My Eulogy to LeeAnn

I thought that I should post this short piece I wrote for LeeAnn's funeral. Because I wasn't able to attend, LeeAnn's family allowed my writing to be read during the ceremony so I could be involved in the process. I want it to be available to anyone else who couldn't attend the service, and to those who did attend, but maybe wanted to read it again anyway:

I met LeeAnn in second grade, and we became fast friends. We were in every class together in elementary school. When LeeAnn moved to St. Louis for her second lung transplant when we were ten, I went to visit her in the Ronald McDonald House. Some of my most cherished memories take place at LeeAnn’s house during one of our many sleepovers. We used to stay up all night hyped up on Mountain Dew, and playing Mario Cart. Sometimes Shannon, LeeAnn and I would laugh so hard our stomachs would hurt. We had an equally amazing time in high school; She and I cheered alongside each other, goofed off in our art classes, and graduated together. When she started getting sick our senior year and had to start homeschooling, I was over often to share the latest gossip.

Then I moved to college and she went back to St. Louis. Like before, I visited her several times, both before and after the transplant.  We had a great time every visit, and I’m very thankful that I was able to have that time with her.  I feel at peace knowing that I was able to help ease her pain. I wish I could be here for her now, today, but I know that LeeAnn wouldn’t want me to miss this opportunity for adventure. I also know that a part of her is here with me in England now. A part of her is with all of us, with every person whose heart LeeAnn managed to touch. We all know that she’s in a better place now. She feels no pain; it is those left behind who must bear that burden. LeeAnn is now free, no longer bound by machines and medical tubes. I know that LeeAnn is reunited with her Grandma and is enjoying finally getting to know her little sister Sabrina.