Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday.......February 15th.....2011
Today......the 16th.....is Janines birthday......I thought it was the 15th.......but at least I am thinking.....and valentine cards went to the grand kids in a timely manner......now in Central Oregon for business.....went over a very stormy snowy pass today...have not lost the touch......
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday....February 13th...2011
Happy Valentines day to all of you tomorrow ..my Valentine is in Heaven.....Happy Valentinea day dear Linda......
Dave is "getting out there"....on the advice of a wise one.....today he went to volleyball games and dinner with Jim and Jenn......tomorrow he. Goes to view a trial conclusion and Tuesday to Eugene for some Wings work and then on to Bend to meet with realtors, the accountant and his broker and then some skiing.......in March a Florida trip.is coming together ....thanks for the phone calls and messages of support...and supporting my journey....
Dave is "getting out there"....on the advice of a wise one.....today he went to volleyball games and dinner with Jim and Jenn......tomorrow he. Goes to view a trial conclusion and Tuesday to Eugene for some Wings work and then on to Bend to meet with realtors, the accountant and his broker and then some skiing.......in March a Florida trip.is coming together ....thanks for the phone calls and messages of support...and supporting my journey....
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday.....February 10th...2011
Dave found Linda's "I'm going to beat this because"...written sometime during her cancer journey...she wrote down 4 things on 4 different pieces of "I'm going to beat this because.....
They were:
1. I'm going to beat this because I want to travel to Nebraska in the motor coach with Marlin and Joni in June.....she did accomplish this and saw her many relatives and was very happy and satisfied she had carried through with this desire.....
2. I'm going to beat this because I want to travel to Egypt and Greece..... not accomplished....she dreamed of going to Europe and specifically the middle eastern countries of Egypt and Greece....towards the end she just wanted to fly to California to see her friend Mary....Mary came to see her instead....
3. I'm going to beat this because I want to be here for Janine's wedding and the grandchild's birth and babyhood....Janine has other ideas like being single....Linda loved babies...and loved dearly her two grand children...she just couldn't figure out why there could only be 2 of them with 5 kids...
4. I'm going to beat this because I want to watch Jeff grow into the life he dreams of with a home and a family....this was the one she carried to the end...she wanted so much for Jeff....she always saw him as very talented and personable and never quite understood the directions he has taken....he still has time...plenty of time...and his Mother IS watching and still dreaming her dream for him....
They were:
1. I'm going to beat this because I want to travel to Nebraska in the motor coach with Marlin and Joni in June.....she did accomplish this and saw her many relatives and was very happy and satisfied she had carried through with this desire.....
2. I'm going to beat this because I want to travel to Egypt and Greece..... not accomplished....she dreamed of going to Europe and specifically the middle eastern countries of Egypt and Greece....towards the end she just wanted to fly to California to see her friend Mary....Mary came to see her instead....
3. I'm going to beat this because I want to be here for Janine's wedding and the grandchild's birth and babyhood....Janine has other ideas like being single....Linda loved babies...and loved dearly her two grand children...she just couldn't figure out why there could only be 2 of them with 5 kids...
4. I'm going to beat this because I want to watch Jeff grow into the life he dreams of with a home and a family....this was the one she carried to the end...she wanted so much for Jeff....she always saw him as very talented and personable and never quite understood the directions he has taken....he still has time...plenty of time...and his Mother IS watching and still dreaming her dream for him....
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesay....February 9th....2011....
Tough days trying to get the new Droid phone working right....saving lots over what we had before but not all worked out yet....also working on financilas of which the formulas are not being obvious to me....two days of frustration on the above...Friday is dinner preparation for the Listening Heart Wings team...Linda and I had committed to doing it as she wouldn't be able to do the full seminar like she did in September...it is/was our favorite seminar as it is for couples...dear friend Claudia is going to help me cook and prepare it...I will owe her big....
Nice weather.....maybe some outside work tomorrow... .
Nice weather.....maybe some outside work tomorrow... .
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday...February 9th...2011
Sorry Dave has been off line...
New computer with no more Verizon internet..but now back to smart phone....and just out of a Wings Seminar....
Trying to catch my breath and get some tax and client stuff done that Linda was unable to complete...having some trouble but trying to stay calm and "eat an elephant one bite at a time".
New computer with no more Verizon internet..but now back to smart phone....and just out of a Wings Seminar....
Trying to catch my breath and get some tax and client stuff done that Linda was unable to complete...having some trouble but trying to stay calm and "eat an elephant one bite at a time".
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday...February 4th...2011
Linda's sister Karen's Service Reading at the Celebration of Linda....
The certain hope of every child of God is that death is not the end but only the gate to greater life. This keeps believers from fearing death. If we gave our heart to Jesus, we can be certain that He prepared a place for us in His Father's house. Death is not a pit but a tunnel leading to a far greater fullness of light than we ever saw before, because we shall then be in the light of God. (Devotional by Corrie ten Boom, world wide missionary evangelist)
Linda also attended St. Olaf College for it's music courses. She sang in the school choir. When Linda and Dave were married, she sang a song to him. She also sang many solo's in church. The hymn "My Redeemer Lives" was inspired by the verse in Job from the devotional.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And . . . in my flesh shall I see God.
Job 19: 25-26 KJV
The certain hope of every child of God is that death is not the end but only the gate to greater life. This keeps believers from fearing death. If we gave our heart to Jesus, we can be certain that He prepared a place for us in His Father's house. Death is not a pit but a tunnel leading to a far greater fullness of light than we ever saw before, because we shall then be in the light of God. (Devotional by Corrie ten Boom, world wide missionary evangelist)
Linda also attended St. Olaf College for it's music courses. She sang in the school choir. When Linda and Dave were married, she sang a song to him. She also sang many solo's in church. The hymn "My Redeemer Lives" was inspired by the verse in Job from the devotional.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And . . . in my flesh shall I see God.
Job 19: 25-26 KJV
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thursday...February 3rd...2011
We plan on spreading Lindas's ashes this early summer at Pamila Lake in the Mt Jefferson wilderness...the hike is easy..... see below...this is where we hiked with the kids a few times and spent the night when they were young..it brought special meaning to Linda...so we will honor her in this place...
Season: Summer thru Fall
Permit: Special Pass Required - Detroit Ranger Station
Features: This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness area. After one visit, you'll see why. This place is just plain fantastic!
Keep in mind you must obtain a special use permit to hike/camp in the Pamelia Lake / Hunts Cove area of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. But don't worry, the permits are free, but only a limited number are given out each day. So get to the Detriot Ranger Station early! Or better yet, call ahead. Here is the contact info:
Detroit Ranger District
HC73, Box 320
Mill City, OR 97360
Phone 503-854-3366
FAX 503-854-4239
Summer hours: 7 days a week 8-4:30 Memorial Day - Columbus Day
Regular hours: Monday-Friday 8-4:30
The trail to Pamelia Lake begins fairly gently as it follows Pamelia Creek most of the way to the lake. From time to time you will have excellent opportunities to enjoy the creek and it's beautiful cascades.
At about 2.3 miles you will come to the shore of Pamelia Lake. Your first sight of this gorgeous lake can be overwhelming, depending on the weather and season.
Pamelia Lake Trail is one of the best day hikes in Oregon.
One of the biggest draws of this hike is the wonderful stream that meanders along the right side of the trail. Because the stream is fed by the surrounding mountains snow melt, this stream has a slightly different character and intensity depending upon what time of year you do this hike. This factor makes this a hike that is fun to do a couple times a year.
The trail is around 5 miles in total length. Two and a half miles in to a sweet little lake that is nesseld within the bowl of the surrounding mountains and another two and a half miles back out along the same trail.
Once you get to the lake you can add another mile or so to the hike by hiking around the lake. The trail is not a difficult one and provides many interesting things to look at along the way. There are many areas along the trail with easy access to the stream. You will walk among a nice combination of disiduous and coniferous trees. Trilliums abound on this trail along with many other wild flowers. The lake is quite still and a good place to sit and look for fish, we can almost guarantee that you will see some. This is a very satisfying hike and provides a lot of enjoyment without a lot of work.
Pamelia Lake is located 7 miles north of Detroit, OR.
Directions:
• From Salem, OR, take Oregon State Highway 22 to milepost 68 turn left onto Pamelia Lake Road..
