Saturday, November 29, 2008

Journey's End


Thank you for following us on this long, tender journey. Surrounded by love and prayers, Linda ended her battle with cancer at 4:15 AM this morning. She was courageous, generous, and beautiful until the end. We thank you all so much for your support of her and of us throughout the past year and a half, for your prayers, and hugs. Words cannot express how much she will be missed, but she made the world a better place and we will take comfort in knowing that she made all of us better, too. We also take comfort knowing that she has gone to her richly deserved reward and is once again the life of the party.

In spite of all the pain we feel immensely grateful to be able to share in all the deep friendships that Linda spent her life nurturing between all of us. Because of this it's clear to us that we are the lucky ones in this struggle, and though it's hard to take consolation in that thought right now, we have faith that together with you we can look forward to a time not too far out when our wounds begin to heal and her memory will be a great strength and source of warmth in our lives.

We'll post again later with some more information and details of the arrangements, as well as other remembrances of Linda's life. In the meantime we love you all.
Andrea, Tony and Jim

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Wimmers,
You were and inspiration to so many and you will be greatly missed. I feel blessed to have been part of your life. May God's amazing love comfort all of those who will miss you.
Love ya!
Kelly Vereker

Anonymous said...

Linda,
Teacher, friend, minister, guide, inspiration, 'big sister', and so very much more! I am truly blessed to have been able to have you in my life! I truly thank God for you! You've made a difference every day of your life and will continue to do so forever! What an angel to have on our side!
God bless & LOVE YA!
Gina

Anonymous said...

Linda,
We will miss you very much. We feel lucky to have had such an angel up in Heaven though. God must have needed someone with amazing abilities and a huge heart for a big job up there. Earth won't be the same without you.

Love,
Erica, Jack and Nate

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim
I just received the sad news this afternoon. I was only lucky enough to meet Linda twice but I remember her very fondly. I'm more sorry than I can say that this has happened and hope that your friends and family help you through this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave Zelmon

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Tony, & Andrea,

I do not think that I have ever read a blog entry that was written with so much love. I am so sorry for your loss. All of you are in my prayers.

Love,
Carol Hillberg

Andy said...

Wimmers Family,
Thank you so much for taking the time to update this blog and share your lives like this. It has meant so much to share in this journey. It is hard to describe in words, but I'll never forget Mrs. Wimmers. She has meant so much to me and so many other people. You're in my thoughts.
Andy

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Tony, and Andrea,
You know I loved her. Please know I love you. This has been the hardest day since my mother died; I can't imagine how hard it is for you. Please know you have someone who shares deeply in your loss. With prayers, love, friendship, and sympathy...Mary Sue

Anonymous said...

Linda loved life, her family, and her friends and they all loved her. We are richer people because we have know Linda.
We will continue to keep all of you in or prayers.

Tom & Nancy Gamm and family

Pam said...

Dear Wimmers Family,
Your "Journey's End" post has begun my path to healing. The picture of Linda was medicine for my heart and your words a balm for my soul. Linda will never be far from us because of your love for her. Linds's legacy is alive and well.

Pam

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Tony, and Andrea,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for creating this wonderful blog, we always felt in touch. We have wonderful memories of Linda and will miss her greatly.

-Doherty Family
(Jim, JoAnn, Shannon, Erin, Bridget, and Maureen)

Anonymous said...

I regret never having the opportunity to meet Linda face to face, but in knowing her wonderful daughter Andrea and following this blog I have been fortunate enough to watch your journey unfold. From "here", it looks like Linda had a wonderful, love-filled and adventurous life. And at the end of the day, what else could you ask for, I guess?
Anyway, I just wanted you all to know.. our heart goes out to your family during this very difficult time.
Cynthia and Craig Holden (wilm)

Anonymous said...

Andrea, Jim and Tony,
My thoughts are with you. My words would fall far short. I simply want you to know that I've been inspired by your courage, grace and love...

Anonymous said...

I don't really have words to express myself right now, but I know that I will miss Mrs. Wimmers dearly, and there is no replacing such an amazing soul.
love you all,
Angela Zix

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Wimmers,
Thank you for all that you have done for me over the years. I know that we all have a great angel on our side and I know that you will be looking down on all of us! You are truely an amazing woman! You have inspired so many people over the years and I am so glad that you are no longer suffering!
I love you!
Jamie Lawson Jordan

Anonymous said...

Wimmers Family,

I am deeply sorry for your loss, as it is also a loss for us all. I have very fond memories of Mrs Wimmers from school, and her compassion, smile, and sense of humor. I hope you are able to find comfort in each other and the knowledge of the legacies and memories Mrs Wimmers has left us all here to cherish and carry on.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Wimmers,
My best memories are of your big hugs and bright smile. You showed me faith and the inspiring love you had for all those around you-when we led Kairos together. You're an inspiration and a fighter. Words can't express the profound impact you have made on so many lives. You're journey with the good Lord has only begun, may god carry you, and your family in the palm of his hand.
Love,
Molly McCaughey

Anonymous said...

Andrea, Mr. Jim, Tony, and Chris,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. After reading the blogs through this journey it is obvious Ms. Linda is a true angel. She will always be watching over you and helping you with life's decisions. Andrea, you are your mother's child. An angel yourself.

I Love You,
Rae

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Wimmer's passing. I have followed her blog for a long time now and continue to wonder why such an awful disease happened to such a wonderful woman. She was always a source of happiness at BHS and was truly the life of every room.

Anonymous said...

Dear Wimmers Family,
I am very sorry and shocked to hear that such a wonderful person has passed. I have very fond memories of Mrs. Wimmers as one of my favorite Math teachers during my high school and college careers. I always enjoyed coming to her class, and I actually learned the concepts behind algebra and pre-calculus during the two years I spent in her class. Thank you for all you have done and the appreciation for Math that you have instilled in me.

Sincerely,
James

Brittney Dudley said...

On Dec 1 I was in an internet cafe in Queenstown, New Zealand using 3 minutes of free internet to check my email. That is when I first leaned Linda had passed away. I went for a walk and tried to sort through what I was thinking. I was sad that Linda had died...but at the same time Wimmers is one of the few people who really seemed to live. The way she loved people and brought excitement to what she did...from mundane chores to festive events is something unique and something that inspired and bettered everyone who witnessed it. Linda made the world a better place and I can only assume she is in a far better one.

I send my deepest sympathies to the Wimmers family.
Brittney Dudley