Linda L. Whitten: A Tribute
Continuing a tribute for Linda L. Whitten, A Member of the SIME~GEN WELCOMMITTEE, cartoonist, fanzine contributor, who passed away in May, 2004 after a long battle with breast cancer. The entry page to Linda L. Whitten: A Tribute
Part of A Companion in Zeor
Remembrances, for inclusion, can be e-mailed to Karen MacLEOD
NO GOODBYES, JUST GREAT MEMORIES OF LINDA
by Michael Edelson and Ann Redding
Ann and I had known Linda since about 1991. We met her on GEnie. She was
one of the first people, in fact, that we met on GEnie and exchanged e-mail
with. Our discussions on the groups kept us going, laughing, crying, and in
general, just enjoying her wit and wisdom. The biggest surprise was when
she called us by phone and we talked for hours (about 6 if I recall...the
sun was starting to come up when we said goodnight). It was like we were
old friends who knew each other and were just picking up a conversation
that had been going on for years and years.
We were glad to see, at one point, that Linda was "flirting" with a
gentleman on the Wiccan/Pagan discussion groups on GEnie. We all had hopes
that something might happen for Linda and this guy. In time they went their
separate ways though. But even to this day, Bluebirdofhappiness (the
gentleman's nickname) will ask us how Linda is doing. It is going to be
hard to tell him of Linda's passing. Linda, you see, helped him to recover
from his divorce. That is how Linda was. When someone needed her healing
and loving spirit, Linda was there at the right time and place. I cannot
begin to count all the times she was there for us through thick and thin.
We always enjoyed hearing about her projects, about her cats, what she did
to put some rude individual in his/her place, and all that made Linda happy
and full of life. To Linda the cup was always FULL..none of this half full,
or half empty stuff for Linda.
Then came the time we learned she was battling breast cancer. She assured us
that she was going to "kick its ass." She never told us just how bad things
were. Though we knew as time went on and she told us it had spread.
Sometimes having too much knowledge (as is our case) is no blessing. But
still, through it all Linda kept that spirit of hers up and even though we
knew she was in great pain and suffering she never let on. We know she was
looking forward to going home to live with her mother. She told us then,
without saying the words. We just did not want to hear. We knew, too, that
she was worried about her cats, her friends, and especially, her mother.
She was worried about her coven, yet she knew they would be fine.
We knew she was tired and the time was near.
Ann and I sat here trying to find a way to get the money to fly out and see Linda. You see, we never met Linda face to face. But she was such a part of us, and our lives; she was
always an e-mail or phone call away. We are sad to know that we never got
around to that face to face meeting with Linda, because of financial
problems and our handicaps.
Yet, Linda has a permanent place in our hearts, and our minds. She will
always be a part of us. Linda became the big sister my biological sister
was not. Linda was the sister I always wanted to have.
She may be gone but she is still a part of Ann's and my life. She will be
that part that taught us, laughed with us, cried with us when Tiger passed
on to Rainbow Bridge, helped us welcome Ashley when we brought her home
from the animal shelter. Linda was the unexpected phone call that always
makes a day bright and worth looking back on with joy.
We will miss Linda and her cartoons, her humor, her "I am woman, now don't
piss me off" attitude. We will miss her e-mails and the phone calls just to
say HI.
Rest in Peace, dear Linda, and know that you taught us well. You made us
laugh and showed us that even when things are going lousy there is
something to laugh at. We will look for you in our time. Please look for
Tiger and tell her that we still love her and miss her..and her spirit did
well by choosing Ashley...
*5 *6
Mike, Ann, and Ashley cat, too
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