• The road is a narrow but paved, one lane with turnouts.
• Drive straight for about 3 miles and you will come to the trailhead
• There are limited bathroom facilities and no running water.
Every Oregon great outdoors hiking trail has something unique to offer. Oregon is a good place for backcountry walkers. Here in Oregon backpacking is the perfect thing to do. There are so many backpacking and hiking trails in this area. All through the summertime, highs usually are in the 70's at Pamelia Lake Trail. Once the sun is down it descends down to the 50's. High temperatures during the wintertime are normally in the 40's, and night lows in the 30's
• Pamelia is a 50-acre hike-in lake surrounded by nice fir forests in an alpine setting. Splendid views of Mount Jefferson can be had from many points around the lake. Scenic beauty aside, Pamelia may hold little appeal to serious anglers. Both rainbows and brook trout are abundant, but small. Trout average 7-10 inches with very few bigger fish. Nevertheless, you will catch lots of fish, and there is no limit on brook trout. The lake is open all year, and all fishing methods are permitted, including bait. Bank access is good around the whole lake, and good catches can be made by casting spinners, eggs, worms, or small streamer flies. A float tube may help increase the action, giving anglers access to the deeper, middle section of the lake and brushy shorelines. Consider taking light tackle to increase the sportiness of these fish. Ultralight spinning rods and fly rods in 2- and 3-weights are ideal.
Season: Summer thru Fall
Permit: Special Pass Required - Detroit Ranger Station
Features: This is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Mt Jefferson Wilderness area. After one visit, you'll see why. This place is just plain fantastic!
Keep in mind you must obtain a special use permit to hike/camp in the Pamelia Lake / Hunts Cove area of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness. But don't worry, the permits are free, but only a limited number are given out each day. So get to the Detriot Ranger Station early! Or better yet, call ahead. Here is the contact info:
Detroit Ranger District
HC73, Box 320
Mill City, OR 97360
Phone 503-854-3366
FAX 503-854-4239
Summer hours: 7 days a week 8-4:30 Memorial Day - Columbus Day
Regular hours: Monday-Friday 8-4:30
The trail to Pamelia Lake begins fairly gently as it follows Pamelia Creek most of the way to the lake. From time to time you will have excellent opportunities to enjoy the creek and it's beautiful cascades.
At about 2.3 miles you will come to the shore of Pamelia Lake. Your first sight of this gorgeous lake can be overwhelming, depending on the weather and season.
Pamelia Lake Trail is one of the best day hikes in Oregon.
One of the biggest draws of this hike is the wonderful stream that meanders along the right side of the trail. Because the stream is fed by the surrounding mountains snow melt, this stream has a slightly different character and intensity depending upon what time of year you do this hike. This factor makes this a hike that is fun to do a couple times a year.
The trail is around 5 miles in total length. Two and a half miles in to a sweet little lake that is nesseld within the bowl of the surrounding mountains and another two and a half miles back out along the same trail.
Once you get to the lake you can add another mile or so to the hike by hiking around the lake. The trail is not a difficult one and provides many interesting things to look at along the way. There are many areas along the trail with easy access to the stream. You will walk among a nice combination of disiduous and coniferous trees. Trilliums abound on this trail along with many other wild flowers. The lake is quite still and a good place to sit and look for fish, we can almost guarantee that you will see some. This is a very satisfying hike and provides a lot of enjoyment without a lot of work.
Pamelia Lake is located 7 miles north of Detroit, OR.
Directions:
• From Salem, OR, take Oregon State Highway 22 to milepost 68 turn left onto Pamelia Lake Road..
• The road is a narrow but paved, one lane with turnouts.
• Drive straight for about 3 miles and you will come to the trailhead
• There are limited bathroom facilities and no running water.
Every Oregon great outdoors hiking trail has something unique to offer. Oregon is a good place for backcountry walkers. Here in Oregon backpacking is the perfect thing to do. There are so many backpacking and hiking trails in this area. All through the summertime, highs usually are in the 70's at Pamelia Lake Trail. Once the sun is down it descends down to the 50's. High temperatures during the wintertime are normally in the 40's, and night lows in the 30's
• Pamelia is a 50-acre hike-in lake surrounded by nice fir forests in an alpine setting. Splendid views of Mount Jefferson can be had from many points around the lake. Scenic beauty aside, Pamelia may hold little appeal to serious anglers. Both rainbows and brook trout are abundant, but small. Trout average 7-10 inches with very few bigger fish. Nevertheless, you will catch lots of fish, and there is no limit on brook trout. The lake is open all year, and all fishing methods are permitted, including bait. Bank access is good around the whole lake, and good catches can be made by casting spinners, eggs, worms, or small streamer flies. A float tube may help increase the action, giving anglers access to the deeper, middle section of the lake and brushy shorelines. Consider taking light tackle to increase the sportiness of these fish. Ultralight spinning rods and fly rods in 2- and 3-weights are ideal.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Wednesday....February 2nd ...2011
This is the 5th and last piece written and spoken at the Celebration of Linda......by her special friend. Each of the 5 pieces is so wonderful to read over and over to get a sense of what a person Linda was....and what she left for us as gifts...
I knew Linda best as a Mother and a friend.
We lived just around the corner from each other in Salem.
In 1985 Linda knocked on my door and I was greeted with a loaf of banana bread and a smile. That was 25 years ago. Over the years Linda and I shared many special times together. She was a good mother, who led by example and I so admired that.
One memory I have was in 1986 when Jeff got his first paper route. I remember Linda helping him out for a while. Rain or shine they got up around 4 am and delivered the papers. She called me excited one day describing how Jeff had been just made Carrier of the Year…she was so proud.
The last time I saw Linda; I came out of her hospital room and walked down the hall with tears in my eyes. It was then Jeff appeared, seeing me in distress. He got up and walked to me with outstretched arms and gave me a big hug.
Linda would have been so proud at what a great compassionate man he had turned out to be.
A few years back, my husband and I went out to eat at a restaurant in Salem. We were sitting waiting for our meal and Linda’s son Jim came up and greeted us. He was very friendly and outgoing. He said he was one of the managers at the restaurant.
Linda shred recently that Jim was a good business man and marveled at his ability managing restaurant.
Janine…she makes me smile,
Janine and my daughter Marcy became best friends right after we moved to Salem in 1985.
When Janine was in the 4th grade, Linda made both girls matching outfits. Several weeks later Marcy’s pants were destroyed in a laundry room accident .I told Linda how sorry I was that they were ruined. Less than 24 hours later, Linda showed up on my doorstep with a new pair of pants she had made. That was Linda..... such a caring woman.
Recently Linda described to me a list of Janine’s wonderful qualities…from being a good teacher to a great hostess…and many qualities in between.
I see a little of Linda in each of the children and that is so comforting to me.
Linda is home now…In peace and cancer free. I personally believe she is spending time catching up with Jono who passed before her.
Janine Tells me Linda is smiling down on all of us. Thank you and thanks for her
If cancer has a good side, Linda would say it is the reconnecting with old friends…these friends added to her quality of life in these last few years and months. Today I say to each of you on her behalf….Don’t wait until you are ill or your friends are ill. Reach out and connect and enjoy these friendships now. No one knows how much time each of us has.
In the end, Linda said family and friends were the most important to her …and she is right.
My life has been enriched having Linda as my neighbor…and as my friend , she will always have a special place in my heart…
I knew Linda best as a Mother and a friend.
We lived just around the corner from each other in Salem.
In 1985 Linda knocked on my door and I was greeted with a loaf of banana bread and a smile. That was 25 years ago. Over the years Linda and I shared many special times together. She was a good mother, who led by example and I so admired that.
One memory I have was in 1986 when Jeff got his first paper route. I remember Linda helping him out for a while. Rain or shine they got up around 4 am and delivered the papers. She called me excited one day describing how Jeff had been just made Carrier of the Year…she was so proud.
The last time I saw Linda; I came out of her hospital room and walked down the hall with tears in my eyes. It was then Jeff appeared, seeing me in distress. He got up and walked to me with outstretched arms and gave me a big hug.
Linda would have been so proud at what a great compassionate man he had turned out to be.
A few years back, my husband and I went out to eat at a restaurant in Salem. We were sitting waiting for our meal and Linda’s son Jim came up and greeted us. He was very friendly and outgoing. He said he was one of the managers at the restaurant.
