Farewell My Frend

This wonderful lady, Linda has been a part of my life since 1969. Back in my very first period class of my very first day of high school I was a terrified freshman entering Spanish class. I immediately headed for the rear of the classroom to find a seat. Directly across from me sat this very friendly girl who immediately introduced herself and made me feel so very welcome. Later when I found out she was a sophomore I could hardly believe that she had dared to speak to me, a lowly freshman, much less in such a friendly manner.

That encounter began a friendship that lasted a lifetime. We remained close friends all through high school and later when Linda graduated she headed for college at San Diego State. As a college freshman I seemed to be plagued with all manner of conflicts from choosing a major to the usual boyfriend problems as well as all the idiosyncrasies that seem to plague 18 year olds. Throughout it all Linda was a constant in my life, a true life preserver, if you will.

As you know from previous posts, Linda was the one who introduced Mark and I. She thought we would make a cute couple. I have always been grateful for her insight. She and Mark had actually dated briefly, parted as friends and Linda being the great friend she always was, wanted to make sure she did something nice for Mark by introducing him to someone she thought would be a good match for him.

Linda was also my roommate in college. We made our mark at San Diego State, especially during sorority Rush Week in Spring 1975 when we were known as the "Lancaster girls". AXO knew better than to break up this duo and so we happily accepted their pledge bids and went on to have some very incredible memories as AXO sisters. One of her favorite stories from those days that she loved to tell people was that because of me she had a lifelong hatred of all things "blueberry". During our early apartment days I had made a blueberry pie for Mark during one of his visits. We all had some before going out for a night of drinking and partying. Later my piece of blueberry pie came out all over the bathroom which Linda woke up to and hence never felt the desire to EVER have another blueberry again.

We continued to have great times together as we planned our weddings. I was honored that Linda asked me to be her maid of honor. Later the following year Linda was a bridesmaid at Mark's and my wedding.

We were pregnant together and had our boys within a month of one another.

Shortly before her 50th birthday Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. All throughout her treatment Linda was a pillar of strength. I marveled each time she would send an email update to say she felt fortunate to have had the cancer experience because without it she would not have been able to reconnect with so many old friends. She was positively gleeful when her always stick straight hair grew in curly following her first round of chemo. She never ever asked "why me"? Linda's faith that God had a greater plan for her never wavered. I was continually amazed that someone who suffered for so long was able to be so optimistic. She was truly a pillar of strength.

Linda lost her battle with cancer on Monday. I will miss her, love her always and will never fail to think of her when I have blueberries.