. She moved with her family to Thalwil, Switzerland, before spending her teenage years in Shawnee. After attending K-State, TC married Jim Knedlik, moved to Orange County, CA and started a family. With their second daughter on the way, they returned home to Overland Park. TC married Len Leonard in 1998, and they made their home in Spring Hill.
A successful website designer, TC’s true passion was www.KCPetConnect.com, a non-profit she founded in 2003 for the purpose of reuniting lost pets with their families. A true advocate for all dogs and cats, TC is once again frolicking with her furry friends--especially Billygoat, who lost his own battle with cancer last year.
Theresa is survived by her husband, Len Leonard; her daughters Kacee and Ashley; her grandson, Dakoda; her parents Dolores Duddy and Gene Sachsenmaier; her sisters Toby Sachsenmaier and Chrissy Baker with husband Mike; adored niece and nephew, Jordie and Nick Baker; and the father of her own beautiful children, Jim Knedlik.
TC’s family would like to recognize the incredible care and compassion given to her--always with respect and dignity--from her team at KU: Dr. Qamar Khan and Stephanie Rowlands; Dr. Mazin Al-Kasspoole and Dr. Allan Fleming: We salute you. Special thanks also to Dr. John Bernard, who always had TC’s back.
In lieu of flowers, Tax-deductible donations to the pet foundation she started, would please TC and can be made at www.kcpetconnect.com .
You fought the good fight, TC. Now it’s time to rest.
TC was born on May 3, 1959, in Brooklyn, NY. She moved with her family to Thalwil, Switzerland, before spending her teenage years in Shawnee. After attending K-State, TC married Jim Knedlik, moved to Orange County, CA and started a family. With their second daughter on the way, they returned home to Overland Park. TC married Len Leonard in 1998, and they made their home in Spring Hill.
A successful website designer, TC’s true passion was www.KCPetConnect.com, a non-profit she founded in 2003 for the purpose of reuniting lost pets with their families. A true advocate for all dogs and cats, TC is once again frolicking with her furry friends--especially Billygoat, who lost his own battle with cancer last year.
Theresa is survived by her husband, Len Leonard; her daughters Kacee and Ashley; her grandson, Dakoda; her parents Dolores Duddy and Gene Sachsenmaier; her sisters Toby Sachsenmaier and Chrissy Baker with husband Mike; adored niece and nephew, Jordie and Nick Baker; and the father of her own beautiful children, Jim Knedlik.
TC’s family would like to recognize the incredible care and compassion given to her--always with respect and dignity--from her team at KU: Dr. Qamar Khan and Stephanie Rowlands; Dr. Mazin Al-Kasspoole and Dr. Allan Fleming: We salute you. Special thanks also to Dr. John Bernard, who always had TC’s back.
In lieu of flowers, Tax-deductible donations to the pet foundation she started, would please TC and can be made at www.kcpetconnect.com .
You fought the good fight, TC. Now it’s time to rest.
Monday, November 26, 2007
She fought the good fight
And now she’s finally at peace.
TC passed away Sunday evening, a little past 11pm.
We were all with her, and together we encouraged her to let go.
Father Chris had come in time, he gave her last rites.
This is of great comfort to us.
I’m very sorry for those of you who had to hear it here first, and deserved a personal phone call.
We are doing the best we can.
Thank you for your prayers, they are carrying us.
Chris
TC passed away Sunday evening, a little past 11pm.
We were all with her, and together we encouraged her to let go.
Father Chris had come in time, he gave her last rites.
This is of great comfort to us.
I’m very sorry for those of you who had to hear it here first, and deserved a personal phone call.
We are doing the best we can.
Thank you for your prayers, they are carrying us.
Chris
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