Linda shred recently that Jim was a good business man and marveled at his ability managing restaurant.
Janine…she makes me smile,
Janine and my daughter Marcy became best friends right after we moved to Salem in 1985.
When Janine was in the 4th grade, Linda made both girls matching outfits. Several weeks later Marcy’s pants were destroyed in a laundry room accident .I told Linda how sorry I was that they were ruined. Less than 24 hours later, Linda showed up on my doorstep with a new pair of pants she had made. That was Linda..... such a caring woman.
Recently Linda described to me a list of Janine’s wonderful qualities…from being a good teacher to a great hostess…and many qualities in between.
I see a little of Linda in each of the children and that is so comforting to me.
Linda is home now…In peace and cancer free. I personally believe she is spending time catching up with Jono who passed before her.
Janine Tells me Linda is smiling down on all of us. Thank you and thanks for her
If cancer has a good side, Linda would say it is the reconnecting with old friends…these friends added to her quality of life in these last few years and months. Today I say to each of you on her behalf….Don’t wait until you are ill or your friends are ill. Reach out and connect and enjoy these friendships now. No one knows how much time each of us has.
In the end, Linda said family and friends were the most important to her …and she is right.
My life has been enriched having Linda as my neighbor…and as my friend , she will always have a special place in my heart…
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Tuesday....February 1st....2011
Number 4 Special Linda Friend's presentation at the Celebration of Linda......
"When I shared with Linda some 25 years ago that Roman and I wanted to
get married in just over a month, she jumped right in to help me make it
a special day. She offered their beautiful back yard for the wedding
then made sure every detail was taken care of as only Linda can. It was
the perfect day and Linda made me a beautiful wedding book that I
treasure still today.
As you all know, there really is nothing Linda couldn't do and do well.
She was especially gifted at decorations and colors, what went with this
and that. It was not so many of the beautiful things in my home over
the years were a result of her handiwork.
I was able to work beside her in some of her rentals clear back when she
was in Salem and I learned construction from an expert. She taught me
so much over the years. I was able to completely remodel our West Salem
house and even take on the construction of our new home. Even though
Linda didn't lift a hammer in that house, her design tips are
everywhere. I was blessed to have her stay with me this past summer
while Dave was helping in a Wings Seminar and was able to share with her
all her did to make this house our home. I was able to share with her
my beautiful garden today like she had shared with me her garden some 25
years ago. There will be a new Rose bush in my garden in her memory,
however, she will forever be a Rose in my heart. I love you, Linda. "
Your friend, Judy
"Linda and I became friends in the early 80's. Really don't know why we
connected so well but we did. She had that air of self confidence and
strength that I admired from the very beginning and it drew me to her.
I was single at the time and struggling with a new business venture.
Her words of encouragement kept me going many times but more than that
she showed by example there was nothing a woman couldn't do and be
really good at it besides.
When I think back over the years, of all the time we talked about our
businesses and I would ask for her input on some situation, she never
gave me solutions, instead we would talk thru the problem till the
answers became clear. She had a way about her that always made me feel
special and on my drives back from Bend or Sisters or even Canby, I
Always felt I was so blessed to have her to share with."
"When I shared with Linda some 25 years ago that Roman and I wanted to
get married in just over a month, she jumped right in to help me make it
a special day. She offered their beautiful back yard for the wedding
then made sure every detail was taken care of as only Linda can. It was
the perfect day and Linda made me a beautiful wedding book that I
treasure still today.
As you all know, there really is nothing Linda couldn't do and do well.
She was especially gifted at decorations and colors, what went with this
and that. It was not so many of the beautiful things in my home over
the years were a result of her handiwork.
I was able to work beside her in some of her rentals clear back when she
was in Salem and I learned construction from an expert. She taught me
so much over the years. I was able to completely remodel our West Salem
house and even take on the construction of our new home. Even though
Linda didn't lift a hammer in that house, her design tips are
everywhere. I was blessed to have her stay with me this past summer
while Dave was helping in a Wings Seminar and was able to share with her
all her did to make this house our home. I was able to share with her
my beautiful garden today like she had shared with me her garden some 25
years ago. There will be a new Rose bush in my garden in her memory,
however, she will forever be a Rose in my heart. I love you, Linda. "
Your friend, Judy
"Linda and I became friends in the early 80's. Really don't know why we
connected so well but we did. She had that air of self confidence and
strength that I admired from the very beginning and it drew me to her.
I was single at the time and struggling with a new business venture.
Her words of encouragement kept me going many times but more than that
she showed by example there was nothing a woman couldn't do and be
really good at it besides.
When I think back over the years, of all the time we talked about our
businesses and I would ask for her input on some situation, she never
gave me solutions, instead we would talk thru the problem till the
answers became clear. She had a way about her that always made me feel
special and on my drives back from Bend or Sisters or even Canby, I
Always felt I was so blessed to have her to share with."
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday....January 31st...2011
Mary...Linda's dear friend Mary....so close and then were apart for so long and then back together....closer than ever...Linda marveled at this ..how it came apart and then so quickly back together...and Mary was Linda's brides maid when she married that neat husband to be of hers (yours truly)....
This is special friend number 3...from Mary.....
Part 1 - the early years
I'd like to share some thoughts about Linda's courage.
We were first friends in a very small town where everyone really did know your name. It was birthday parties, Saturday night dinner with friends and life around families - vacationing, camping - just fun.
We were such young mothers when Linda lost her husband Rich Emken, dad to their four children - Jim, Jeff, Janine, Jonathan. Rich was killed in a tragic plane crash, so suddenly gone from their lives.
We found ourselves single mothers at the same time. We grieved together, were a little lost together and found strength together. Linda showed me that courage meant resilience and being brave enough to move forward with our families. We started a little tradition of moms and kids weekends together every few months. We would pile our six kids into her home, cook and bake, play games and gradually found the simple joy of moving on with our lives and growing into strong women.
On one of those weekends, we tucked everyone in and left the kids with a very 'responsible' babysitter and went off to a late dinner and a little music....and there Linda met Dave Wood. She never looked back. She built a blended family and embraced two more children, Wendy and Julie. The rest of the history is the Dave and Linda story.
She had the courage to start a big, new life.
Part 2 - the last few years
Let's talk a bit more about courage. As you all are witness, Linda showed great courage to fight the cancer fight since 2007. Linda and Dave became blog demons both seeking strength and giving all of us strength. But she never stopped living life with joy, spirit and enthusiasm.
- a few more car races for fan appreciation work, and we met up at the Long Beach Grand Prix
- another cruise..or two or three
- off to Alaska
- more time at the beach and we met up at Mo's and the aquarium and the beach house for games of dominos
- back to Florida for more fun
- a train trip to Victoria
- another RV trip to Nebraska and then to Southern California where we met up in Ventura after a big Disney tour
- and, can you believe it, another house remodel!
These were just a few examples of Linda living her high energy life just as she always had before.
In her last days, she was ready to keep on fighting. "Just tell me the plan" she said. But then she held her family and friends close and said the words we needed to hear.
- about love
- about how she knew we would be all right
- about how we were to take care of one another
Jim, Jeff, Janine, Wendy, Jillian, Taigen, Dave - we know she gave you the gift of courage, we know you will make her proud and we will be here for you.
We five friends, we all thank Linda for being our long-time, deep-down-to-the-heart friend, for being our secret strength, for being our inspiration, for showing us the way to absolute courage.
We love you Linda!
This is special friend number 3...from Mary.....
Part 1 - the early years
I'd like to share some thoughts about Linda's courage.
We were first friends in a very small town where everyone really did know your name. It was birthday parties, Saturday night dinner with friends and life around families - vacationing, camping - just fun.
We were such young mothers when Linda lost her husband Rich Emken, dad to their four children - Jim, Jeff, Janine, Jonathan. Rich was killed in a tragic plane crash, so suddenly gone from their lives.
We found ourselves single mothers at the same time. We grieved together, were a little lost together and found strength together. Linda showed me that courage meant resilience and being brave enough to move forward with our families. We started a little tradition of moms and kids weekends together every few months. We would pile our six kids into her home, cook and bake, play games and gradually found the simple joy of moving on with our lives and growing into strong women.
