Good morning…
In these early hours, I pull out my journal and re-read the notes I took as we watched from home the funeral of Dr. Leon Haley, Jr. held yesterday in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dying tragically in a jet skiing accident at 56 years old, Leon is mourned by family, friends, colleagues and three amazing children who are former classmates of our own four kids.
Revisiting my journal pages, now I circle key words shared by various speakers, words which best sum up the legacy of Leon.
Love of God. Love of people. Love of learning. Integrity. Kindness. Commitment. Compassionate mentor. Medical leader. Bridge builder. Friend. Father. Advocate for the vulnerable. Servant to the most in need. Living, breathing answer to the prayers of generations that had gone before. For twenty years in Atlanta, he provided care for the poor, treating everyone with respect, leading the emergency room at Grady Hospital. He became the first black CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, working diligently for equality in healthcare. By focusing on each individual he met – a smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement – Leon left a global impact. While some loudly proclaim their faith, Leon humbly lived a Christian life.
“Your legacy has been handed on to us,” one son said into the microphone. “You have given us the tools. We will take it from here.”
I jotted down the name of a tender poem read aloud. Googling the title, I now share the gift with you.
******
We All Need Time
We all need time to grieve–
quiet time for reflection
to sift through memories
and come to grips
with what has happened.
We all need a time for tears
not for the one who is now
at peace in heaven,
but for ourselves as we realize
that things will never be the same.
We all need time to just “be”,
when we can open ourselves to God
and let the reassurance
of His everlasting love,
start to heal our broken hearts.
******
What an incredible legacy of love now lives on, as we seek to follow the example of Leon, who sought to follow the example of Christ.
Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first. In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember… (Philippians 2:3-5, VOICE).
…Sue…
P.S. Oh, and I’ll never forget the email circulated before the service: “In lieu of flowers, send more flowers.”
