Saturday, January 21, 2006
Dearest Aunt Lud: Last night at 3:00 a.m. I was crying in my sleep and Volker woke up and asked me to tell him more about Uncle Leo. I told him he was the pillar of our family, that he was the most wonderful person, trustworthy, loyal, honest, a kind and humble man, so considerate, never had a bad word to say about anyone, always 'scampering' around town by foot to lend someone a helping hand, totally devoted to his family, that he was the one that knew what was important in life, that he kept the Swietlikowski's together, that he took the lead after Djiadji passed away, and just like Joey and Aunt Lud also did, kept the family fibers close together and through their efforts, maintained the family traditions of Wegiela, when it was difficult for everybody else to do so in their hectic and busy life. Uncle Leo's, and your and Joey's efforts turned into the Posts upon which our family thrived and still thrives. We always felt so welcomed and so comfortable and warm at Uncle Leo's and Aunt Lud's. He and you made Volker immediately feel like he was part of the family the first time you met him...the wonderful Christmas at Joey's with the family and grandma. That was Christmas! We could talked about anything with you. Uncle Leo understood how important it was to to have his sisters and brothers meet together each year for a memorable brunch before Uncle Dizzy and Aunt Dolores left for Florida in the Fall. He understood what 'family' meant, and how it should function with love, caring, sacrifice, selflessness, giving every last effort and strength to come through for any one who needed anything. He was at Grandma's and Djiadji's looking after them, taking care of the garden and chores every single day. He spoiled Grandma when she was being cared for at the Old Folts Home by visiting her twice a day, bringing her goodies, washing her clothes....just totally devoted until the day she died. He could not have had any time to think about himself. I remember growing up with my best friend and pal Cousin Joey, from the time I was a child to high school. Uncle Leo was always around watching over us, feeding us meals, Uncle Leo helping me with my Math and homework. I remember our First Communion together... when I stayed with you when my brother Stevie was born and my mom was in the hospital and Uncle Leo taking care of me and helping me write a letter to my mom in the hospital. Then the Christmas Wegielas, when he made sure little Denny from down the street or any other person he knew who would be alone, also had Christmas with us. In high school, I would walk back from dances or basketball games with Joey and Uncle Leo would be waiting up for us. He showed me my America. I remember when he took me on the train for a vacation in Washington, DC to meet up with all of you. I went through Grand Central Station with Uncle Leo carrying my suitcase and holding my hand. He was so protective. I remember the images of him as if they were yesterday. And I had the most wonderful time visiting all the glorious sites with him and you in our Nation's Capitol. It was so fantastic for me. It turns out that now I have some of the same hobbies that he enjoyed: gardening, woodworking, and his love of dogs. He just loved Champ. I wish I lived closer so I could have shared more of these passions with him. Uncle Leo and you, Aunt Lud, loved / love your grandchildren so so much, Whenever we visited you, Uncle Leo always would show Volker and me the scrapbooks and pictures of Jamie, Lee, and Samantha, Erin and Kristen, and the last time we were there of his great gandchild Harry. He was so proud of their achievements, special events, and he just loved loving them. His children and grandchildren were / are everything to both of you...I do not know any grandparents so devoted as you and Uncle Leo. Remember when I called this Fall and you were both preparing dinner for Sammy who was coming home with friends for the weekend from college. I thought to myself how absolutely sweet, Uncle Leo, at 83, was peeling the apples for the apple pie that Sammy requested... always by your side helping you. Where do you find that in this world today? And so I thought about you dearest Aunt Lud, during this most difficult time of your life, and that you are now surrounded by the loving family that you both nurtured. The strong bonds that you and Uncle Leo built throughout your lives with your relationship to your children and grandchildren, with your sacrifices, loving hard work, efforts, and good examples, those enduring bonds will now encircle you with strength. And although I have been away for so many years whenever I visited you both, I got greeted by the biggest grin from Uncle Leo and the warmest hug and it was like I was never ever away. I thought I was going to see him again in February. And now I am crying...because I will miss him. It hurts... I know he is at peace. He could not possibly have any regrets in his life. He lived it to his fullest and always did what he thought was right. He was a highly moral person with a loving and giving heart. If he had any pains or suffered in his last days he would not have said so. I just want you to know that I loved him dearly and I love you too. I wish I could be with you at this time. It is so very very difficult being so far away. I wanted more than anything to stand by your side with Joey and Elaine. Please take care of yourself and be strong. You, Elaine, and Joey are in our prayers.... . we love you... suzie & Volker