My Testimonial

[LeighAEA]

Well, it looks like I am the first to transplant my testimonial from Delphi over to the new board. Here goes!

My reading was on 11/28/00, after I wrote a letter to get gallery tickets in August. I gave contact info, such as phone numbers and my email address, but no where on the letter did I give my last name, and I sent the letter from work, so there was no way to "investigate" me. I did this on purpose, not because I didn't believe in John's ability, but because my Aunt had been to see him a few times before on Long Island and I wanted to make sure on the off chance that I did get a reading that there was no correlation made, for the peace of mind of my other family members.

A producer called me and asked me if I had one specific person that I wanted to contact. Before I answered her, I asked why she asked me these questions. She assured me that it was ok to be as vague as I felt necessary, in fact, she encouraged it, and said that John didn't get the info, but as a producer, she needed to make sure it would be compelling TV. I said I wanted to contact my Dad. That's all I said. She said I sounded young (I am 25) and that sounded like compelling television to her, and offered me a one-on-one reading. I jumped, and asked to take my mom with me. The phone call offer was the day before Thanksgiving, and the reading was the next Tuesday.

The only thing we had to sign was a release to use our likeness on TV, and a clearance for the photographs we brought with us. We were not asked to fill out any information about our relatives, we were asked not to talk about them. If someone slipped and even mentioned a relative in the green room with a producer or other staffer, we were immediately cut off and told that we shouldn't talk about it. (This is a general statement, we were careful not to talk about anyone...other groups of people once in a great while slipped and mentioned a name to each other, such as, "Oh, I hope so-and-so comes through" and were immediately cut off by the producers)

After make-up, we were brought into a very small room to do our pre-interview. Besides me and my Mom, only one producer, who asked us the relationship of the person we hoped to contact, and a cameraman and a soundman were in the room. Within 10 minutes, we were brought on stage, and waited about a minute for John to come onstage.

Of a session that lasted approximately a half hour, only ONE thing has yet to be "figured out" and it was a song title. Everything else was either verified on the spot or found out to be accurate within a week of the reading.

A few examples of what John came up with during our reading:

* Both my mom and I had lost our fathers.
* My father died in May.
* Dad's birthday was the 18th.
* Dad died on the 23rd.
* Grandma made crabapple jelly. (I have never heard of anyone else who does this)
* Dad had a non-traditional burial, and we compromised on the terms. (Dad wanted to be cremated and sprinkled over Bermuda, but we ended up cremating him and burying his ashes in the local veteran's cemetery.)
* Dad acknowledged my brother Scott by asking for the S-T name younger than me. Scott was unable to attend the session.
* Dad had the energies of two kids that didn't happen with him. His sister and sister-in-law both had one miscarriage each. Years and years ago, Both out of state, one in Florida and one in Colorado.
* Dad was met by my Uncle, who was a cop. (When the Aunt who used to go to John a while back used to see him, this Uncle would always come up, same name, same description of a cop. This was her first husband and my cousins' father)
* And finally, as the last thing John mentioned, he asked, "Who's Edward? Definitely NOT Eddie, just 'Ed'" My dad's name was Edward, and HATED being called Eddie. He was known as Ed. We honestly thought that this would be one of the first things John picked up on, seeing as it is his last name. I guess that's why he got it last. He also said Dad was with an Edward above him, who was known as 'Eddie', and this was his grandfather, Eddie, whom Dad was named after.

People can believe or not believe anything they desire. But especially after this experience, I am kind of offended by people who claim that people who go to see John or other legit mediums are weak minded people who will believe anything. I am neither unintelligent, succeptible to being suckered, or weak-minded. I am a very capable human being, able to spot B.S. a mile away.

John is not a B.S. Artist, and what he does is real.

[Jude]

Leigh, thanks for that great testimonial. I do remember seeing your reading on "Crossing Over."

I believe I may follow your lead and copy my post from the Delphi site to this one, too.

:thumbsup:

[ceceoh]

Originally posted by LeighAEA
Well, it looks like I am the first to transplant my testimonial from Delphi over to the new board. Here goes!

Leigh!!!! I just saw your reading!!!!! :jumper:

This is too cool!!! Your the first "friend" who's reading I was actually sitting down and watching when it came on. Usually I'm putzing around the house or playing on the computer and miss the whole thing.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[Yardbird]

Leigh, you were on the first Crossing Over tonight! You looked so relieved- good reading.... again! :cool: Yardbird

PS- Okay, so apparently Cece can type faster than I :p I still thought it was :cool: Yard

[scrambled6]

Leigh!!

