This is exactly the kind of day that Leah would have thoughtfully messaged a friend or family member. Other occasions, such as someone going through a tough time in life, she was likely attuned to, and would reach-out with a creative gift basket or gift certificate, or organizing a fundraising pool to get someone a fantastically practical item, such as an iPad for our Aunt Joanne during her cancer diagnoses and surgery.
Leah's heart was noticed by many, including a friend of the Ploutz family, Mary Valentine, who was inspired to start a custom gift basket service called Leah's Baskets that she's been tirelessly operating, she's even formed a not-for-profit, Leah's Basket's, Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/leahsbaskets1/
Her post from today beautifully sums up it's provenance:
Leah passed away four years ago today. Not long after, Leah's Baskets was created to honor her memory, so Drew and Elly knew their mother made a difference while she was here. The original plan was only to bring baskets to those under Hospice care. But then a friend posted about her friend who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. I thought maybe I could pull together a care package to send. Her response was favorable, so I sent one to another person battling cancer. Then donations in all shapes and sizes began to show up in my office and home. I never expected it and was overjoyed and overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. This enabled me to do more than I had ever dreamed. Before long, we brought our camper home and it became the office for Leah's Baskets. I LOVE giving a little bit of joy to those under Hospice Care, but it's wonderfully fulfilling to send a box of love filled with hope and support to someone we hope will beat this dreaded disease. Bless you all, those fighting, those supporting and those that now watch us from above. XOXOXO
Mary customizes each gift basket after a brief interview with the loved one's family or friend, and she also includes items she's curated that are inspired by Leah's dragonfly.
Just look at these recent postings on facebook, there's activity nearly every few days!
Others donate items to add to the stock....
As my mom said, "Can you think of anything more perfect to honor Leah than this."
Undoubtedly, each basket is imbued with Leah's love and she would be extremely touched knowing this was being done in her name, as are we.
Reading your post, Ben, makes my heart hurt. Just as yours must every day. I read something recently that the prerequisite to true freedom is to decide you do not want to suffer anymore. Then the reading goes on to talk about fear, pain, sorrow and the opening and closing of our heart in the face of these things. That is the journey. That is what filled Leah's blog day after day and week after week...allowing acceptance and grace to help her choose freedom. We can choose to have a hurting heart without suffering and closing down. Blessings to all.
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