On one of those weekends, we tucked everyone in and left the kids with a very 'responsible' babysitter and went off to a late dinner and a little music....and there Linda met Dave Wood. She never looked back. She built a blended family and embraced two more children, Wendy and Julie. The rest of the history is the Dave and Linda story.
She had the courage to start a big, new life.
Part 2 - the last few years
Let's talk a bit more about courage. As you all are witness, Linda showed great courage to fight the cancer fight since 2007. Linda and Dave became blog demons both seeking strength and giving all of us strength. But she never stopped living life with joy, spirit and enthusiasm.
- a few more car races for fan appreciation work, and we met up at the Long Beach Grand Prix
- another cruise..or two or three
- off to Alaska
- more time at the beach and we met up at Mo's and the aquarium and the beach house for games of dominos
- back to Florida for more fun
- a train trip to Victoria
- another RV trip to Nebraska and then to Southern California where we met up in Ventura after a big Disney tour
- and, can you believe it, another house remodel!
These were just a few examples of Linda living her high energy life just as she always had before.
In her last days, she was ready to keep on fighting. "Just tell me the plan" she said. But then she held her family and friends close and said the words we needed to hear.
- about love
- about how she knew we would be all right
- about how we were to take care of one another
Jim, Jeff, Janine, Wendy, Jillian, Taigen, Dave - we know she gave you the gift of courage, we know you will make her proud and we will be here for you.
We five friends, we all thank Linda for being our long-time, deep-down-to-the-heart friend, for being our secret strength, for being our inspiration, for showing us the way to absolute courage.
We love you Linda!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday....January 30th...2011
This is the part that dear friend Claudia spoke to at the Celebration.... #2 of 5....I don't know if folks have been following the Eulogy and these testimonials...they are all spectacular and lessons galore...
We all live to die. Some just do it so much better than others. Linda
lived with Gusto, Strength, Courage, Love, and a real Zest. It is no
wonder that so many of us have gathered here today to celebrate her life.
I would like to share a few of my memories of Linda Rasmussen Emkin Wood.
I met Linda just a few years ago. I believe the year was 1959. Linda
was about 13 and a few names shorter then.
We instantly became good friends and confidantes.
I know that there is a code that, 'what happens in High School stays in
High School,' but I think it only appropriate that I share with you
that I was with Linda when she committed her first crime...and knowing
Linda, her last.
Linda had just gotten her drivers license, and had persuaded her mom to
let her take the car one evening. There was a full car of us girls, but
I can't remember anyone other than Linda and I. We had just left the
movie theater and were laughing and talking and "just being teen girls"
when Linda accidentally ran the only stop light in Newberg. As luck
would have it, a police officer was at the light going the opposite
direction at the time. We knew we had been spotted so while he turned
his car around to come after us, we turned down some side streets and
wound around in the dark neighborhoods thinking we could hide from him.
Well we weren't very good at being bad, so shortly he was pulling us
over.
His first question to us was "where you girls going?" We said "We are
headed home." Well he looked at where we were and where Linda's license
said "home" was, and it was obvious what we were trying to do. Linda,
always being the honest person, said "We accidently ran the light and
when we saw you there, we panicked." He did ticket her, but we didn't
end up having to bail ourselves out of jail!
We were adolescents and at that awkward age where we worried about
everything and everything was Huge, and Exciting, or Devastating. I
noticed while many of us were stressing over who liked us and who didn't,
Linda was not concerned. She believed everyone liked her and if they
didn't, that was their problem. Linda had that kind of self confidence. I
also noted her ability to talk easily with everyone, especially boys. One
day, we were in her room sitting Indian style on her bed, looking at the
huge red heart with a silhouette of a dancing couple. (Linda had made
this heart for our sweetheart dance and had brought it home afterward for
a memento.) Now I have to back up a bit here. Linda, in those days,
wore these white- framed glasses with, as I remember, these kind of
"wings" on them. I think Dave has posted a picture somewhere on the bog.
Ok, got the picture?
I said to Linda. "You have so much confidence and you are so relaxed
around boys. I have three sisters, and no boy cousins, they are strange,
foreign creatures to me. I don't know what to talk about I don't know
what they THINK!" Linda tilted her head downward, chin on chest, raised
her eyebrows and looking at me over those white- framed glasses said "I
have two older brothers, so trust me when I say they DON'T"
In my life, I have found that to be so true!
Our Linda was a giver. Probably everyone here can think of something
Linda has given them. It might have been as simple as a smile or that
twinkle in her eye, or her unconditional love, or it may have been
something tangible. I was in her home the other day and commented on the
beautiful wreath over her fireplace. Immediately, members of her family
started telling of the wreaths that Linda had made for them over the
years. I wish I had taken notes so I could repeat some of them here, but
the only one I remember now was the one she had made with Teddy Bears on
it. Teddy Bears because her friend was about to be a first time
Grandmother.
BUT I will always remember the day I stopped by her home and Linda, who
was on oxygen, unsteady on her feet, and lacking much energy was making
cinnamon rolls. Now I don't mean the kind that come in a tube and you
crack it on the side of the counter to get the rolls out, I mean the
kind that start with sugar, flour and yeast. She would mix a bit and then
rest a moment, but she got them made.
When they were finished, she removed her oxygen, and with the aid of
Dave's arm for support, we walked across the street with the rolls and
gave them to the neighbors. I was amazed.
I do believe that if anyone is lucky enough to get a glimpse of God, in
the future, expect him to be about 20 pounds heavier because Linda's
baking and giving did not stop last Saturday.
We all live to die. Some just do it so much better than others. Linda
lived with Gusto, Strength, Courage, Love, and a real Zest. It is no
wonder that so many of us have gathered here today to celebrate her life.
I would like to share a few of my memories of Linda Rasmussen Emkin Wood.
I met Linda just a few years ago. I believe the year was 1959. Linda
was about 13 and a few names shorter then.
We instantly became good friends and confidantes.
I know that there is a code that, 'what happens in High School stays in
High School,' but I think it only appropriate that I share with you
that I was with Linda when she committed her first crime...and knowing
Linda, her last.
Linda had just gotten her drivers license, and had persuaded her mom to
let her take the car one evening. There was a full car of us girls, but
I can't remember anyone other than Linda and I. We had just left the
movie theater and were laughing and talking and "just being teen girls"
when Linda accidentally ran the only stop light in Newberg. As luck
would have it, a police officer was at the light going the opposite
direction at the time. We knew we had been spotted so while he turned
his car around to come after us, we turned down some side streets and
wound around in the dark neighborhoods thinking we could hide from him.
Well we weren't very good at being bad, so shortly he was pulling us
over.
His first question to us was "where you girls going?" We said "We are
headed home." Well he looked at where we were and where Linda's license
said "home" was, and it was obvious what we were trying to do. Linda,
always being the honest person, said "We accidently ran the light and
when we saw you there, we panicked." He did ticket her, but we didn't
end up having to bail ourselves out of jail!
We were adolescents and at that awkward age where we worried about
everything and everything was Huge, and Exciting, or Devastating. I
noticed while many of us were stressing over who liked us and who didn't,
Linda was not concerned. She believed everyone liked her and if they
didn't, that was their problem. Linda had that kind of self confidence. I
also noted her ability to talk easily with everyone, especially boys. One
day, we were in her room sitting Indian style on her bed, looking at the
huge red heart with a silhouette of a dancing couple. (Linda had made
this heart for our sweetheart dance and had brought it home afterward for
a memento.) Now I have to back up a bit here. Linda, in those days,
wore these white- framed glasses with, as I remember, these kind of
"wings" on them. I think Dave has posted a picture somewhere on the bog.
Ok, got the picture?
I said to Linda. "You have so much confidence and you are so relaxed
around boys. I have three sisters, and no boy cousins, they are strange,
foreign creatures to me. I don't know what to talk about I don't know
what they THINK!" Linda tilted her head downward, chin on chest, raised
her eyebrows and looking at me over those white- framed glasses said "I
have two older brothers, so trust me when I say they DON'T"
In my life, I have found that to be so true!
