To Linda and all who loved her - letter written by her sister Debbie
TO LINDA AND ALL WHO LOVED HER
On November 26, 1947, Linda Ann Parr entered this world. She was barely 5 pounds and her feet were turned backward. There was a story written when I was a child about the journey our feet would take us, and it was true. As soon as Linda was walking, her journey began. She was a protector. Not only did she protect us, she protected everyone she cared about. However, the real depth of her character showed when she protected those that could not protect themselves. Even though many of them were strangers, it didn’t matter. To Linda, everyone mattered.
She shared her heart with two countries. When we were there, we were so happy to see how many people truly loved our sister and were comforted to know how lovingly you supported her during her last days on earth. We also know that to some of you she was your support system and how much she truly loved you. For that, we will always be grateful.
At home, being with Linda was like living in a Reality Comedy Show 24 hours a day. One time we took her to a live play and her laughter caused the characters on stage to laugh. They actually stopped the show and shined a flashlight on her. This only caused her to laugh harder. The told her they wanted to make sure she wouldn’t forget to breath!
Although Linda’s laughter will be her legacy, she had a feisty side too. You did not want to cross her path if she saw you mistreating a child, abuse the elderly or even insulting America. When this happened her wrath would turn her tiny body into a fiery monster! Heaven help anyone that crossed that path because she was coming for you!
Thirty one years ago Phil took a beautiful gift to Australia, my sister. Although she didn’t feel at home and she missed her family terribly, she chose to stay and open her heart to all of you. Throughout those thirty one years she made lifelong friends and became part of another family and I knew that she was happy. It was only then that I could say goodbye.
Even though she was thousands of miles away our love remained strong and we were always connected.
Although I am at peace now knowing that she will be free to fly between both countries, to watch her grandchildren grow up and hopefully guide us as we continue on to finish our journey, it is still very hard to say good-bye to my sister again. Even though I know we will meet again, and it will be as if time had stood still. Our love will be as strong then as it is today and was yesterday. Illness may have taken her body, but her spirit will live forever in our hearts.
As her journey came to an end on 08/16/2013, she left this earth with wings instead of feet. Friends and family try to comfort me and say that she’s in a better place but to me, heaven became a better place the day my sister arrived.
With a heavy heart and teary eyes I say good-bye.
Love,
Debbie
Oh and by the way, Linda is sitting on my shoulder right now telling me to keep writing because she never knew how wonderful she was and maybe she could have liked herself more!