Linda will forever be indellible in my mind and heart.

I was lucky enough to know her for many years when I lived in Chapel Hill. I witnessed her creative talent in film, and saw how the wonder of her eyes and  heart behind the camera opened people's lives to new understandings of each other, and helped them break through their fears and prejudices. She made the beauty of people's lives visible to one another.

I also saw the artisic furniture she designed and made. Her creativity overflowed.

I was there as a friend to her in the days before Annie joined her,  I will always see the shining beauty of her face when she made the decision to adopt Annie, and I witnessed her overwhelming joy when Annie arrived. Annie brought a purity of love to Linda which Linda had never before experienced, and Linda gave back to Annie a thousand fold. It was a relationship to behold and to cherish always.

I was taking care of my mother during those years, and my mother loved Annie. At 86 she got down on her hands and knees and crawled around Linda's dining room table, teaching Annie to crawl. What a scene that was!

Now Annie is a strong, beautiful and talented young woman. She has had a loving upbringing from a remarkable Mother, and will have the courage to bring forth her own talents and gifts to a needy world.

I have sent Linda my love and many prayers. I send my love to Annie forever.

My unending thanks go to all of you who were able to surround and hold Linda and Annie through these extremely challenging times.

Ellen Mitchell

July 30, 2011

Dear Linda-

Two years ago today, I met you in person for the first time.  We had been introduced to each other by a mutual friend, who thought we would have much in common.  We had both just started our cancer journeys, and we had much to share about our experiences, our hopes and dreams, our fears, our glimpses of wonder.  We wrote stories and poems to each other in email, then made the wonderful discovery - we shared the same birthday!   I had never before met anyone whose birthday was the same day as mine.  We were like little girls giggling at this, seeing cosmic meaning in both our meeting and our births.

Two years ago, I joined you and a group of lovely friends at your home for your birthday celebration.  Do you remember?  The temperature was just right and we all marvelled at what a lovely, perfect day it had been.  July 30th, and it was in the low 80's!

You showed me your beautiful garden, introduced me to your beloved daughter, sat in the outdoor swing and chatted, brought your dear friends over to meet me.  People had written and posted tributes to you all over your wall.  We had candles and song and starlight and fireflies.  There was so much love pouring over all of us in your backyard that night.  You loved so deeply and were loved so deeply in return.

Today, that love still pours over all of us.  Today is your birthday, and you're still giving us gifts:

The Caravan of the Unseen
enters the visible world,...
The other world keeps coming into this world.
Like cream hidden in the soul of milk,
No-place keeps coming into place ...
And from beyond intellect, beautiful Love
Comes dragging her skirts,
a cup of wine in her hand.
And from beyond Love,
that indescribable One
Who can only be called "That"
keeps coming.

Happy Birthday from Rumi and from Julie ,,,

My heart is heavy and joyous as I ponder Linda’s kind and generous nature.  She gave of her full heart to all she encountered.  I will miss her warm smile and vibrant spirit. 

Blessings to you all, 

Anna