Sunday, November 29, 2009
Now and Forever
One year ago today, Linda left us. As we look back at all the entries in this blog, it occurred to us that far too much of it is about Linda’s illness. While it was certainly the catalyst that brought all together, years from now this should not be a testament to how she died, but rather to how she lived. No one who knew her was surprised at how bravely she dealt with her illness, but if some stranger should come upon this blog, what you should really understand is that Linda showed us all how to live and enjoy a full life, while committing herself to helping and inspiring everyone around her. She was our friend, our teacher, our mentor and so much more. Each of us is a different and better person because Linda let us into her life. We can never forget her, because she is part of who we are.
Jim, Andrea, Tony (and Linda)
Andrea has posted her own memories of her mother today on her own blog, and would like to share them with you. Just follow this link: http://talleybaby.blogspot.com/2009/11/one-year.html
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15 comments:
Wow! Whoever made the Now & Forever did an amazing job! I really cried. What a beautiful person! I'm sorry I had to miss yesterday's celebration of Linda's life but I had some DARK CHOCOLATE M&Ms. Love to all-
Gina
Everytime I check my email, I catch myself going back and replaying this video. It fills my heart with both joy and sadness at the same time. As the song says," We are the lucky ones, some people never get to do all that we got to do." We contiue to be truly blessed by her friendship.
During this Christmas season, Listen to Josh Groban's "Believe"....One of Linda's favorites. I feel it is exactly what she'd want us to do with our lives...the very lives that she inspired.
" Believe in what your heart is saying, hear the melody that's playing. There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate. Believe in what you feel inside, and give your dreams the wings to fly. You have everything you need, if you just believe."
Sue N
Oh I'm sorry I missed being there with everyone at mass. The crazy thing is I drove past the church on Saturday and just felt I should go on Sunday in her memory...obviously I didn't but I'm so glad a group of people did! I listened to the CD I made her and my Karios church songs....so I'm sure Linda was singin along with me as I drove :o) The video sooo made me cry but laugh at the same time :o) It was really beautiful!
I still think of her often and will remember her always. The video is beautiful.
-Love, Julie Mayer
I had a special moment yesterday at school. I went down to get lunch from the student cafeteria (I usually bag my lunch and if not there is a separate faculty cafeteria at the crazy big school of St. X) and so this was one of the first times I have ever gone to get food in the main student cafeteria during lunch. I went through the line and one of my students was behind me. I was inspired by Linda's example and paid for the student's lunch along with my own. I said nothing and heard the cafeteria check out worker explain to the student his meal was paid for as I quietly walked away. Linda did this all the time and as I walked away from the cafeteria I truly felt her presence and was filled with joy and peace. Looking at this beautiful video and reading these memories makes me so blessed to know her (I still feel her presence among us) and inspires me to be more like her - living each day to the fullest. Andrea, thanks for sharing the special memories on your blog - it was a neat chance to see Linda in a different way. Thanks to all for sharing.
I was just checking in and was so blessed to see the video and Linda's smiling face again... thank you for continuing her story through this blog.
His Hope&Peace,
Becky
I haven't written on the blog since Linda was alive and I think it's because I never wanted to accept that she is gone. I think about her often and it's no surprise what a huge presence she still has in the Willen family and always will. In day to day life I come across little things that remind me of her... whether it's a thoughtful gift she's given me (of course Linda was always my "cool" aunt), a recipe of hers I'm making for something, or just doing something fun I know she would've also enjoyed. But yesterday I was given this at work and immediately thought of Linda and so I wanted to share... some of you may have heard it. (I don't even know who sill reads the blog, but I think this is just as much for Linda and myself). The second half describes Linda to the fullest always living a life that mattered.
WHAT WILL MATTER
"Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brillant. Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but you character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters."
Love you Linda, miss you terribly.
Eleanor
It is Linda"s birthday. I strolled through Advantage Linda and listened to Now and Forever again. The 100th time I think. The ache remains still. I saw Sue Niehaus today. It was good to get a hug. Sue my thoughts and prayers are with. This was a bitter sweet trip down memory lane. I love you Linda.
Sad sorry, really great video. May she rest in piece.
That is a beautiful tribute. Even though I never met either of you I caught a tear watching it. I know it has been nearly 2 years now but I would like to extend belated sympathies to you and your family.
Came across your memorial page to Linda while browsing. I don't know if you are still receiving comments, but if so, "thank you for sharing." Blessings, Trinda
I was feeling pretty blah and down, working on something for my own blog. Something made me click on the "Next blog>>" option at the top of the page -- and your blog was the next blog.
So strangers do wander through your doors... and thank you for receiving us so kindly, and sharing your Linda. It was an honor.
Bianca
Anniversary three. I had to watch the tribute again just to be a little closer. I have been challenged to find a person of merit to hold up as an example for the next year. Linda will be mine.
beautiful feelings
Nice blog ! Thanks for sharing...
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