Yesterday I posted about “Twenty Seconds of Courage“. Today I am thinking of my friend, Linda. You see, when I was around her, I felt stronger, smarter, and funnier. She was a friend that did not judge. She loved me for me. She loved my boys. I cannot explain the calm that I felt when around Linda. She gave me courage and confidence.
Our adventure began at the library. We “met”. We discussed growing up in the same town and knowing “of” each other. Since we both had boys AND homeschooled, we decided to try teaching some joint classes. And so began a wonderful relationship of two families. I recall standing eggs on end at the spring equinox, horseback riding lessons, birthday parties and yes, even rappelling. We challenged each other!
And then careers and states took us miles apart. We kept in close contact at first. I will never forget the day her first grand baby was born. She called me at work in Missouri. I was sure something was wrong! But it wasn’t. It was all right. She was a grandma. A PROUD grandma.
Miles distanced us. But finally, through Facebook, we connected again. I still have those messages. It was evident how much Linda still loved her boys!
” You guys are always apart of us, you are great people.
April 7 Evan will be 19. Brad turned 25 last Friday, Feb 12. Eric will be 22 June 6.
We have wonderful memories of being with you all.
Tell everyone Hi.
Love, Linda “
We were both excited to be on-track with each other again. Facebook can be a great way to reconnect! And then just two months later, the same way that Linda had found me, I found out that I had lost her. She did not survive a highway accident. I mourned for our lost years. I mourned for her family. This was all so wrong. I couldn’t fix it.
Yesterday was Linda’s birthday. I left a message on her Facebook wall to remind her that I was thinking of her. Thank you, Linda, for being my friend. I miss you. You inspire me, encourage me, and make a difference in my life. Still. ♥
stuff i tell my sister 
glad you found her again – you have not really lost her though
♥
(HUGS)
Ah, how sweet. Friends should be cherished, even if we can’t tell them every day.
so true ♥
So sorry for the loss of your friend; has been a rough summer everywhere, it seems. Friday, I will be attending the third funeral in as many months for people who have helped shape who I am in one way or another. Only one was on Facebook, but I too left a message on her wall at the time she passed. HATE losing old friends and/or acquaintances! Thanks for sharing the tribute to your friend.
There is so much more that could be said….she loved being a mom as much as I do. And we laughed with our boys…..a lot…. ♥♥♥
How deeply sad. Taken early but greatly loved.
Amen to that ♥
sweet memories……..♥♥♥
that is for certain!
Our DEAR friend just found out he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. There are no words!
♥♥♥
That’s really sad. I’m so sorry.
But Linda would not want us to be sad….she would want us smiling ♥ 🙂 ty
🙂
Thank you for your post. Your tribute to your dear friend, Linda, is profound, moving and full of love. It speaks to all of us. At some point in our lives, we will all experience the sting of death’s parting. That is why your words bring comfort. “The last day does not bring extinction to us, but a change of place.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
I love that quote….thanks so much for your sweet words ♥
Paula…so sorry for your loss. It’s like a gift that you were reunited recently and had a chance to enjoy Linda’s friendship again. I hope the memories you have of happier days with her, and your combined families, will bring you comfort.
thanks, Delores….and we have some awesome memories ~
Oh my…I don’t think I can bear it today. I am so sorry for such a loss, tragic and senseless. I saw your comment up above, “But Linda would not want us to be sad….she would want us smiling ♥ ” and you are probably right, but first, the tears must roll down the cheek. blessings on you my friend. ♥♥♥
xo
thanks, Bonnie…..
hugs! xo
back at cha ~
Good, I will take it, and give it right back 😀
What a touching story. I love that you posted on her wall.
😉
Six degrees of separation. I’m always reminded of that when I realize someone I know, knows someone else I knew. Micah taught drums to Evan and I went to school with Clayton. I too got to know Linda through homeschool and have mourned her loss. It was such a senseless loss. We drove by their old house just a few days ago and a flood of emotions hit me. I did not know her as well as you, my girls were older and, well – girls.
Thank you for reminding us all about the value of true friendship, and Happy Birthday in Heaven Linda!
🙂
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s not easy to lose someone so tragically. I am glad though that you found each other again. In reality true happiness can last a life time, and what you had will forever be with you. I’m glad that Facebook helped you. A very nice, emotive, sad, beautifully articulated and evocative post.
I just came from visiting my friend in the hospital, where she is fighting for her life against cancer. I thought I’d shake off the sorrow by reading a few posts and now this… Life is so fragile, isn’t it? *sigh*
oh so fragile…..hope you read today’s post to make you smile. prayers for your friend ♥
So sorry to hear bout your best friend. You reconnected with her that’s something 🙂
I am very thankful for that! ♥
True acceptance for whom you are is rare. Cherish what you have.