Leah Elizabeth Freeman

I had no idea that my next trip to the island, would be to deal with my mom's affairs and plan a funeral. You were supposed to fly out for a visit Saturday and stay for a month and a half. We were going to get our nails done, go for drives while listening to our favorite songs David introduced you to, and catch up with good laughs. 

From the day you were born, you showed life who was boss. Born the size of a barbie doll, in an incubator for months, you fought for your life, thriving and shone your light in this world.

You beat all the odds of what the doctors said about being born with Cerebral Palsy. You blessed your work and did everything with excellence. I remember picking you up in Vancouver after you were done work at Epidemiology the Center of Disease Control. You then went to school to get your master’s degree in Arpeggio piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, while cleaning houses on the side. I would help you carry the mop and bucket, as we treaded down the driveway to your clients home on the ocean.

I played with the crabs, while you cleaned.

We watched Saturday morning cartoons, curled up in the bed. You braiding my hair in a zillion little braids with the popular 90s tinfoil tips, before taking me to girl guide camp. You always did everything you could, to ensure I had the best life. 

We had exchange students and foster children, your love never stopped at the front door, it went far beyond. You touched so many hearts.

We had the pleasure of spending a handful of years, just blocks from Aunt Linda and the boys. You so enjoyed hanging out with Jonathan, while Adam, Shane and I would go be teenagers.

We'd make trips up to Aunt Kim, Uncle Dawns, Shanny, Chris and Mitchell's.

You loved going up to Nelson and getting your flower child groove on. You always loved Aunt Kim's laugh.

We would go to Grandma Maureen and Ted's, enjoying all the pups and chats.

You loved telling me stories about Crumpet the bird. Who you said would often prank the dogs that it was supper time, and they'd all run into the kitchen, only to see empty bowls, while Crumpet laughed away.

 You loved going clam digging with Grandpa John, and we both thought his cartoon drawings were so funny! 

From trips across the states, stomping through Europe and even driving though a hurricane in New Orleans, your sense of adventure and love for life always stood above any of your limitations.

I remember when we went to Disneyland when I was 6, for the first time. You woke me up around 2am when we got there, all I could see was the big Disneyland sign. I knew you were the best mom from that moment on. The 2nd time we went with Aunt Linda, Adam and Shane, we stopped in a little Mexican restaurant. We got our burritos, along with our sides of spicy peppers. When I took the giant jalapeno and dared Adam to eat it...let's just say his tears and a burning mouth, led you to giving me the stink eye. Your favorite rides were Space Mountain, The Matterhorn, Splash and Thunder Mountain. Which doesn't surprise me, you loved the mountains and water, and told me stories of digging for clams growing up on the ocean.

That's probably why I remember vividly living in Calgary, you had the boiling tea pot to pour onto the car handle...because it was roughly -25 out and you absolutely hated it! You were so happy to come back to BC and be back to your roots. You loved camping and sitting at the ocean.

In Europe we traveled all around Italy, France and Rome. We went to a little Cafe, and they had frog legs...you agreed I should just try them, I mean, we were in Paris! But I chickened out. I had actually bought frog legs for when you were coming out on your upcoming visit. Hoping we could finally eat them together and pretend we were in Europe again. I will have to relive our memories, without you this time.

Even when you developed Multiple sclerosis at the age of 28, you continued to persevere and ended up graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Music. You ran a successful piano studio, with 75 students, which you loved each and every one of them.

Your love, generosity and full foot forward, always putting others above yourself, was almost to a fault. 

I was sitting the other day, and I had this vision of you leaving a path as Jesus did. You loved God so much, you forgave the biggest hurts, you were always kind to the unkind and hurting, always helped even when you couldn't, and left a light that still shines in this world today.

You felt deeply, deeper than anyone I have ever known, and I truly mean that. But with your deep feelings, also came an incredible deep love for every being on this earth.

Even with your health drastically declining over the past 10 years, you still made the best out of life.

You were no longer able to work and ended up being forced to go on disability. You had many challenges, but you kept an attitude that outshines any obstacle you faced.

In your last years, you met your wonderful David, who I know you loved more than ever. You'd rave and rant about all the new music he'd play you, excited to show off your new tunes. When I'd call, you’d often say so excitedly, that you and David roamed the neighborhood in your super scooter chairs, and found the most beautiful flowers, to bring home and put in a vase. Seriously, the cutest thing ever!!! David, you blessed my mom's life greatly, please know that. I'm so glad she had such a wonderful man by her side and that she didn't have to pass alone.

Mom, you loved God, you loved life, and you always did your best. You beat the odds 10-fold and are an inspiration, showing the world that you can do anything you set your mind to.

You were classy, with a mix of hippie.

I can truly say that you were my best friend, I told you everything and we spoke almost every day. It hurts so much knowing that I can't call you to tell you I love you, and just talk about life. You were always supportive, reminding me of the good and my gosh do I miss your laugh. 

I was so looking forward to you meeting our dogs Buster Bear and sweet girl Alice, along with our future children, and most of all, my wonderful husband Jon. We had dreams of taking you to Mexico, buying you your own home and getting you a private nurse. I'm sorry I wasn't able to do more for you, while you were here. 

You would have been the best grandma, if you were anything like the mother you were to me.

I can't believe I have to say over the rainbow bridge mom, until I see you up there, keep playing your beautiful music for all the angels, as they dance and welcome you into heaven. Say hi to Grandpa up there, you must have needed him so much, you met with him only days after his passing. Let Nana, Ron, Kevin and Uncle Dawn, know we love and miss them too.

Love always and forever my mama bear, 

Love your Sariebear ❤️

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