I have such fond memories of the friendship Linda and I shared over the years.  Our friendship began when Linda started working at Crowe Foundry.  I had been working there for a number of years prior to Linda's being hired.  We both worked in the office and she was a hard worker, reliable and devoted to her job.  We had a lot of common interests and we became good friends.

We began going for lunch together, either to one of the Hespeler restaurants or to Linda's home which was not far from our work.  When my personal life took a down turn and my marriage was in trouble, it was Linda who helped me through the trauma.  She and Bob took me and my three children in to their home until we found a place of our own. We were only there for a couple of months and were treated with such kindness and made to feel like family. While we we there Linda, Bob and I attended the Crowe Christmas party.  Someone wanted my phone number and I very quickly gave them Linda's number.  Better that they call Bob and Linda than me. Linda came wth me when I was looking for a place of my own.  When I found one and she approved, she helped me to set it up and even gave me a few items she no longer had any use for.  For all of Linda's help I will be forever gratefui.

Linda took me to one of those "pioneer" (sorry, I can't remember what it was called) outings.  There I watched as she expertly threw a "tomahawk" and it was at this outing that Linda introduced me to rabbit stew.

When I eventually got together with someone we both knew from our work, she was the one who gave me the approval.  She would say if he didn't treat me well, she would "kick his butt"  And she would have.  

Sadly, our friendship took a break when Bob got ill.  I think we were both just to engrossed in our lives and too proud to ask for help from each other.  But when Bob passed, I went to the funeral and after I spoke with Linda, we rekindled our friendship.  I am so glad that she had it in her heart to forgive my selfishness of not being the friend she needed at the time her husband was ailing.

When Linda was no longer able to work at Crowe, due to her health, I continued to visit her and had lunch with her at least once week.  Linda had beautiful flower gardens and she gave me some of her orange lilies so I could plant them in my flower garden.  Linda was the one I took with me to McMaster to visit my daughter and my new born premature granddaughter.  Linda helped us celebrate Sophia's first birthday a year later.  Ken and I had Linda over to our place for a barbecue on more than one occasion.  We were able to sit on our back deck and talk about people, events, have some laughs and a few drinks.  I remember taking the afternoon off from work when she moved in to Jamieson so I could help her.

When Crowe shut down, I wasn't in Hespeler so often.  But I still tried to make time for visits, although I do regret that they weren't as frequent.  Then when I had my accident in 2013, I was unable to get around and not having a car anymore since 2015 made going anywhere a challenge.  I called Linda whenever I could especially on her birthday and at Christmas time.  But our calls were becoming less and less.

And then just recently I learned that Linda was at Hilltop Manor. How I wish now that I would have kept in touch more.  It saddens me greatly to learn that Linda has passed.  I didn't have a chance to say good bye to my friend.  Because of my mobility issues and lack of transportation I will probably not make it to the funeral service.  But I will be there in thought and spirit.  My prayers will be for all of Linda's family and friends.

This much I can say that I have learned about friendships:

Value your friendships.  Good and loyal friends are few and far between.

Never let illness, hurt or drama come between you and good friends.  Learn to lean on your friends and be there for them.

Always make a point to keep in touch with your friends.  You never know when the opportunity will be taken from you.

My friends are little lamps to me.  Their radiance warms and cheers my ways.  And all my pathway, dark and lone, is brightened by their rays.  I try to keep them bright by faith, and never let them dim with doubt.  For every time I lose a friend a little lamp goes out.

Rest in peace, dear Linda.