Really enjoyed seeing you again! When I saw your face, I said.."Leigh!!!!" Leigh & dad...

Anyway Leigh, I loved watching it again and knowing your face and who you are now makes it even more special.

[Jude]

Leigh, we just saw your reading on again tonite. :wave:

Congratulations! How lucky you are to be able to have your reading recorded -- what a treasure!

[angelakay1]

WOW!!!!

I just saw your reading tonight. I had seen it several months earlier, too. I'm glad you had that experience. I would love to be able to get thru to get a private reading-no luck!

Take care
Angie

[IM2HAPPI]

Hi Leigh...I too seen your reading and very much enjoyed. I noticed your reaction to grandma's crabapple jelly. It appeared to me that it was unforgetable to you and that you very much like it. I have 2 crabapple tree's in my yard...you wouldnt happen to have her recipe and be willing to share by any chance ? Im no :chef: here....but would like to try it out . I loved the expression on your face, it was also unforgetable :)

[Don]

Great reading, Leigh. Your Dad really stole the show -- it's a good thing he's who you wanted to come through. How did your Mom feel about the whole experience?

[JBannister]

Leighea,
It was a wonderful reading with John. I had been so dissappoi-
nted because I felt as though I couldn't have possibly missed one
CO, but I must have missed yours.
Then last night, finally, there you were!
I have the same question as Don. How did your mother react
to the reading?
Julie

[heidj]

Leigh! I saw you last night! I am behind in my CO, so have been watching on tape. You are so lucky to have been there and to have received such great validations from your dad! You looked great, your mom looked great, it was all so cool. Its fun to see someone you "know" right there getting a reading on TV.
Question: I couldn't quite get what John was saying about you and your mother forming a friendship. You both had a different interpretation, but I didn't understand. When you get a chance, please explain. Congrats! Love, Heidi

[LeighAEA]

Sorry I have been so delinquent in my reply to all of you...this month has been nothing but hard and busy.

I have been gearing up for going back to school next week, before that, my family had to go to Colorado for my cousin's wedding, and right before that we had to put our dog, Sammy, down. So it has been difficult.

But I had to share something amazing and wonderful with you all that pertains to the reading.

Sam was a gift to me from my Dad for my tenth birthday. She would have been 16 on October 1, and that is a feat in itself. As many of you know, Sam joined my Dad on August 7th. And we had to go to Colorado two days after that.

On the 8th, I was driving around town, running last minute pre-trip errands, trying not to cry so I could drive safely. I went into the dry cleaners right after I said to my Dad in the car, "I know I was 100% sure after the reading, but ever since yesterday, I am not. I don't know if we did the right thing, and I need to know that you came to get her." I had asked my Dad for some kind of sign when Sam was going to pass, but stipulated that I understood if his concentration was on picking her up. But being the human I am, I was more than a little disappointed that none came at that moment. And regardless of my prior experiences, I was doubting that I would ever see my baby again.

Well, as I went into the drycleaners, my ears perked up. As many of you know, my Dad has made it a habit of communicating to me through situation-specific Elton John songs. It was a very important connection between the both of us. Well, I listened, and heard the song from The Road to El Dorado, Someday out of the blue. An excerpt to give you an idea?

Someday out of the blue
In a crowded street or a deserted square
I'll turn and I'll see you
As if our love were new
Someday we can start again
Someday soon

.....

Someday out of the blue
Maybe years from now
Or tomorrow night

Just a selection of lyrics to give you an idea of what my Dad was screaming at me!

I told my Mom about it that night, and she agreed that Dad was giving me a not-so-gentle reminder. But the kicker?

We turned on C/O, and our reading was being re-run. And we had no idea.

More Dad hitting me over the head reminding me of what I already know!

And while in Colorado, we went up the highest peak, Mount Evans. Terrifying, but exhilarating. And I never have to go up a mountain ever again!

After we got home...a few days, in fact, I turned to my Mom and out of the blue said, "Hiking in the Himalayas!" John had mentioned that we would be on a girl-trip in correlation with his mountain reference. Well, my brother went with us, but didn't spend much time with us.

And my Mom and I have a picture of the two of us on the top of the highest Rocky Mountain.

[LeighAEA]

...and if this works, you can see the picture!


Ok, apparently you have to click on it, I dont understand why it didnt just upload the image...unless it has to be hosted somewhere else. Either way, the picture is there, and we look like hell cause it was 2 hours up and cold as heck! This is just after it stopped hailing!

