02/16/2022
This is my tribute story I have on the wall at the cabin. The wording is small in the picture so I am posting the story.
Welcome and thank you for visiting Leland's Lookout! Leland was my Dad and I would like to tell you a story....
Leland was from Central Illinois, he owned a small farm, worked construction and had 4 kids. He never knew a stranger and was well known for his humor and love of meeting new people. He loved to visit county fairs, festivals and parades to people watch and look at tractors. He didn't like sports or fishing but he loved board games and could play a mean game of Checkers or Parcheesi! During the winter, on quiet winter nights, we would pile in the car and drive around to look at Christmas lights and eat candy canes. It was really our only tradition.
When Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, he thought he would be sick, get treatment and get better. After testing, the diagnosis was terminal and his time frame nil. HIs doctor gave him the news and said he should get his affairs in order. Dad begged the doctor that day to let him live (as if he could change the outcome). He asked if he could take his family on a short trip. We had never taken one as a family and he wanted us to have that memory with him. The doctor said that also would not be an option but told him he could ride by his homestead on the ride home.
Ofcourse, we couldn't take the drive, Dad was too sick to even see on the way home and passed away the next morning.
Listening to my Dad beg for a couple days to make a lasting memory with his family has forever changed me and how I live. I spend the time I have loving the people in my life as if everything can be a memory. I take a lot of pictures as I know they will one day be memories and a reminder of the life and love I shared. I bought this cabin to make memories with my kids and grandkids that will last for generations. I hope you enjoy this beautiful cabin and view here at Leland's Lookout! Soak in the peace and Serenity that comes so easily here. Make big and small memories with the people you love! Tell them you love them! It's never too late! Play a game, have a fire, make a memory! (but those Christmas lights are always my favorite!)🥰