When we set out that morning to take a load of construction trash to the city dump in our Dad's small pickup truck, I didn't
know it was the last time I would spend with her. We were happy, both excited about plans we had later that day. We turned
a corner and proceeded up a side steet. Halfway down the road, everything went black. I don't remember the accident. Most
people tell me that's probably a blessing. I spent almost a month in the hospital after reconstructive surgery to repair extensive
damage to my face and nose, and a miltiple and compound fracture in my right femur. Leesha died that night in Vanderbilt Hospital.
She never regained consciousness.
The people who touched our lives in the weeks to come are myriad, and I am more grateful to any of them than I could possibly
express, as I struggled to learn to walk again and fought my way back from a seriously damaging head trauma. Must of it is
a blur. One moment will always be crystal clear in my mind. Shortly before I was to be released, my parents stepped into the
hallway to talk to the doctor and there she was. My beloved sister. I don't mean I saw her, just that I felt her presence
there like she were a physical thing. I expressed to her how much I hurt and how much I missed her. She told me I would get
better. I carry her parting words in my heart for always. "I miss you too, but don't be too sad. Because Heather, I'm
perfect. Just for a moment, I felt it.What it was to be perfect, a pure and shining joy swirling and melded with deep content
and well-being. I was no longer afraid.
Some time later, Christian music artist Michael W. Smith visited me at home after I was released. We shared our love of
books, and I told him my story about talking to Leesha in the Hospital. A few days later her called during my 18th birthday
party. He didn't know it was my birthday, so he didn't know what a gift it was when he said he had written a song about Leesha
based on what I had told him. The name of this song is "I Hear Leesha,: and it can be found on his 1988 album eye2i
Seeing others inspired by this song, I want to do something that will let people know what a special person Leesha was.
I would like to establish a fund in her name, the proceeds to be donated to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, for the work they
did in trying to save her life.
Once I have the pictures scanned and permission from Michael, I will add photos and the song lyrics, but my story is all
there is for now.
If you would be willing to make a small donation so that I can memorialize my sister in a way I think she'd find very gratifying,
send a paypal contribution to the below email address. All proceeds above small clerical fees will be put to use. I estimate
being able to make a 90% of the donations as part of the actual Memorial Dund.
If you're one of the people who says yes, there is no way I can express my gratitude. Thank You.
