The Love of a Mother and Wife

 

 

Written for Debbie, whom we lost in May 2011. Perspective, sentiments and memories from her husband Roger.

What is there to living, what is there to life?
Memories and a prayer for a beautiful mother and wife
Debra Lynn Leonardy, you were a dream that once came true
Leaving a legacy of love and a heart that longs for you

Born in Gadsden, Alabama, a southern bell she was
She told you what was on her mind, simply just because
Graduating from Auburn with a bachelors in psychology
Just one course short of her masters in sociology
At 26, she received a gift from high-above heaven
Her son Anthony – he arrived in 1987
His leukemia came at 12, she kept a watchful will
Thirteen straight months at Wolfson Children’s, in Jacksonville
Though odds were slight and slim, somehow he did pull through
A mother’s care and love did all that it could do

Then by fate in 2003, where would she up and go?
Downtown St. Augustine at a familiar gazebo
A concert fundraiser dedicated to the Sons of Italy
Meeting this man who would soon become a sacred destiny
A fine dinner at a restaurant known as The Conch House
A first thought: “What a beautiful person inside and out”
It was so effortless, how much we got along
We watched the dolphins swim past us, all evening long
After two years of dating, she did not suspect a thing
My proposal in the dinner’s dessert – yes, a hidden ring
I was done with the lonely and agonizing search
We married in April ’05 at Trinity Episcopal Church

Honeymooning in New York, then a local B&B
Since no one could watch him, along came Anthony
Married six wonderful years before the angels called her home
A sudden tragic end, we all would be left alone
No doctor, drug company or lawyer would take a righteous stand
Collapsing into loss and pain that no one would understand
What is there to living, what is there to life?
A prayer and these memories of a beautiful mother and wife
Wonderful nights on Broadway, trips to New York City

Fanciful visits to the Coppola’s, shopping at Tiffany
It was well known – I was hers, and she was mine
Phantom of the Opera – her favorite show of all time
Red Lobster, Longhorn Steakhouse, Gordon Ramsay
The chef’s table at Victoria & Albert’s in a wonderful world of Disney
Monthly trips to the Magic Kingdom, we had our annual pass
The love for animals and Boston Terriers, four dogs and six cats
Teasing her about her scooter’s trouble in line on any ride
Into everything she somehow found a way to crash and collide
Health issues, a car accident – they did not keep her low
Until the gateway opened, and it was time for her to go

So what would I say, if I could, to this beautiful mother and wife?
Simply, “I love and miss you every single day of my life”
I’ll always admire her constant support as a real and faithful friend
Her unending love and companionship, true until the end
She was always there for me in all my difficult times
A generous gift to this world – ours, yours and mine
What everyone needs to hear and what everyone needs to know
She loved my two daughters as if they were her own
She dreamed that Anthony graduate and find his rightful way
She dreamed of being there on my daughter’s wedding day
Though some dreams come true and some left to the mystery
We may have to wait for the veil to reveal all destiny
Debra Lynn Leonardy – you were a dream that did come true
Leaving a legacy of love and a heart that still longs for you
Thank you – a wife’s care and love did all that it could do
I only wish that I could somehow comprehend why your spirit flew
I want to know what the angels saw and heard, and what they knew
What is left after all, at the end of this mysterious life?
Memories, longing … and a prayer for this beautiful mother and wife
The most beautiful mother and wife