Inspiration plays a large part in much of what I write about.  Opinions and experiences.  The multitude of memories tucked inside each event in my life finds motivation coming from many different directions.  At any given time, my writings may reflect a need to opine, even levy some critique at a person or issue.

This is not one of those times as what I share is, quite simply, a lament, even a humble tribute to someone special.

When your children marry, it can be a blessing to be graced with extended family, traditionally called “the in-laws”, a cold term, at least to me, and one that did not apply in our happy situation.  Our first meeting with our new family, post-engagement of our children, was as if we had been old friends sitting down to dinner and catching up on life.   Within less than ten minutes of getting together to discuss wedding plans, two people, relative strangers who could easily have chosen to keep a comfortable distance, quickly offered to help with the celebratory preparations. That was our beginning with Faye and Leo and has remained that way for the past twenty-five years.

At this moment, we are grieving the loss of a friend, and family, with Leo’s passing a few days ago.  He was so accomplished in all he did but, his greatest achievements (aside from his three children) were the absolute joys of his life… the two Grandsons shared by both our families.

Part of his obituary reads…”An accomplished and highly skilled magician, Leo would constantly entertain family, friends and sometimes strangers with incredible card play, mentalism, and stagecraft.”  Yes, being with Leo was a magical experience and these words underestimate his ability to captivate others with his talents.  He could leave you breathless with his ingenious, slight-of-hand, tricks but always made you smile in the process.  His wisdom, endless stories, jokes, and the love he shared with everyone…these will forever stand as a testament to the wonderful man he was.

Leo passed away on June 25^th, 2020.  Memories and the magic he left behind are immortal.  I think he would approve of these ceremonial words from The International Brotherhood of Magicians.

The magic of earth is over and the mystery of another realm awaits Leo and will be revealed.  All that he shared will remain in our memory as commemoration of his life.

No one entering this world can ever escape sadness. Each in turn must bear burdens, both rich and poor, and in turn, bid loved ones farewell. Each one must suffer that sad goodbye when loved ones come to that final moment, that each in turn must face. But for those who make this life a pledge to the human spirit, there comes the assurance of a memory that made life worth living.

From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Write a blog post inspired by the word: final

I had nothing to really contribute to this current week’s writing prompts, although I did write this about someone special in the lives of my family.  And then I thought…one prompt focused on the word final.  Well, what I’ve shared are my personal, final, thoughts about an individual so worth remembering.  What better way to honor the memory of someone than to have others, outside of our immediate circle, read about the terrific person he was?   I think Leo would enjoy that, immensely, he loved being the center of everyone’s attention.