WES JAMES LEONARD

I think of this young man often as he's close to the age of my three sons. Being in the medical field, it will always bothered me how there wasn't the appropriate response to what happened to him. The only way I can deal with this is to think God had a greater purpose with this young man's life than here on earth.

Although we never met in this life, I feel sure we will someday. On January 19, 2011 I collapsed in my classroom. I am a second grade teacher in a small rural community in Southwest Missouri. I was fortunate to have colleagues who went and got our school nurses. They performed CPR and used an AED on me. It was the AED that helped save my life.

As a teacher and an parent, I want you to know Wes that I have become an advocate for CPR/AED's in schools. I recently was able to...

Although I never knew you Wes you've touched my heart so much!! I have 2 son's and all I can think of is them every time I see something about you. May you rest in piece Wes and forever know how many hearts you have touched and love you too!! My youngest Son played basketball all through school and I know how much your parents enjoyed watching you...as awesome as you were.

My heart goes out to your family that God gives them piece to get through each and every day and always...

On March 12, 2011, our family also lost an angel on the basketball court. Robert Joe Garza, II had just celebrated his 17th birthday on February 26th....then God called for him on March 12th. His mom was a basketball player in Jr High....and her number was 12....and my beautiful nephew was pronounced at 12 pm. This has been so hard on us....as your loss must be for you. I know they are best friends in Heaven. I will never forget your son, as I will never forget my nephew. I hope God...

Dear Leonard Family,
I watched on the news with a very heavy heart the story about your dear son, Wes. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him or your family, but I do know your mother, Lynn Stahl Self. I grew up in Galena, Kansas and she taught several of my younger sisters. My mother; who worked in the school lunchroom, Lois Ward, knew her as well. Your tragic loss of your dear son has crossed roads with my family. Our daughter, Megan was killed by a careless driver when she...

Hi I am Gary McClain from Mayfield, Kentucky. I saw Wes's story and it touched me so much. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. I have a son who played basketball and did many of the same moves along with some game winning shots. To watch him Wes was awesome. He seemed to be a great role model just in watching the clips. God bless you at this difficult time.

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard, I have been thinking about your family since this heartbreaking event. I just lost my Son of 22 years old to the same, an enlarged heart. He had no symptoms. He just stepped out of the shower and layed on the floor. He was an athlete himself and starting a new job with Best Buy. I feel your pain and Pray for your family. I can't help but wonder how this could happen to our Sons who are so healthy and fit? All I can think of is that it was their time and God has a plan. I...

Hi my name is Franklin Nicolaas from Aruba, I just saw the story of Wesley on the ESPN channel, I must say it really hurt when seeing a very talent guy like Wes gone away, but even I don't know Wes, but to me it was very emotional and even for me as a father of 2 kids, it is difficult to lose someone very close, I would like to wish Wes brother, Mom, Dad and rest of the family a tremendous blessing, knowing he will be watching over you guys from above. Take Care and God Bless, Franklin from...

To wes ,his mom ,his dad, and his brother it is almost two months now and as a father i felt the pain, and as time goes on your son your brothr will live on! Wes was a young man that is very dear to many peoples heart! As we near the time of late spring and into the summer he will be there with you all! qnd to wes's girlfriend he will always be with you, and to all that he broth together he lives all! To al that played with him in sports on his temms or against him he will live on! And to...