This story is all about Sen. Teddy's kind of people: those in need being helped by your fellow Kossacks - the ones Sen. Kennedy inspired to give of themselves. Today they did.
For an understanding of this series here are the previous diaries:
Introduction to Leo
Here's an amazing followup - read the comments, skip the diary
Today was Moving Out Day for the Leo's. It wasn't all smooth, but that's my fault. It began . . . right after the jump.
8:00 AM Grandma Marie showed up. She brought her best friend and her son. Leo & Mrs. Leo had just awaken. Grandma Marie packed serious quantities of cleaning supplies. Leo was a bit nervous.
8:30 AM I catch the 2nd of 2 calls from Leo & I heat up yesterday's coffee. I ask that Leo show Grandma Marie her online Birthday Party
she's giggling, and is amazed at the Birthday Party we had for her on line. We talk, but clearly, she's ready to go.
royce1 calls. She needs the location [I omitted the Leo's address - the first error I make today].
Onyx e-mails from his truck to royce1 the location - the man is in charge!
2 more volunteers with trucks or vans contact Onyx and head for the apartment.
I am waiting for Uncle Bob's Storage to call so that I can pay for rental storage space - I called their Customer Service line, I explained what we are doing and for whom to their customer service Rep. She got a bit ver klempt. She carefully took note of where to find us on line. It turns out the Uncle Bob's Storage location we needed had neither computer nor telephone connection today.
Next came a call from Onyx. He was at the extended stay hotel I pointed him to yesterday [My next big mistake]. I kept looking and found a place that was better for less money with a courtesy van that would take Leo to College every morning and bring him home at night in about 20 minutes. I forgot to update Onyx.
The hotel clerk was my next call. Flawless Check-in. Fantastic service. She handed his key before he said his name.
Then things kind of got away from me. The late afternoon crew showed up [sele, take a bow] at noon. Grandma Marie was still there having a ball cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Somewhere around 2:30 Onyx reported that everything had been moved, the Leo's settled in, and sele and friends still at it.
In their own words:
From Onyx, the "Ground Commander" for today and friend of the Leo's:
Basically I want say I truly appreciate all that was done today. Its amazing to see so many great hearts.
He is totally worn out, very, very happy with what has been done so far and ready for Phase II - The Move-in.
royce 1:
Just a note to say thank you for getting this effort organized. onyx did a great job as did all the others who came to help. I really liked Leo and his wife and their son. Nice family!
I'm so glad I got to be a part of helping the Leos today. They are a lovely young couple with just about the most beautiful 3 year old son in the world (I've signed up for babysitting!). When I got to the apartment being vacated, Grandma Marie and her son were there. (Grandma Marie's daughter is surfermom who lives far away but asked her mom to fill in for her. And, boy, was Grandma Marie a powerhouse! She came with enough cleaning supplies we could have cleaned the entire apartment complex. And, neither she nor her son ever stopped working. (I noticed that as I was taking a break......)
Then came K and two of her sons....strong young men who carried heavy things the way I carry a Coke. The five people working with me at the apartment were terrific compatriots on this day. After we got everything to storage - where we meet up with Leo and Donnie - they all went back for another load to be moved and I went to the new temporary residence and took Leo's wife and son grocery shopping. Little Leo was tired by this time so he just watched (without making a sound!) while we got enough groceries to last them several days.
Mrs. Leo is a little shy but very friendly - and seems to be an excellent mother. She has no friends in Dallas and is a little intimidated by the big city (and, of course, she does not drive - but did want me to tell everyone she is not totally blind). I talked with Leo only briefly but he seemed unassuming and very grateful for all the help. If you donated money or time or just sent good thoughts to this family, please know that the Leos are very nice people.
From sele. Sorry, I don't have anything to submit for your diary. But I wanted to give you an update.
My girlfriend and I left the apartment at 7 so that we could get to our respective homes before dark. The apartment cleaning is not yet finished. The upstairs (2 bedrooms, 1 bath) and stairway are complete. I have the key to the apartment and I'll be going back early in the morning to finish up (living/dining room, bathroom, kitchen). Hopefully, I'll be done by the mid-afternoon if I leave my house by 6.
From tacklelady:
This was us in the diary:
Then came K and two of her sons....strong young men who carried heavy things the way I carry a Coke.
We were proud to be able to help folks in need. It wasn't nearly as hard as some moves we've helped with in the recent past.
Sometimes in life we are privledged to own a vehicle large enough to be of help to others. And capable of offering a little physical strength, and able to give up a few hours on a Saturday.
(I got the boys hamburgers and shakes on the way home.)
From Grandma Marie:
Leo & Wife are wonderful people and their little boy is cute as a button. I absolutely enjoyed cleaning their apartment and appreciate all thehelp my son gave. How you ever got my picture to put up on the internet is amazing. Thank you for the Birthday Party. When do we get to do this again?
Tomorrow night's diary will be written by the Leo's. They have a few choice words to share with you.