In October, Leslie sent the letter included here as a two-part Comment to some of the readers of this blog. We're reprinting it at her suggestion as, a month after she first wrote, it still encapsulates all of her "states" -- physical, emotional and spiritual. And it especially encapsulates the love she feels for all her friends -- which is returned a hundredfold.
Welcome to TEAM LESLIE – a blog created in October 2011 by some of Leslie Bowman Marcus’ many friends. In the months leading up to her death on May 29, 2012, this was a place Leslie often visited whenever she wished to be reminded of the vast community of people who loved her, and it remains as a place where family & friends can come to read or post reminiscences of the dear friend who was such a vital presence in our lives.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Getting on Leslie's page...
When you think about our shared history in Piedmont, sooner or later an image or recollection of Leslie Bowman is going to enter that space. Whether it’s at Camp, Dr. Laird’s French class, or “The Highlander,” Leslie’s presence – then as it is now -- is always memorable! Remember Leslie in a full leg cast resolutely trudging up and down the ramps at PHS getting from class to class? Waving a crutch, laughing, saying ‘hi’ to people, clearing away incoming traffic. Now there’s a classic “Leslie visual”!
Her recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer is by no means the only battle she has faced. As a 56-year diabetic, she learned early and well to fight fiercely to live her life with passion, laughter, and purpose.
Now, in the throes of her fiercest fight, despite pain, fatigue, and the gamut of emotions, she is in a state of grace, a grace that comes from a very real and personal relationship with her Creator. She continues to exhort, advocate, minister to, and enrich the lives of everyone lucky enough to be in her world. We can honor and delight her by ‘getting on her page’ – living our lives with passion, generosity, gratitude, and now, as the bitter specter of pancreatic cancer looms, urgency.
In July, Leslie and I celebrated our 60th birthdays together with her parents at their home on Monte Ave. What did Leslie bring to the party? A ridiculously silly portable bubble machine, which spewed out a barrage of big, juicy bubbles as we laughed our heads off and sang Happy Birthday. Is that so Leslie or what?
-Sylvia (Cartwright) Simpson, Sept. 16, 2011
-Sylvia (Cartwright) Simpson, Sept. 16, 2011
Well wishes from loved ones and friends...
If you scroll further down this page, you will find posts from some of the friends who were involved in the creation of the Team Leslie blog. But we welcome you to contribute by going to the Comments right here to write a new message of your own...
Woodland Pow Wow
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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