[Jude]

Leigh,

What a beautiful picture! I was able to download! Yipee!

Thanks for sharing.

[Kabmc]

How wonderful. I know he is booked so far in advance, but would love a reading to contact my birthfather who i never met
Kab

[Pam]

Oh Leigh, how simply beautiful!!!! Oh, and the scenery is pretty too :)))

[Amanda]

I am pretty new here and just ran across your testimonial...how cool:)

I was wondering if I had seen the C.O. with you and your Mom on it. After I looked at the picture I realized I had!!!!!

Your reading is one of my favs.

Thanks for sharing with us.

:wave: :thumbsup:

[LeighAEA]

I know I have been very non-here for a while. Sorry about that, and I miss you all... School has been kicking my butt, and right now I am gearing up for a semester of SIX classes. Between that, work, and some extensive travel this summer, I have kind of been incognito online.

But I did want to share with you all that Crossing Over will be coming to my house on August 6 to film a follow up with Mom and me.

There are a lot of really cool things (reading-associated) with the date and the circumstances, but I will have to wait until the follow up has been filmed before I divulge them, so please be patient with me. I promise to come back and share it ALL!

Until then, wish me luck!

Leigh

[Pam]

Hey Leigh, no problem. We all understand how life interfers with online time. Even the board host has to take time off, when sick or when a new baby arrives! :)

I'm eager to watch your follow up. I've seen your reading about a zillion times, and I know I'll be able to relate when I see the follow up :)

[Jude]

Leigh,

Great to hear from you! Can't wait to see your follow-up. I remember your reading well, and that great photo, too!

Keep us posted!

[LeighAEA]

Originally posted by TXJUDE
Leigh,

Great to hear from you! Can't wait to see your follow-up. I remember your reading well, and that great photo, too!

Keep us posted!


The film crew will be here in about 3 hours...wish us luck!!! :jumper:

Leigh

[Jude]

I'm so happy for you, Leigh! We're all looking forward to seeing your follow-up when it airs -- I hope you'll know ahead of time and can check in with us.

Good luck today!


:butterfly

[Pam]

AWwwww cool! Tell them we here at JEFRIENDS say "HOWDY" :)

Specially if you see Liz Arias - ask her if she's getting some good sleep now that they're off the road ;)

[scrambled6]

Originally posted by LeighAEA
The film crew will be here in about 3 hours...wish us luck!!! :jumper: Leigh

:wave: ((((Leigh)))) This is wonderful! So very happy for you and your mom. Can't wait to here all about it! Have a great day and keep us posted ok? :)
Cyndy

[Gail]

Can't wait for your story, Leigh.:jumper:

Give the crew a viritual hug from all of us here. We appreciate all the work they do.
Gail

[PsyQuestor]

~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ~ Luck ...

Lots of Luck LeighAEA!!

Tammy

[megray]

We're anxiously awaiting your post, Leigh. Can't wait to hear how it all went. I went back and read your original posts from last year and couldn't help but notice that your beloved pet crossed over a year ago today. I know how you feel. My German Shephard crossed over in November of 2000 and I still think of him pretty much every day.

[LeighAEA]

Well, after sleeping a LONG time last night, I feel refreshed enough to post about my follow up!

The 5 person crew arrived at our home a little after 11 am, and the first thing we did was watch our reading so we could go over what we wanted to comment on and talk about in our follow up.

Right after that, the producer got a phone call, and when she got off her phone, I was told that they wanted me to talk about how I had met people online first through the Sci-Fi Message Boards and then through other sites (specifically this one) and later on, they filmed me on Mom's :cuser:

It took a while for the guys to set up all their equipment, and while that was going on, we went through all the pictures we had set out for them to sift through and see what they wanted to use. We went over who everyone in the photographs were with the producer and the PA.

Soon they were ready, and we were miked and set and ready to go. It was a much more laid back interview than the post-interview was, because we could take our time and really think about what it was we wanted to say, and if we messed up, it was no big deal, because we weren't under any heavy time constraints.

In fact, that was a good thing, because a few shots were ruined by my :cat:. Yes, my cat! Max broke out of my room upstairs and began tearing through the living room. Once we got him in the basement, he began howling to be let out. I apologized for Max's antics, but the crew all laughed and said that you can't apologize for a cat! But after a while, the whole crew would say in unison, "Maaaax!" :)

We finished filming our validations, and then we filmed testimonials for experiences we had without the aid of a medium, and then finally they had me talk about meeting people on websites by discussing my experiences and sharing in others'.