Our Linda was a giver. Probably everyone here can think of something
Linda has given them. It might have been as simple as a smile or that
twinkle in her eye, or her unconditional love, or it may have been
something tangible. I was in her home the other day and commented on the
beautiful wreath over her fireplace. Immediately, members of her family
started telling of the wreaths that Linda had made for them over the
years. I wish I had taken notes so I could repeat some of them here, but
the only one I remember now was the one she had made with Teddy Bears on
it. Teddy Bears because her friend was about to be a first time
Grandmother.
BUT I will always remember the day I stopped by her home and Linda, who
was on oxygen, unsteady on her feet, and lacking much energy was making
cinnamon rolls. Now I don't mean the kind that come in a tube and you
crack it on the side of the counter to get the rolls out, I mean the
kind that start with sugar, flour and yeast. She would mix a bit and then
rest a moment, but she got them made.
When they were finished, she removed her oxygen, and with the aid of
Dave's arm for support, we walked across the street with the rolls and
gave them to the neighbors. I was amazed.
I do believe that if anyone is lucky enough to get a glimpse of God, in
the future, expect him to be about 20 pounds heavier because Linda's
baking and giving did not stop last Saturday.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday...Janaury 29th...2011
I promised to put in the Blog the comments by the 5 special friends of Linda's who spoke at the Celebration....here's Rhody's....
Linda's Celebration of Life
Linda was a very DEDICATED & DEVOTED wife, mother, grandmother,
daughter, sister, & friend, but she was also DEDICATED & DEVOTED to
things that she enjoyed doing.
Linda spent many fun years with we, her sisters in Beta Sigma Phi.
Once a sister in Beta Sigma Phi, you are a sister for life! Linda was
DEDICATED to our chapter, so she opened her home for socials. She
baked us yummy treats, taught us how to make crafts, & how to quilt.
She loved working on social & service projects with her sisters. I
remember many fun couple's socials at Dave & Linda's home.
Linda was also very DEDICATED & DEVOTED to her faith, & to their Wings
Seminars. Linda effectively applied those life skills from the Wings
Seminars, along with her faith, to soar through the fun times in her
life, but those skills also helped her weather through the tough
times, with her soul mate Dave, right by her side. She & Dave were
both DEDICATED & DEVOTED to love & support each other during some
incredibly tough times, that just seemed to bring the two of them
closer together.
Linda called on her faith, her family, & her friends, during her Lung
Cancer journey. She adopted the phrase, BELIEVE! That word not only
inspired Linda, it inspired others as well. I, along with many of you,
became DEDICATED & DEVOTED to reading Linda's blog. Before long it
became my own personal Wings Seminar! Somedays I would laugh at what I
read, & somedays I would cry, but I always learned something, &
occasionally was able to apply what I read to my own life.
Linda was also an OPTIMIST! She fought her Cancer the same way she
lived her life, with optimism, fun, style, & grace. Reading her blog,
& spending time with her, during these past 3 1/2 years, has impacted
me profoundly.
I grew to admire & be encouraged by Linda's OPTIMISM & found myself
always feeling happy after being with her & talking with her. I didn't
leave her feeling sad or drained, but rather I left her presence
feeling happy & blessed.
This past summer we had two special dinners with Linda's old Beta
Sigma Phi Sisters. One mid summer at Barb's, & one at the end of
summer at my home. We all laughed & ate & shared pictures & stories of
days gone by. There was no sadness, just dear friends having fun!
Then on Nov. 20th, we attended Dave & Linda's 30th Anniversary Party.
Wow! What a fun party her children threw! Linda had a perma grin all
evening & even danced a little, & smooched a little with Dave. There
was no sadness or somberness, just the optimistic Linda that loved her
husband, family, friends, & life!
Then in December, we 4 sorority sisters planned a pajama party &
dinner, & rode up the freeway to Linda's home in our new matching
pajamas. Linda immediately put the ones on that we brought her, & we
giggled, ate, & shared stories & pictures until really late. Again, no
sadness! Just Beta Sigma Phi sisters who loved each other, & 4 of us
that truely admired, & were inspired by Linda's optimism.
Even the evening before she passed away, as I sat holding her hand at
her bedside, in the hospital, Linda had some things she wanted to
share. I quickly told Linda to save her energy, & not to talk. Linda
persisted on sharing some of her special thoughts, & then she asked me
to pray with her. I prayed for several minutes, then raised my head.
She was wearing one her cute little caps on her head for warmth. The
blinds were partly closed, but it wasn't dark yet, so I could clearly
see Linda's face & eyes, in spite of her oxygen mask. Her eyes still
seemed so full of love & life, as I sat looking into them. I began
singing a little hymn to Linda.
I left her room that night feeling blessed for knowing such an
amazing, loving, giving, & optimistic, woman. God had given Linda a
real sense of inner peace. She hadn't wasted a minute of the past 3
1/2 year journey. She had prepared herself & her family well. She had
lived these past 3 1/2 years to the fullest, with OPTIMISM laughter, &
love, just like she had lived her entire life.
I feel so blessed to have been a very, very, small part of her journey
here on earth.
I love you Linda!
Linda's Celebration of Life
Linda was a very DEDICATED & DEVOTED wife, mother, grandmother,
daughter, sister, & friend, but she was also DEDICATED & DEVOTED to
things that she enjoyed doing.
Linda spent many fun years with we, her sisters in Beta Sigma Phi.
Once a sister in Beta Sigma Phi, you are a sister for life! Linda was
DEDICATED to our chapter, so she opened her home for socials. She
baked us yummy treats, taught us how to make crafts, & how to quilt.
She loved working on social & service projects with her sisters. I
remember many fun couple's socials at Dave & Linda's home.
Linda was also very DEDICATED & DEVOTED to her faith, & to their Wings
Seminars. Linda effectively applied those life skills from the Wings
Seminars, along with her faith, to soar through the fun times in her
life, but those skills also helped her weather through the tough
times, with her soul mate Dave, right by her side. She & Dave were
both DEDICATED & DEVOTED to love & support each other during some
incredibly tough times, that just seemed to bring the two of them
closer together.
Linda called on her faith, her family, & her friends, during her Lung
Cancer journey. She adopted the phrase, BELIEVE! That word not only
inspired Linda, it inspired others as well. I, along with many of you,
became DEDICATED & DEVOTED to reading Linda's blog. Before long it
became my own personal Wings Seminar! Somedays I would laugh at what I
read, & somedays I would cry, but I always learned something, &
occasionally was able to apply what I read to my own life.
Linda was also an OPTIMIST! She fought her Cancer the same way she
lived her life, with optimism, fun, style, & grace. Reading her blog,
& spending time with her, during these past 3 1/2 years, has impacted
me profoundly.
I grew to admire & be encouraged by Linda's OPTIMISM & found myself
always feeling happy after being with her & talking with her. I didn't
leave her feeling sad or drained, but rather I left her presence
feeling happy & blessed.
This past summer we had two special dinners with Linda's old Beta
Sigma Phi Sisters. One mid summer at Barb's, & one at the end of
summer at my home. We all laughed & ate & shared pictures & stories of
days gone by. There was no sadness, just dear friends having fun!
Then on Nov. 20th, we attended Dave & Linda's 30th Anniversary Party.
Wow! What a fun party her children threw! Linda had a perma grin all
evening & even danced a little, & smooched a little with Dave. There
was no sadness or somberness, just the optimistic Linda that loved her
husband, family, friends, & life!
Then in December, we 4 sorority sisters planned a pajama party &
dinner, & rode up the freeway to Linda's home in our new matching
pajamas. Linda immediately put the ones on that we brought her, & we
giggled, ate, & shared stories & pictures until really late. Again, no
sadness! Just Beta Sigma Phi sisters who loved each other, & 4 of us
that truely admired, & were inspired by Linda's optimism.
Even the evening before she passed away, as I sat holding her hand at
her bedside, in the hospital, Linda had some things she wanted to
share. I quickly told Linda to save her energy, & not to talk. Linda
persisted on sharing some of her special thoughts, & then she asked me
to pray with her. I prayed for several minutes, then raised my head.
She was wearing one her cute little caps on her head for warmth. The
blinds were partly closed, but it wasn't dark yet, so I could clearly
see Linda's face & eyes, in spite of her oxygen mask. Her eyes still
seemed so full of love & life, as I sat looking into them. I began
singing a little hymn to Linda.
