One life
Many times we learn the most valuable lessons in life the hard way. I don’t know why, but looks like for me it’s the only way that could change anything. Through all my mistakes in the past I’ve learned a lot. Lately, a new lesson came.
This week I’ve lost one of my closest friends in the USA – Denis Leblond. Always fit and in good health, he died unexpectedly while sleeping. He was still a young man at 57 – what a shock! I just can not believe it. He was the most grateful and compassionate person I knew. Always on a mission to help people – and not just with his words of wisdom, but with the heart full of joy and hands ready to work…
I’ve learned from him that life is about doing what’s difficult and enjoying it. Being true to myself and having fun with all things that are coming my way. It’s about gratitude, and most of all – about other people and putting smile on their faces.
Pope Francis says in his latest writing:
What a great and meaningful words! Such was Denis’s life…
He’s been recently involved with Fidesco – a charity non-profit organization that sends volunteers all over the world to work in most desolate areas and among the poorest of the poor. He was the CEO of Fidesco USA, taking care of all the fundraising and training of the volunteers. Now the organization is without its key person, the volunteers currently out there have no-one to go to. See what Fidesco is about:
If you are reading this post to this point, please consider helping Fidesco with your donation.
Thank so much you for those words and the pictures… Denis is one more time reminding us of the essential: life is a gift, a mystery, a challenge. And love is the only way to go on when we understand our weakness.
In His love,
Laure
Thank you Patricia. He truly was a light for so many of us. Thank you for writing this and sharing with so many his mission as a man full of joy and full of life. That is exactly how I remember him…full of joy and full of life. Sometimes I believe that these are exactly the people God needs sooner up in the Heavenly courts because they can do even more from up there for all of us down here. May he intercede for us and may He praise God in eternity, preparing the way for all of us that still have much to learn about living life to the fullest and full of joy, like Denis always did.
We are united to all of you during this time in prayer and praise. Thank you for offering your home for those who would come for the viewing. Unfortunately we are unable to make it. God bless dear sister!
Thanks for sharing your story. Good wishes to you and your family!
from the Philippines.. wishing here more blessings for you to come.. thanks for the share
Thank you for sharing this. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, but love how it is another life lesson that some people are given to us for a brief moment, and accomplish what they were sent here to do. Very inspirational.
I did not know this man, but seeing his ‘works’ he must surely have been a good man. Praying for you in your loss, please know he is surely watching.
What a great cause! And I love the quote from Pope Francis! Wonderful!
I’m very sorry to hear you’ve lost your friend. My sincere condolences to you and all who loved him.
I’m so sorry for your loss! 🙁
Thanks for this tribute to Denis, Patricia. May his legacy draw others closer to God.