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

I Will

Hi everyone. One week from now will be the one year anniversary of Linda's passing. I've heard lots of people who have lost a loved one say this, but it's true--some days it seems like 10 years, and other days it seems like yesterday. The 9:30 Mass at St. John's next Sunday is being said for Linda, and I know many of her family and friends plan on being there. We will go over to the cemetery afterwards, and bring our flowers and memories with us. If anyone would like to stop by our house on Sunday, Sue Burns has volunteered to serve brunch here, so all you have to bring is your favorite story about Linda. Tony and Beth may be here also. Any time after noon would be a good time to meet us back at the house. We would love to see you.

Andrea and I are working on something special for the blog post next Sunday. In the meantime, the picture here is one of my favorites, taken on our second trip to Hawaii outside of a restaurant on Maui, obviously at sunset. I thought I would also share "our song" with everyone. To no great surprise, it's from the Beatles, and I first sang it to her nearly 40 years ago in the back of Tony Gerhardstein's car. We never realized it would have as much meaning now as ever before. I still sing it to her every week--

I Will

Who knows how long I've loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely lifetime
If you want me to I will

For if I ever saw you
I didn't catch your name
But it never really mattered
I will always feel the same

Love you forever, and for ever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we're together
Love you when we're apart

And when at last I find you
Your song will fill the air
Sing it loud so I can hear you
Make it easy to be near you
For the things you do endear you
To me oh, you know I will
I will

A Fitting Tribute

I went over to Badin High School today and got to see Sue Niehaus, Gina Helms, Dirk Allen, Linda Weathers and Frank Margello. I just dropped by to see the new window to the Campus Ministry Office. The picture doesn't really do the artwork justice, and it really is a work of art. I'll try to get a better picture later, but these will have to do for now. It's just to the right of the main entrance to the school, where every student walks by, every morning. Gina says it's added a lot of pressure to her job now, knowing she has a legacy to live up to every time she walks into her office.
I imagine there will be a lot more posts in the coming weeks approaching the one year anniversary. Not sure what we'll do yet, but I will let you know.
Love ya,
Jim (& Linda)

Starfish

Hi Everybody,
Jim here. For some reason, I just felt like sharing a few things today. It was about this time last year that we visited a specialist in Columbus, and we switched to the last of the medications, which would only work for a few more months. Even though we would make another trip to Wilmington after that, it seems to mark the beginning of the end for me, and all the memories that come with it.

And even though Linda has been gone for nine months now, I still see her and remember her in so many things that happen each and every day.

I have a friend who says that whenever she finds a dime on the ground, she believes one of her departed loved ones left it and it's a sign that they are near. Last week was the first Trestle drive block party without Linda. While I was out in the driveway, one of the neighbors happened to say that he felt like Linda was still with us. Just then I happened to look down, and there on the concrete was a dime. I know it's silly, but it made me cry anyway.

And the Starfish story keeps coming up over and over again as well. Sue Niehaus told me that the "In-service presenter" who spoke to the Badin faculty on the first day of school (and who knew nothing about Linda) used the Starfish story in his speech, and got a teary-eyed reaction from many of the teachers that surely must have confused him :)

Thanks to so many people who donated to Linda's Scholarship fund, Badin was able to provide assistance to 21 students who otherwise might not have been able to afford the tuition. I've received some of the most heartwarming letters from these students, as well as from their parents, expressing their appreciation that so much good could come from her passing. Some of the students promise to "Pay it forward", and help other students with their tuition after they graduate. The last one that came was from a parent, and said:

I would like to sincerely thank you for the contribution from your wife's Scholarship Fund to our son.
"Our daughter is a senior this year and I remember when she came home from school and shared with me your wife's Starfish story that you spoke to the students about. Our daughter was deeply touched by your speech...
..I feel very blessed to consider our son one of your wife's "starfish".


Then two nights ago, out of the blue I received an email from one of Linda's past students that said:

One morning, sometime after 2 I think, during my freshman year at Notre Dame I discovered Linda's blog. That night I got caught up on all of the previous posts and then went to the grotto to light a candle and say a prayer that God would take care of your family.

Here I am a senior, again it is the wee hours of the morning, and for whatever reason my thoughts turned to Linda.
Maybe it is because I am trying to write an essay about altruism. I am supposed to define altruism and then give some examples in 600 words. To a knowing audience, only two words are needed: Linda Wimmers.
Maybe it is just God's way of telling me to step up and be a better person, and that Linda should be my example.
I am going to walk over to the grotto now and light another candle for your family. Luckily, it is a football weekend and there are thousands of alumni who will visit the grotto tomorrow, light a candle, and say a prayer for all of the candles. That is a lot of prayers.
Just a final thought: I know that there are a lot of starfish Linda never got to, but I want to make sure you know that there are many that she did.

And so I feel better knowing that Linda lives on not just in my memory, but through all the good that she did in her life and all the people who were influenced and inspired by her to be a force for good in their own lives. That's certainly been the case for me... I'm just one of the many starfish she made a difference for, and maybe the luckiest.

Love you all,
Jim (& Linda)

From Sue Niehaus

Today is May 18th. I am sure we are all thinking about and missing Linda this week as we remember the wonderful birthday party last year. If anyone reads this comment, how about we all submit a Linda moment or memory that celebrates her life.

Here's mine ...It may sound crazy, but I believe it with all my heart!!!!
Every morning I light a candle to welcome Linda's presence. Somedays I feel her more than others, but it's a wonderful way to begin your day. Two weeks ago, I hoped that it would be a day that I truly felt her presence. I was really missing her! When I welcomed her, I got a spontaneous answer in my heart that she was busy and couldn't sit with me because she was meeting Ghandi. It was so Linda, that I knew it was her talking to me. It was a GREAT feeling!!!!!!
Sue Niehaus

Video Contest

Hey everyone who still happens to be checking this blog. Andrea here. My dad told me about a contest hosted by kidneycancer.org to promote awareness of kidney cancer. So I made this video for the contest, and to keep the memory of my mom alive. The more views it gets, the better chance we have of winning the contest. So view it as often as you please, and forward it to your friends and family if you like. Thanks for your help!

The Posters

Hi Everybody,


Jim here again. If you read Brittny Dudley's comment on the last post (or if you tried to attend), you know that the prayer service didn't take place on the 23rd. You may recall that was the night of freezing rain, and Badin had to cancel all their events. Since all the ex-Badin students who planned to attend are back at college, Gina Helms is going to try and arrange something in May, (perhaps on Linda's birthday, May 21st).

That night I had intended to bring the collages that Jay Jackson (husband of Andrea's longtime gradeschool and highschool friend, Susan Wenner Jackson) had prepared for Linda's visitation. Since that didn't happen I've decided to post them here. If you click on the picture, you get a fairly high resolution image.

Also, if you'd like the 50 minute video of the Remembrences we recorded at Linda's visitation, send me an email at jwimmers@cinci.rr.com with your address. Let me know if you want a DVD or CD(Windows Media Player format).

I haven't decided how to end the blog yet, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it will be hard to say goodbye to everyone who traveled this road with us. Also, I'm not sure what my parting comments would/should be. And finally, Andrea and Sue Niehaus are encouraging me to keep it open at least till the prayer service takes place. So we'll see what happens.

Bye for now,
Luv ya,
Jim