Monday, August 27, 2007
I got an e-mail from another friend in Cranbrook when she saw Linda's obit in the paper. I stayed at that friend's place shortly after Linda's birthday this year, when I drove out to visit her. Linda & I had lunch together; she insisted on having it at her place instead of me taking her out! Afterwards, we walked in the snowy neighbourhood, she with her trusty walking stick, as she so often had, way back in McBride & Creston too. We met in the mid 70's at the High Level Natural Foods Co-op & it was through her & John that I met my future husband, Kent. He & I lived in Clearwater, BC for a time before settling down in Creston. Linda came to stay with us & our two school aged kids when she first moved to the Kootenays, looking to set up her own business. She was wonderful company for me, especially, as already our marriage was on rocky ground by the mid 90's. My newly estranged spouse, Linda & I almost drove up to McBride together late that Dec. '97 after John's own death, til the memorial plans changed.Linda & I kept in touch always, by letter & phone & we walked many a walk together. I loved her funny laugh, have many recipes from her & even kept the thoughtful card that she gave us after we had to put our dog down. "All of God's creatures are dear to us...," she wrote.I had moved on my own to Calgary, well after our kids were on their own also, & saw her briefly during her early days at the Tom Baker Centre. (My new partner had just spent some time there himself.) I phoned her several times afterwards; not often enough, sadly.I knew that Linda was giving her life up to God....in many ways. That is our only comfort now, that she is over her suffering & in His glorious home.Although I have never met any of you, I recall she spoke often with great fondness for her family. So I just wanted you to know that I miss her very much too! Amen.Maureen Raboud
