Dear Leeza Care Advocates and my LGMF family and friends...

I write to you tonight after reading so many beautiful emails, cards and notes sent with such tenderness and love after my mother's passing. I can't describe the feeling of warmth and support I feel from each word, each hug, each expression of friendship. When Jamie and I created Leeza's Place years ago, we knew we were on to something good, but we could have never imagined the power of the communities of support that you each represent.

My heart is full and my gratitude is deep for the honor of sharing a life of service with each of you. From you I have learned that we are only as strong as our hairspray, our coffee and or friends...and that when you have a community of angels lifting you up, there is nothing that can keep you down.

My family sends thanks and love to all who have lifted our spirits and kept our hearts from breaking as we said goodbye to our steel magnolia, Gloria Jean Gibbons. Inspired by my mother, and in her memory, I would like to announce that this year we will present the first annual "Jean Gibbons Steel Magnolia Award"....a grant given to a caregiver and/or receiver who represents the spirit of my mom...always hopeful, always helpful, with plenty of humor and heart...courageously facing whatever life brings with an empowered determination. Stand by for more details...

The pride I feel whenever I read your calendars, see what's going on through the newsletters or hear from someone how Leeza's Place saved them is enormous. The disease that kept my mother's brain trapped is gone, we have buried her earthly body, but the wonderful woman who insisted that I tell her story is still here. She is dancing in celebration at the victories you have all accomplished.

At Leeza's Place, we stand for all the maternal energy that has ever guided a lost soul home. We believe in all the outreached hands that ever lifted a burdened heart. We honor all those who tirelessly commit themselves to make it better for someone else. Please know that you have made our family's journey easier because of the blessing of purpose and the lightness of your love. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and the depths of our souls.

I am more committed than ever to continuing my mother's living legacy of change and hope through Leeza's Place and with each of you, who are gifts far greater than this small town southern girl could ever imagine.

I love you and I thank you,

Leeza