My Dear Friend

About a month ago I lost my dear friend Linda.  She had pancreatic cancer.  In a letter to Linda I recently wrote the following:

Linda, I hate to see you struggling and in pain.  It is impossible.  I want you to know that you are still such an amazing example to me.  Even in your pain and greatest trials you would come to the Relief Society Broadcast.  Your priorities are evident and your actions speak loudly.  You have handled yourself with the utmost grace and dignity and it makes me feel that I could do hard things if I was called upon to do so. 

For her Book of Tributes I wrote this:

     I was just a baby when I met Linda. Newly married, and expecting a baby of my own at the ripe old age of 19, I was far away from home. When miles came between myself and my own Mother, Linda stepped in, and she never stepped out! Linda is one of those rare people who are lifetime friends. She is always there; even when days turn into months and years pass, she is there. Although she is old enough to be my Mom, she was the best kind of friend.
     She treated me as a peer and spoke to me as an equal. I always felt that my opinion mattered to her. I could always count on Linda to tell me just exactly "how it is." I loved her fire and her spunk, her energy and honesty. Her personality was always refreshing and her kindness is contagious. She has always been selfless and willing to serve but she will do it her way. She has been the most amazing example to me. I will never forget the way that she has carried herself through her last and final trial here on earth. She handled herself with such grace. She had gratitude and optimism each and every time I spoke to her.
     The last visit we had will always be special to me. She expressed her great love for her Husband. She told me that he has been her rock and has cared for her with so much love and kindness. She truly treasured their relationship and was happy in her marriage. She talked about her boys, her daughters in law, and her grandkids. She expressed her gratitude that she got to be there for milestones that she didn't think she would be able to be there for. She said that she wished she had made a longer list!
     It was one of the first nice days in September, there was a breeze, the sun was shining. We stood outside enjoying the nice weather and chatting like we always had. As I was leaving, she gave me a hug and then held on. She said, "I love you" and I knew she did. I know that she was prepared to pass on to the next life. She has so much faith. Linda,


I will miss you. I will remember you. I love you!


And I DO miss her!  A lot more than I thought I would.  I have thought about her so many times in the last few weeks as I have been planning Super Saturday for church.  She was always good at those kinds of things and had so much experience.  I have wanted to pick up the phone to ask her a question or to ask her to come and help with the sewing.  Death is hard, but I KNOW that I will see her again!  Knowing her has made me a better person.  I still can't believe she's gone.