Today's blog is dedicated to my friend, Linda (nlindabrit). I received the terrible news this morning that after a long battle with several health issues, she passed away peacefully in hospital.
My heart is broken. Linda was an inspiration to me. Always kind and gracious, she never failed to give words of encouragement to others. Critter Alley readers will remember her comments after nearly every blog post. She always took time to reach out to others. And her talent at writing was tremendous, though she only recently began to send her work out on a competitive basis.
Just three days ago on her own blog, she posted her excitement over winning first place in a writing contest. Linda was a superb writer who particularly enjoyed writing western stories, frequently related to the Big Valley television series. I'm so glad she received this news in time to know that even to impartial judges, her work was second to none.
In addition to being a caring person always ready to give a nudge of support to people, she loved critters. Linda and her husband, Tom, adopted several rescued Dalmatians. She also sponsored rescued draft horses, and from time to time posted their pictures with pride.
It's so strange how friendships develop over cyberspace. We share thoughts, concerns, and dreams, and come to know each other better than many people we see on a daily basis. Though I never met Linda in person, I counted her among my dearest friends.
Linda, the world will be a sadder and more lonely place without you. My heart goes out to Tom, her beloved husband, and Floyd, their most recent rescued Dal.
I can hardly believe that I won't see another post from nlindabrit.
God bless you, Linda. I will love you and miss you forever.
16 comments:
Oh, Pat. I'm literally close to tears. I always enjoyed reading Linda's cheery comments on your blog, and they were usually the first one of the day. I had no idea she was ill. I, too, will miss not seeing her blog name. And you are so correct about the friendships that are formed through the internet.
I am so sorry to hear that you lost such a good friend.
It was wonderful that she won first place, it must have made her so happy.
Linda must have been a very special person to help all those animals, she will have a special place in heaven.
Lynne xx
A lovely tribute to a lovely lady, Pat. Her loss is incalculable. She is irreplaceable. Following her example, we will "soldier on" here, but it won't be easy.
Thank you Pat for this tribute to our Linda. I will miss her greatly.
wow what a beautiful post. i am so sorry for the news! what a wonderful tribute for your friend and you have kept her alive just by your thoughts and memories!
I'm sorry to hear you lost a dear friend. She sounds like a lovely person.♥
My dogness! How many losses recently? I don't want to count. I'm so sorry for your friend and that's that. I'm speechless in view of so many sudden losses.
Twinkie and family
Dear Pat,
As we are new blog pals I did not get the opportunity to enjoy your friend Linda's comments but can tell by the responses here that she brought a special touch to your communications. I clicked over to her blog and read how happy she was in winning the Western writing contest. What a dream come true!
We are so sorry to hear of your friend Linda's death. It is kind of amazing how we make buddies on blogs and they seem as close as people we know in person/or in dog as the case may be. Our hearts have been broken alot lately over losses of blog friends. Last year at this time Klaus, Bogart's Daddy and Lulu's husband passed away and our mommy burst out crying when she found out.Our Daddy was so kind and compassionate towards her because he & Mommy prayed for a miracle,which wasn't to be. Mommy had no idea that his death would cause her,just a blogging friend, so much grief, but it did. We really understand your sadness.
X-BabyRocketDog & Hootie (&Cassie)
Really sorry to read about Linda.
Sounds like a really nice lady.
Wizz
Very sorry for the loss of your friend. I don't mind aging for the most part - save for the loss that comes with it...
Pat, so sorry to hear about your loss. It hurts; I know.
Hi Pat,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Linda. Although I didn't know her, I read her posts, which were always supportive and encouraging. How wonderful for her to have won first place in the writing contest.
Hugs,
Donna
Just a few days ago, something she said made me look up her blog. I'm shocked to lose someone I just met; I'm sure it must be horrible for you. She definitely touched more people than she even knew about.
I am so sorry Pat. Anyone who has a heart for animals is a special person in my book. I hope she left writing behind that perhaps her husband can share with the world one day.
She will leave a void behind but will also leave you with many fond memories. I don't believe paths are crossed by accident. I have enjoyed getting to know you through our blogs and our love of animals.
Ann
I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. What a lovely tribute. I have been amazed at the bond I've made with some of my blogging pals.
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