I left her room that night feeling blessed for knowing such an
amazing, loving, giving, & optimistic, woman. God had given Linda a
real sense of inner peace. She hadn't wasted a minute of the past 3
1/2 year journey. She had prepared herself & her family well. She had
lived these past 3 1/2 years to the fullest, with OPTIMISM laughter, &
love, just like she had lived her entire life.
I feel so blessed to have been a very, very, small part of her journey
here on earth.
I love you Linda!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday...January 28th...2011
A reflection of where I am at......
I have been asked many times how I am doing....I have not liked that question as I wasn't sure..now I am starting to focus on how I am feeling and doing...and I know tomorrow this may change.
I have worked on staying busy...and keeping things in the home in an orderly manner...knowing that letting up on this will create disorder and all that is not how I want to live....
Somewhere in the hugging and all I got a very nasty cold that has settled in my chest...I seem to fall asleep a lot so rest is what I need....
My fears around the finances are ones that I am addressing rather than avoiding ...it will be much easier when some sales occur and all but it is not something I spend a lot of time stressing over...
I am in a much different emotional state of being around Linda's death than where I thought I would be...initially I was in a state of despair..in fact this occurred immediately following the time when she said "enough"....and my focus was on myself....
In reflection, I have been proud of Linda..very very proud..she did it her way...didn't suffer..made decisions of how she wanted to live her life and I respect and admire her for that..perhaps it is this admiration that carries me forward...I am paying attention ....the though has been put forward that I have been grieving for a long time...maybe there is something to that...
I am being real..that is, I am checking in with myself to make sure I am not putting up facades and all...am I being real with all this...being vulnerable....being open to my feeling and all...I believe I am.
I have signed up for a Wings back up position for a seminar next week...Wings is a great place to get in touch with my feelings and be open to the moment....
I have been fed a lot of dinners and folks are making sure I am not alone much...I have had some very special time with a very special person and hope that continues...the kids have been great....
Tomorrow I begin the sharing by Linda's 5 special friends who spoke at the Celebration...good stuff...you will like it....
Finally thank you for the cards and cards and cards and good thoughts.....each was special...please accept this special thanks to you....
Keep the Blog comments going.....they are nurturing....
I am going where my heart leads me....Dave
I have been asked many times how I am doing....I have not liked that question as I wasn't sure..now I am starting to focus on how I am feeling and doing...and I know tomorrow this may change.
I have worked on staying busy...and keeping things in the home in an orderly manner...knowing that letting up on this will create disorder and all that is not how I want to live....
Somewhere in the hugging and all I got a very nasty cold that has settled in my chest...I seem to fall asleep a lot so rest is what I need....
My fears around the finances are ones that I am addressing rather than avoiding ...it will be much easier when some sales occur and all but it is not something I spend a lot of time stressing over...
I am in a much different emotional state of being around Linda's death than where I thought I would be...initially I was in a state of despair..in fact this occurred immediately following the time when she said "enough"....and my focus was on myself....
In reflection, I have been proud of Linda..very very proud..she did it her way...didn't suffer..made decisions of how she wanted to live her life and I respect and admire her for that..perhaps it is this admiration that carries me forward...I am paying attention ....the though has been put forward that I have been grieving for a long time...maybe there is something to that...
I am being real..that is, I am checking in with myself to make sure I am not putting up facades and all...am I being real with all this...being vulnerable....being open to my feeling and all...I believe I am.
I have signed up for a Wings back up position for a seminar next week...Wings is a great place to get in touch with my feelings and be open to the moment....
I have been fed a lot of dinners and folks are making sure I am not alone much...I have had some very special time with a very special person and hope that continues...the kids have been great....
Tomorrow I begin the sharing by Linda's 5 special friends who spoke at the Celebration...good stuff...you will like it....
Finally thank you for the cards and cards and cards and good thoughts.....each was special...please accept this special thanks to you....
Keep the Blog comments going.....they are nurturing....
I am going where my heart leads me....Dave
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday....January 27th...2011
This is part 4 and the last of the Eulogy for Linda from the 4 children...
Sometime during her sophomore year at St. Olaf, Mom went back to Nebraska to attend her cousins wedding. My father, from across the room at the reception, took one look at her and knew that they would someday be married. That very next day she told him that he was crazy, within a few moths, she told him “I Do”
They soon got married and started their life together in Lincoln. She gave birth to her first child on her twenty-first birthday, (ME). She would tell everyone that she became an adult the hard way, but in fact was blessed with a perfect child.
Soon after, her husband Richard, or dad as I liked to call him, graduated from college and they moved out to Oregon because it was important for Mom to be near her family.
She gave birth to a second son and we moved to a nice quiet town called Monmouth where we started a family business and she used her skills from the FHA to settle in to be the best mom a boy could ever have.
I remember the first day of school like it was yesterday. I was so excited I was ready to go four hours before sunrise. I soon discovered school wasn’t that great because Mom couldn’t go with me. I would run home when school was over because I couldn’t wait to see her. I would often pretend that I was sick so I could stay home to hang out with my mom, just her and I.
Everyone loved her, especially my friends. They lived at our house practically the whole summer probably because there was never a shortage of cookies lying around. Just so you know we got 3 at lunch, 2 after school, and 3 for dessert. She was always there to read you a story or put a band-aid on a skinned knee after we fell off our skateboards.
She put so many on my friend Alex’s knee he bought her a brand new box for Xmas to replace the ones she had administered.
We were a close family and would spend all of our free time together whether it was sitting around the house or on vacation in our motor home. When that wasn’t happening we would spend our time at Grandma’s house or with close friends. There wasn’t anything more important to Mom than family and friends.
In the Spring of 77, she was blessed with a daughter. She was so convinced that it was a girl that the nursery was painted pink and Dad’s cigars said “It’s a Girl”. She was such an amazing mom that God decided she needed one more, so nineteen months later Jonathan was born. It was a good thing our house had six bedrooms.
Life was good and you would never know it if it wasn’t. She always had an amazing smile and enough love to share with everyone. There wasn’t a single person that met her that did not think she was incredible, imagine being able to call her mom.
A little over a year after Jono was born, we were hit with the loss of our father in a private plane accident. She was single, 33, with four small children, and as a twelve year old boy, I wasn’t worried. My mom could do anything. I knew she could take care of our family which she continued on doing right up until she took her last breath.
Sometime during her sophomore year at St. Olaf, Mom went back to Nebraska to attend her cousins wedding. My father, from across the room at the reception, took one look at her and knew that they would someday be married. That very next day she told him that he was crazy, within a few moths, she told him “I Do”
They soon got married and started their life together in Lincoln. She gave birth to her first child on her twenty-first birthday, (ME). She would tell everyone that she became an adult the hard way, but in fact was blessed with a perfect child.
Soon after, her husband Richard, or dad as I liked to call him, graduated from college and they moved out to Oregon because it was important for Mom to be near her family.
She gave birth to a second son and we moved to a nice quiet town called Monmouth where we started a family business and she used her skills from the FHA to settle in to be the best mom a boy could ever have.
I remember the first day of school like it was yesterday. I was so excited I was ready to go four hours before sunrise. I soon discovered school wasn’t that great because Mom couldn’t go with me. I would run home when school was over because I couldn’t wait to see her. I would often pretend that I was sick so I could stay home to hang out with my mom, just her and I.
Everyone loved her, especially my friends. They lived at our house practically the whole summer probably because there was never a shortage of cookies lying around. Just so you know we got 3 at lunch, 2 after school, and 3 for dessert. She was always there to read you a story or put a band-aid on a skinned knee after we fell off our skateboards.
She put so many on my friend Alex’s knee he bought her a brand new box for Xmas to replace the ones she had administered.
We were a close family and would spend all of our free time together whether it was sitting around the house or on vacation in our motor home. When that wasn’t happening we would spend our time at Grandma’s house or with close friends. There wasn’t anything more important to Mom than family and friends.
In the Spring of 77, she was blessed with a daughter. She was so convinced that it was a girl that the nursery was painted pink and Dad’s cigars said “It’s a Girl”. She was such an amazing mom that God decided she needed one more, so nineteen months later Jonathan was born. It was a good thing our house had six bedrooms.
Life was good and you would never know it if it wasn’t. She always had an amazing smile and enough love to share with everyone. There wasn’t a single person that met her that did not think she was incredible, imagine being able to call her mom.
