William DeShazer

Stories and Essays: One Year Later

Leisia Landers, of Smiths Grove, KY., lost her husband in an automobile accident on April 8, 2004. Landers is now raising her two sons alone, working a full-time job, and going to college as a full time student. Landers has tried grief counseling, anti-depression medication, and even befrieded the County Coroner who investigated her late husband's accident to help ease the pain of her loss. Her struggle to coupe continues even one year after the accident.

"There's a reason for everything that happens in this world, but the way that I perceive life now is that life is precious," Landers said.

Leisia Landers, of Smiths Grove, pays her respects at the grave of her late husband, Tim, on the one year anniversary of his death in Smiths Grove.
   
Leisia Landers, is consoled by a friend on the telephone after leaving the grave of her late husband, Tim, on the one year anniversary of his death in Smiths Grove.
   
Since her husband's death Leisia Landers been taking care of three acres of land along with a half acre garden on her own. These chores belonged to her late husband, but she vows to keep it going.
     
  
Leisia Landers (left) receives a kiss from her son, Kevin, as he prepares to leave for the weekend. Kevin just started driving a truck that belonged to his late stepfather. “He was my rock he stood by my side and held my hand.” Leisia said.
   
Leisia Landers sobs by the side of her friend, Kevin Kirby, on the one year anniversary of her late husband's death. Kirby is the County Coroner who was on the seen the day of the accident and has helped Landers cope.
  
Leisia Landers (left) sings to the radio with her son, Nathan, on their way home from running errands. "My youngest one, who is special needs just does not understand why Daddy's gone," Leisia said. "He loved Tim."
     
  
Leisia Landers, stops in to pick up flowers and a wreath from a floral shop before paying her respects at the grave of her late husband, Tim, on the one year anniversary of his death.
   
Leisia Landers receives a kiss from one of her dogs in the living room.
   
Leisia Landers shares a laugh with other students in her classroom at Western Kentucky University. Landers has continued to go back to school and get her Bachelors in Social Services even through the loss of her husband.
     
  
Leisia Landers digs weeds from the garden in her back yard that her late husband, Tim, use to be in charge of in hopes of keeping it going this season. "There's a reason for everything that happens in this world, but the way that I perceive life now is life is precious," Landers said.