Love always,
Mom
Dear Family and Friends:
This memorial website was created in memory of Leon Dedric Young. Leon was snatched from our lives November 1, 1999. It still seems like yesterday. As his mom, I just wanted to hear from people who knew him. I would love to hear from you. If you have pictures, please feel free to upload them. If you have stories or pictures you only want to share with me and not the website, please send them to 4leon1001@gmail.com.
For those of you just visiting. Leon was our oldest of our five children. We were blessed to have him in our lives for 20 years. Sadly, November 1, 1999 at approximately 12:30 a.m. he was killed by a drunk driver. Leon was with some friends. They had stopped at the red light in front of the post office on Perrrin Beital in San Antonio, Texas. A man, extremely intoxicated (.29) rear-ended the stopped car. The man was traveling approximately 65 mph when he hit the car. He knocked the car over 211 feet and across 3 lanes. Leon was in the rear passenger seat. He was killed instantly.
Officially this happened on Nov. 1st, but to us it was and always will be Halloween night:
* His aunt's birthday
* The day after his baby brother's birthday
* The ending of the great Halloween party at our home.
Needless to say, Halloween is no longer a great day in our household.
Although Leon is gone from this world, he is forever etched in our hearts. We will always love him and miss him. This memorial is just another way to show it. Hope you enjoy this site and please come back to see the changes.
Anna Young,
Leon' mother
1999: The year our lives changed in the worst way.
7351: The number of days you were here on Earth.
6164: The number of days I've spent without you.
65: The miles per hour the offender was traveling when he slammed into the car you were sitting in.
211: The number of feet the car traveled across 3 lanes after being hit.
.29: The drunk driver's blood alcohol level when he killed you.
15: The number of years your killer would be sentenced to...only to get off early.
13: The age of a young girl who lost her big brother...forcing her into a special club of which she never wanted to be a member.
4: The number of siblings who would somehow have to deal with knowing a fifth of the crew was gone.
2: The number of home-going services we'd bear
104: The number of miles I now have to travel from my home to visit your physical resting place.
17: The number of birthdays you have now spent in heaven. (Happy Birthday)
1: The one moment that changed our lives forever.
1: A son left without his father.
1: The decision a drunk made to drive to get more beer...to get drunker.
1: A reminder that there is never an excuse to drink and drive. NEVER.
Someone's decision to drink and drive is a decision to end a life...yours or someone else's. Don't be fooled into believing you are invincible. No drink special is worth that call, that news...those tears that never really dry up.
Every year, his birthday rolls around and I am reminded of the day we lost him. I'm reminded of how we thought we'd actually see him soon. Reminded that his voice is a fading memory. Reminded that I have now lived longer without him than with him. Reminded that his face is a memory...a picture really. Reminded that all my milestones and celebrations would be missing someone I love. Reminded that his presence is only a chill that overcomes me. Reminded that my nephew never knew his father. Reminded that my parents had to bury their first born. Reminded that I lost my only big brother. Reminded that he would never have a chance to be at my wedding or meet my children. Reminded that death shifted sibling dynamics. Reminded that I could never get a comforting hug from him. Reminded that someone's decision to drive after getting drunk 3 times the legal limit took something I can't get back. Reminded that forgiving Mr. Rodriguez was the best healing for my soul. Reminded that God makes no mistakes. Reminded that I can do all things through Him.
So, I am taking the time to remind you all not to drink and drive. When you decide to drink and drive...thinking you are not going far or that you can do it...please remember that one stupid decision (yes, stupid) can affect thousands of people. I know some of you have done it (and even posted about it on FB...I've seen it.) There is never an excuse to drink and drive. Never.