A little over a year after Jono was born, we were hit with the loss of our father in a private plane accident. She was single, 33, with four small children, and as a twelve year old boy, I wasn’t worried. My mom could do anything. I knew she could take care of our family which she continued on doing right up until she took her last breath.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday....January 26th...2011
Part Three of Linda's Eulogy presented by her children...tomorrow the final part 4...then we have the stories from her 5 special friends...
In 1980 we moved to Salem to start another chapter of mom's life with a new husband Dave an two new daughters Wendy and Julie.
Mom became heavily involved in her sorority where she met several of her life long friends. I remember many times when her sisters and friends would come over to play games and leave Jim and myself to the upstairs to watch movies.
I also recall the party that Dave threw for mom's 40th birthday calling it her over the hill party. It was complete with balloons, gag gifts and everything being black.
During this time mother had found a love for building. Her first experience was in taking the lead in building our house in Salem. That in which lead to many rentals in the Salem area a vacation house in Sisters with her parents and on to a career and business in custom homes. Mom made her hobby and passion into a job. Mom was a strong woman, she learned fast playing in the male dominated world of construction but she always earned and received their respect.
In June of 1988 following my high school graduation we moved to Sisters Oregon where Dave had moved for six months prior for his job. Mom was always the one to not be selfish. It was in central Oregon where mom embarked on yet another journey of her life.
In 1980 we moved to Salem to start another chapter of mom's life with a new husband Dave an two new daughters Wendy and Julie.
Mom became heavily involved in her sorority where she met several of her life long friends. I remember many times when her sisters and friends would come over to play games and leave Jim and myself to the upstairs to watch movies.
I also recall the party that Dave threw for mom's 40th birthday calling it her over the hill party. It was complete with balloons, gag gifts and everything being black.
During this time mother had found a love for building. Her first experience was in taking the lead in building our house in Salem. That in which lead to many rentals in the Salem area a vacation house in Sisters with her parents and on to a career and business in custom homes. Mom made her hobby and passion into a job. Mom was a strong woman, she learned fast playing in the male dominated world of construction but she always earned and received their respect.
In June of 1988 following my high school graduation we moved to Sisters Oregon where Dave had moved for six months prior for his job. Mom was always the one to not be selfish. It was in central Oregon where mom embarked on yet another journey of her life.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tuesday....January 25th...2011
Another portion of the Eulogy for Linda...2nd of 4 parts....
Thank you for coming here today to celebrate the life of the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
Whether you call her Mom, wife, sister, aunt, or friend, I think we all agree that the impact she had on us with her limited time on this earth has changed each of us forever.
Linda Lou Rasmussen Emken Wood.
I’d like to share some stories of my mother so you can fully understand who she was. Mom was born in Blair, Nebraska as the youngest child of four… all in five years. That’s a lot of baby raising! She was really close with her siblings, as you can imagine but I think they were a little bit jealous of how special she was.
You see, Mom grew up having this reoccurring nightmare that she was in some sort of box and was tumbling down a hill. One day she confided in my grandma, her mother, this story and Grandma laughed and said, “That wasn’t a nightmare, sweetie, your brothers put you in a baby buggie at the top of a hill and sent you shootin’ down it when you were a baby!” They might have been the first to realize, at that moment, that she was a force to be reckoned with.
Perhaps this was the beginning of her thirst for adventure. Mom was always up for a new adventure, even the scary ones. She was NOT a fear driven person, but rather set out with intention to conquer them. Some of my favorite memories with Mom include our many outings on the river or boating in Central Oregon’s lakes… even though she couldn’t swim and had a fear of water. But the memories that I will always hold dear, here, are our adventures on the roller coasters! I think that buggy ride may have started something, because she LOVED roller coasters.
A few years back, about a year into her cancer diagnosis , I had the amazing experience of spending an entire day at Busch Gardens in Florida with her on these rides. She was like a big kid! Her smile and excitement as the ride began was matched by no one else on the ride. My greatest thrill that day was watching her as the roller coaster, The Sheikra, would hang us on the edge of 10 story high straight drop down and watch her giggle with excitement before it would let us go. Oh, how she smiled and while I was clutching to the bar for dear life, she would scream with joy and let her arms raise up like it was a walk in the park.
Nothing scared that woman. Nothing. She raised me to be strong and independent, through example. To take care of myself through whatever challenges life threw at me. And she knew life challenges and pain. But she was stronger than most. I always loved the story of when she was attending St. Paul High School she was a cheerleader and the president of FHA. Do you know what FHA is? Future Homemakers of America. My mom was president! I don’t they have that club anymore. I always said she’d kick my butt if I ever joined a club called THE FUTURE HOMEMAKERS OF AMERICA.
I would always tease her by asking what kinds of things did they do in the FHA? Did they practice making pot roasts and the perfect inseam? She was proud of it though. Very proud. And she was the perfect homemaker, but she was SOOO much more than that. I always told people I had a stay-at-home mom who had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies on the counter everyday when I came home from school. The other kids were totally jealous, of course. Their moms didn’t make cookies.
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly realized she was so much more, how could I not see that as a kid? She was a landlady, and hard core… you didn’t mess with her, and instead of calling someone to fix every little thing that went wrong in her buildings, SHE fixed it. She learned how, and just did it. She was an active volunteer in the American Lung Cancer Association, a general contractor, a builder, a designer, a member of the Assistance Guild of Bend… helping others.
Helping others. This lady, as many of you know, didn’t have a negative bone in her body and she believed the BEST in everybody, even when they proved time and time again the opposite. I’ve never met anyone quite like that. She would bend over backwards to help anyone, even strangers.
My mom taught me many things in her time here on Earth, and although I hear from people how great their moms are and how they have the best mom ever, sorry… mine’s gotcha beat. We had the most amazing mother/daughter relationship I’ve ever seen or heard of. My mom was my best friend, and was the first person I’d call when something good, or bad happened.
She always listened to what I had to say and when she offered advice, it was non judgmental and in the kind of encouraging way that would ultimately lead me to make the decision and feel good about it. I sat with her in the hospital last week and told her how I couldn’t think of a single time in my life when I was mad at her, or a fight we’d had. Honestly, we were so alike in so much, I don’t think we ever did. Really, who can say that about their relationship with their mom? I can.
My mom showed me, and taught me, more patience than I probably deserved. I wasn’t always the easiest kid to raise, but she showed me love and trust. One time, in high school, I got home really late. Like 3 in the morning. I thought I’d snuck in and they wouldn’t notice. Shortly after my arrival, my mom opened the door to my room, stood at the door and very calmly said, “This is one your one get out of jail free card. You don’t have a curfew right now because I trust you, but if you come back this late again, things will change.” She smiled, turned around and left. The thought of disappointing my mom and not having her trust was more than I could bear and I never did it again.
I had a dream the other night. Tuesday actually. I was in the hospital again with my mom, but she was alive. And not only was she alive, but it was “pre cancer” Mom. She had her hair, and her winning smile and her eyes just lit the room. In my dream I was aware that she was gone, yet here she was, as vibrant as the four million memories I have of her. And she said, “I’m back!
But just for a bit. Is there anything you need to say to me before I go again?” I was so excited as I rushed to her side, held her hand and said, “Oh yes!! I… I…” and I racked my brain for things that I wanted to tell her that I didn’t get a chance to say before she went to Heaven. And nothing came. Wow. When I woke up I realized that my mom had given me the greatest gift ever… a chance to be with her, stare into those beautiful blue eyes, to tell her everything I wanted to, needed to, before she went to God. She gave me that. No other gift I ever get in my entire life will be as precious as that gift is. Nothing.
And so, Mom’s last great roller coaster ride, Cancer, came to an end last Saturday. Just like the Sheikra, she took this one with amazing grace. The ups, the downs, the blind corners, the unexpected drops, she sat in the front row and was present the entire time. The emotions were all the same. There was joy, pleasure, a little bit of fear, but also the belief that at the end of the ride… she’d be okay. And when that roller coaster had its last dip… the steepest of all, it came to a halt at Heaven’s gates and gracefully, I know my mom got off the ride and was greeted by those who went before her, those she loved so much. They’d been watching from the side of the ride this whole time, and they took her hand and welcomed her home.