We took a break for lunch, and they all seemed surprised that we had lunch stuff out for them. (I can't imagine that they come to people's homes in the middle of the day and some people don't feed them!)

After lunch, the crew began filming the photos they wanted to be able to choose from, and we had a nice talk with the producer.

When they were done, they shot the B-roll with us, which is the "filler" they use, showing people walking and doing things with narration over them. They wanted us to be in the kitchen making tea, but our kitchen is definitely NOT camera ready, so they had us sit at the dining room table with cups of coffee sifting through our photographs.

We signed releases to use our likenesses on camera and authorization to use our pictures, and we were all done.

It took several hours, but we had a ball, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer crew. They were all very nice to us, but beyond that, were all very nice people, and we could tell that the minute they arrived in our home.

It was a fabulous experience, and fun to boot! We felt blessed to have encountered such wonderful people, and once Mom and I were alone in the house again, we just looked at each other and laughed hysterically, not able to believe the whirlwind experience we had just had!

We will probably look very nervous on camera for the first few takes, but after that, we were very comfortable, and all in all, this was an event that just put the cherry on top of the Crossing Over experience!

Leigh

[Pam]

Thanks for sharing your experience Leigh! Now others will know what to expect if the Crossing Over crew is expected at their house! :lwink:

I can't wait to see this follow up. I know your original reading almost by heart :)

[Jude]

Leigh,

What a wonderful experience for you and your mom! You must be walking on air.

It's also nice to hear good things about good people -- the CO crew!

Thanks for sharing.

[PsyQuestor]

Leigh, all I can say is Wow! Thank you so much for sharing with us. Through you we can vicariously share in the total experience! We read your posts about the reading on the board, watched it on T.V. and now we're experiencing the follow up filming with you too.

You shared the message with us Leigh, and I'm so thankful.

((( LeighAEA )))

[amfie]

Wow! Is right! I've seen your reading several times and each and every time I think how great you look! All glowing!

I can't wait for this to air! Sounds like the experience was just great!

Congrats on keeping it all together!

Amfie

[marcia]

I remember your reading as well and can't wait to see the follow up!
As an aside to you and megray (or anyone else who has loved and lost a pet) I just finished reading a wonderful book titled Saving Gracie. The book goes all the way from puppyhood to the day she crosses over and Gracie's human tells her tale with both wit and tenderness. I highly recommend it even though it will cost you a few tears at the end.

If you know in advance, I sure hope you will let us know when your follow up segment is due to air.

Marcia

[Don]

Congratulations, Leigh!

Hehe... "...our kitchen is definitely NOT camera ready." I had to laugh at that. Is anyone's kitchen camera ready?!

Thanks for the great blow-by-blow. It sounds like everyone had fun. We, too, can't wait to see it on TV.

[megray]

Great post, Leigh. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.

[Gail]

I LOVED the post Leigh. Did any of the crew admit ever seeing this site?
Your poor cat, all those people and no one wanted to pay any attention to him. :( Gail

[Irishrose]

Well, your Dad surely knows how to make himself known. What a wonderful experience for you and your mother - brother too for that matter.

Life surely has its way of getting our attention.
I, too, felt sorry for Max - poor baby. Something was happening in his house and he was not part of it - Maybe Sam was giving him a tough time up in your bedroom - hehehe - who knows???

Thanks so much for sharing with us. Who ever hires the CO staff knows their stuff don't they? Every time anyone has encountered the CO staff it is always positive. How neat is that?

I look forward to the follow-up - good luck in school this year. I hope things settle down for you for a while.

Hugs, Irishrose

[chargeit2him]

Loved your post Leigh. It would take me at least a year to get my kitchen "camera ready":P and Max. I can just picture the cat running through the room thinking "can't catch me ":stick: can't wait to see your follow up.
Sandy
":angel2:

[LeighAEA]

I know this was already posted in the main community, but I am a symmetrical person that likes continuity...

so with that in mind, the follow up is airing in syndication on 10/21/02 (first episode)

YAY! :)

Can't wait to see what "my" producer came up with! She said it was a labor of love, and I know that it will be beautiful for Daddy :)


Leigh

[Namaste]

Leigh ~ can you guide me as to where to send a letter to crossing over in regards to a reading?

Namaste

[LeighAEA]

Namaste:

No, sorry, I cannot. I was on the show during the first season, when letters were the way to get on the show.

Now there is a phone lottery system, the details of which you can find on this site and on www.crossingoverwithjohnedward.com.

Good luck!

Leigh

[Namaste]

Leigh ~ thats ok :)

Namaste