Just over a month ago we discovered that Lee had left his mark on the concrete under the kitchen floor by writing “Lee was here”. It was a wonderful treat that still gives me goosebumps when I think about all of the things that had to fall into place for us to discover this!
Unfortunately, the reason we discovered it was because mom and dad are replacing their flooring on the downstairs…so the search was on to try and figure out how to save this little piece of Lee. Mom and dad decided to have an exact duplicate of his signature sandblasted into a piece of tile. It turned out beautifully, I can’t wait until the tile is in place!

Mom and dad got both sizes of the tile sandblasted. The guys doing the install will place the tile as close to the actual signature as possible.
And for those who haven’t met my brother, you can read about him here.
\What a brilliant solution!! I can see where you get your creative genius.
I thought it was a brilliant solution, too! And the tile guys, because mom and dad had both sizes of the tile sand blasted, so that which ever one fit better could be used, the tile guys went ahead and placed the other tile in a different room – just cause! It was pretty neat!
That’s even more perfect! Great team of guys puting those tiles down.
That is so great! I love the idea of sandblasting what we wrote onto the new tile.
Thanks – I think it turned out beautifully!
Awww … now that’s just cool. Lee will always be ‘here’ at your folks home 🙂
Yeah, he will. Tomorrow would have been his 30th birthday, so the timing really is extraordinary!
Aw! That’s wonderful! I’m pretty sure that if anyone ever tears up the foundation and plumbing at my parents’ house there will be a lot of markered ” I ❤ Nick"
LOL! As this story has unfolded, I’ve been surprised at how many people do actually write on the studs and floor! 🙂
Awwh so heartwarming Kate ! That is so sweet and what a perfect idea, A personal stamp always there to make it memorable! ^.^
Thank you! I liked the idea of a clear tile in that space, so we could look down and see it, but I really like the idea of having all the tile match and bringing the writing to the top, I think mom and dad did good 🙂
Mom and dad did more than just good, They did the best ! 🙂
What a lovely way to remember your brother! It’s like he is still somehow sending you guys messages, as if to say “I’ll always be here!”
I think it was just the perfect message from him and mom and dad honored it beautifully!
That is awesome. I loved that story of finding his little note, it was like he orchestrated the whole thing. What a perfect way to hold onto it. Love!!
Thanks 🙂 It was amazing how those dominions lined up to reveal it to us.
It looks fantastic Kate !!! 😊😊
Thanks! I think they made a great choice!
They really did
What beautiful idea!
Thanks! I thought it was totally outside the box thinking!
I adore you and your parents and that this happened. I know, I know I don’t technically know you but I know this story. I know how much Lee meant to all of you guys and this just totally touches my heart. I feel like he is with you guys always.
We feel like he is always with us, too – and it’s the little things, like him randomly writing on the concrete so many years ago, that are the special messages he keeps sending.
Kate I had goose bumps! And what you guys did was beautiful. Hugs!
Thank you Jhanis!
Aw. That’s an amazing way to memorialize someone. I really love that.
Thank you Ronit! I can’t wait to see the finished project – the guys started laying the tile on Monday!
Wonderful idea, Kate. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Nancy, I didn’t even know sandblasting was an option, but the big box home improvement store said that there was a local artisan that did it – and it was amazing!
That’s so cool. It’s a nice tribute and way to keep a part of him with you guys.
Thanks MMK, I completely agree!
I wondered how you would keep the signature exposed when the floor were redone. …BRILLIANT! This post just made my heart smile. Lovely!
Thank you Nancy! It wasn’t until the other day that I was told that was what mom and dad decided, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t sold on it – until I actually saw the tile! 🙂
What a fabulous find! And I’m sure it brings back some great memories!
It really does! Thanks Sarah!
This was such a great idea. What a gift he gave all of you and you have, in turn, honored him beautifully.
Thank you for saying so, Kim! It was such a random find and it really was such a special gift!
I love it!!! So glad ya’ll figured out a great way to memorialize that! Very special.
Thanks! I loved the clear tile idea, but this actually looks really neat!
Beautiful, Kate.
Thank you Ann.
What a great idea 🙂 He’ll always be “home”, not that he wasn’t in your hearts already.
So very true, and thanks! I think it was be so neat to walk by and always see it!