No one ever dies as long as someone remembers them. At least that is the way I see it. Suzanne, who picks her friends very, very carefully, loved Linda. She sees her in heaven scouring the sale racks for outfits for her next Junket; probably some of the Angels are making a movie.
For me Linda lives, not in the flesh, but in the mind and heart. Images of her are strong now and may fade some as years go by, but they will endure because she made a powerful impression on us. I can see her now with a split of very nice Champagne (with Strawberry of course); she’s in our kitchen dressed to the 9’s preparing her special stuffed pork chops for dinner. Suzanne remembers their shopping trips together, especially the time Linda helped her pick out upgrades to our rugs, curtains, and bed spreads. They were well-known at Home Goods stores throughout the area. They also knew where the high end places were.
Of course we will never forget the honor of hosting Jim’s and Linda’s wedding on our lawn and her insistence that our dog, Buddy, be invited. Later she developed an equally loving relationship with Buddy’s successor, Barney. Our dogs loved Linda as she loved them. They knew quality when they saw it.
Despite living on opposite ends of the country, we were able to get together with Jim and Linda every September when they visited from Georgia; we always made a pilgrimage to Red Sails, her favorite restaurant in San Diego. I can see her now sharing with Jim a taste of Clam Chowder and one or two breaded Calamari ( a very light eater).
A special memory is of her perched on her favorite spot on the beach in Coronado devouring yet another book and basking in the beautiful, San Diego sunshine.
While it is understood that tomorrow is promised to no one and I believe what I wrote about living in memory, I can’t help but feel sad and angry that this beautiful lady’s move to San Diego and the kind of retirement she and Jim planned is not to be. It’s a stern reminder that Life simply is not fair, and it fairly shouts, to quote Robert Herrick, “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”
Rest in Peace, Beautiful Lady,
Ross and Suzanne Warfel