A Beautiful Send-Off For A Special Husband, Father, Friend-Lee Rome
I have been blessed to know Margaret Rome both professionally and personally for several years thanks to ActiveRain.
I had met her husband Lee at some of the ActiveRain meetups and was always in awe of their relationship and the mutual adoration they shared. Each time she finished a radio show on Sunday afternoons, he would say "That was the best one yet" or "I think you could have done better". He didn't mince words, and Margaret took in his thoughts, some she took, some she left, but she always appreciated knowing he was listening!
As our business relationship has grown into a friendship, we have shared many phone calls about what is going on in our business and in our lives. I always asked about Lee and the rest of the family, Margaret never failed to ask about my daughter Sydney and my husband Papa Razzi.
Lee had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, we were told that everyone who was diagnosed with this type of tumor died within 3 months of diagnosis. Margaret and Lee wouldn't hear of it and together fought a fight that would confound the medical professionals FOR 13 YEARS! There were days or weeks at a time that Lee was hospitalized, Margaret left his side only for business or her radio show, and only when there was a family member (most often their daughter) or close friend who could sit with him. Somehow Margaret always managed to stay on top of her business, post here on ActiveRain, make calls to members, and didn't let on to most that there was even anything going on. Grace.
When I got the news that Margaret's husband Lee had passed, my heart broke for her. I knew that no matter what else was going on, that I would be at the funeral in support of my friend. My husband had a photography commitment, Sydney asked to come with me to the funeral, she LOVES Ms. Margaret and wanted to show her support.
The service was attended by a mix of folks from all aspects of Margaret and Lee's life. In addition to family, friends and clients, there were ActiveRain friends (June Piper Brandon and her husband Skip, Pat Kennedy, Cheryl Ritchie and her mom, Steve and Jan Bachman, and Lynn Friedman traveled all the way from Atlanta). I know that there were (and are) so many more supporting her in spirit, sending prayers, notes, texting and calling. I truly know that the support was so greatly appreciated. There were Monday Night poker buddies, flying friends, even Doctor's and hospital employees.
The service was touchingly beautiful, each eulogy heartfelt. There were stories of Margaret and Lee's relationship (Not a life story, but a love story), the family connections, friendships circles interconnected because of Lee. There were so many laughs and so many tears as a great man was honored in the way that one can only hope to be remembered. The line of cars headed to the cemetary was impressive (to say the least).
I am sure that the love they shared, Margaret's background as a nurse, and connections all over Baltimore and pure chutzpah helped them to keep their love affair alive well beyond what anyone could imagine.
If you know Margaret, you know that she and Lee counted their marriage in days, not in years. If I know Margaret, she will count the days until they will meet again. Though their separation will be difficult, Margaret is surrounded by so many who love and support her. Margaret, I hope that you will be comforted by the wonderful memories, supported by all those who know and love you both, and be lifted up in prayers of peace.
Lee was a special guy who will be missed by many. I grew up with a belief in heaven. Though I know that not everyone shares in that belief, I am guessing that if what I believe is true, that Lee was surely met at the pearly gates with a pat on the back and a hearty "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!" God Speed!
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