So, welcome home Mom. Your energy, your wisdom, your hugs and love, your cookies, your stories, your help, advice, your positivity and your presence…. Will be missed greatly by all, but especially me. I will see you again someday when my roller coaster comes to a stop. I know you’ll be there, and it will be a beautiful reunion. I love you.
Thank you for coming here today to celebrate the life of the most amazing person I’ve ever met.
Whether you call her Mom, wife, sister, aunt, or friend, I think we all agree that the impact she had on us with her limited time on this earth has changed each of us forever.
Linda Lou Rasmussen Emken Wood.
I’d like to share some stories of my mother so you can fully understand who she was. Mom was born in Blair, Nebraska as the youngest child of four… all in five years. That’s a lot of baby raising! She was really close with her siblings, as you can imagine but I think they were a little bit jealous of how special she was.
You see, Mom grew up having this reoccurring nightmare that she was in some sort of box and was tumbling down a hill. One day she confided in my grandma, her mother, this story and Grandma laughed and said, “That wasn’t a nightmare, sweetie, your brothers put you in a baby buggie at the top of a hill and sent you shootin’ down it when you were a baby!” They might have been the first to realize, at that moment, that she was a force to be reckoned with.
Perhaps this was the beginning of her thirst for adventure. Mom was always up for a new adventure, even the scary ones. She was NOT a fear driven person, but rather set out with intention to conquer them. Some of my favorite memories with Mom include our many outings on the river or boating in Central Oregon’s lakes… even though she couldn’t swim and had a fear of water. But the memories that I will always hold dear, here, are our adventures on the roller coasters! I think that buggy ride may have started something, because she LOVED roller coasters.
A few years back, about a year into her cancer diagnosis , I had the amazing experience of spending an entire day at Busch Gardens in Florida with her on these rides. She was like a big kid! Her smile and excitement as the ride began was matched by no one else on the ride. My greatest thrill that day was watching her as the roller coaster, The Sheikra, would hang us on the edge of 10 story high straight drop down and watch her giggle with excitement before it would let us go. Oh, how she smiled and while I was clutching to the bar for dear life, she would scream with joy and let her arms raise up like it was a walk in the park.
Nothing scared that woman. Nothing. She raised me to be strong and independent, through example. To take care of myself through whatever challenges life threw at me. And she knew life challenges and pain. But she was stronger than most. I always loved the story of when she was attending St. Paul High School she was a cheerleader and the president of FHA. Do you know what FHA is? Future Homemakers of America. My mom was president! I don’t they have that club anymore. I always said she’d kick my butt if I ever joined a club called THE FUTURE HOMEMAKERS OF AMERICA.
I would always tease her by asking what kinds of things did they do in the FHA? Did they practice making pot roasts and the perfect inseam? She was proud of it though. Very proud. And she was the perfect homemaker, but she was SOOO much more than that. I always told people I had a stay-at-home mom who had fresh baked chocolate chip cookies on the counter everyday when I came home from school. The other kids were totally jealous, of course. Their moms didn’t make cookies.
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly realized she was so much more, how could I not see that as a kid? She was a landlady, and hard core… you didn’t mess with her, and instead of calling someone to fix every little thing that went wrong in her buildings, SHE fixed it. She learned how, and just did it. She was an active volunteer in the American Lung Cancer Association, a general contractor, a builder, a designer, a member of the Assistance Guild of Bend… helping others.
Helping others. This lady, as many of you know, didn’t have a negative bone in her body and she believed the BEST in everybody, even when they proved time and time again the opposite. I’ve never met anyone quite like that. She would bend over backwards to help anyone, even strangers.
My mom taught me many things in her time here on Earth, and although I hear from people how great their moms are and how they have the best mom ever, sorry… mine’s gotcha beat. We had the most amazing mother/daughter relationship I’ve ever seen or heard of. My mom was my best friend, and was the first person I’d call when something good, or bad happened.
She always listened to what I had to say and when she offered advice, it was non judgmental and in the kind of encouraging way that would ultimately lead me to make the decision and feel good about it. I sat with her in the hospital last week and told her how I couldn’t think of a single time in my life when I was mad at her, or a fight we’d had. Honestly, we were so alike in so much, I don’t think we ever did. Really, who can say that about their relationship with their mom? I can.
My mom showed me, and taught me, more patience than I probably deserved. I wasn’t always the easiest kid to raise, but she showed me love and trust. One time, in high school, I got home really late. Like 3 in the morning. I thought I’d snuck in and they wouldn’t notice. Shortly after my arrival, my mom opened the door to my room, stood at the door and very calmly said, “This is one your one get out of jail free card. You don’t have a curfew right now because I trust you, but if you come back this late again, things will change.” She smiled, turned around and left. The thought of disappointing my mom and not having her trust was more than I could bear and I never did it again.
I had a dream the other night. Tuesday actually. I was in the hospital again with my mom, but she was alive. And not only was she alive, but it was “pre cancer” Mom. She had her hair, and her winning smile and her eyes just lit the room. In my dream I was aware that she was gone, yet here she was, as vibrant as the four million memories I have of her. And she said, “I’m back!
But just for a bit. Is there anything you need to say to me before I go again?” I was so excited as I rushed to her side, held her hand and said, “Oh yes!! I… I…” and I racked my brain for things that I wanted to tell her that I didn’t get a chance to say before she went to Heaven. And nothing came. Wow. When I woke up I realized that my mom had given me the greatest gift ever… a chance to be with her, stare into those beautiful blue eyes, to tell her everything I wanted to, needed to, before she went to God. She gave me that. No other gift I ever get in my entire life will be as precious as that gift is. Nothing.
And so, Mom’s last great roller coaster ride, Cancer, came to an end last Saturday. Just like the Sheikra, she took this one with amazing grace. The ups, the downs, the blind corners, the unexpected drops, she sat in the front row and was present the entire time. The emotions were all the same. There was joy, pleasure, a little bit of fear, but also the belief that at the end of the ride… she’d be okay. And when that roller coaster had its last dip… the steepest of all, it came to a halt at Heaven’s gates and gracefully, I know my mom got off the ride and was greeted by those who went before her, those she loved so much. They’d been watching from the side of the ride this whole time, and they took her hand and welcomed her home.
So, welcome home Mom. Your energy, your wisdom, your hugs and love, your cookies, your stories, your help, advice, your positivity and your presence…. Will be missed greatly by all, but especially me. I will see you again someday when my roller coaster comes to a stop. I know you’ll be there, and it will be a beautiful reunion. I love you.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday...January 24th..2011
At the Celebration of Linda, there were 4 parts to her Eulogy prepared and spoken by each of the 4 children...Jim, Wendy, Jeff and Janine....for the next 4 nights I plan on reprinting the parts one at a time....it's not important who wrote which part....
Linda
It is hard to describe someone you love in 3 to 5 minutes so that someone listening can really understand her. You all knew Linda, in many different ways – I hope to share about her today in a way that lets you see her. She married my dad when I was 11, and was truly my other mom. When I was thinking of how I feel and think about Linda, and how to write a eulogy about her, I thought of the Wife of Noble Character in the Bible. This passage of scripture really applies to her in so many ways and in ways I can only hope to emulate some day. I want to read that to you now and I want you to think of Linda while I’m reading it.
Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
What I find noble about Linda:
She was a true partner for my dad. They did so much together and never did we hear either say anything negative about the other. They loved to travel, work, play and plan together. I shared at their 30th anniversary party on Nov 20, 2010 how I look to them as an example in many of these areas in my own marriage.
Linda was a hard worker – I never got it when I was kid why she couldn’t just sit and watch a movie with me – she was getting things done, not idle – now I understand since I have my own household to run, and only one kid to keep up with – it’s hard to sit and watch a whole movie and miss those two hours of getting things done that need to be done. She was busy outside the home with her work as well. She was a business woman, sometimes literally buying a field and developing it. She didn’t have a college degree or an 8 to 5 job but made her way in this world with a keen business sense and her work was profitable.
Linda was a very giving person, always donating to different causes, at church or different causes I was raising money for. She loved to sew. I can remember being a teenager and she sewed me a Gunnysack dress. I loved it – white and blue, soft colors, very whimsical, ruffles and ribbons. She sewed my wedding dress. It took her such a long time to add every single bead, but she did it because she loved me and I wanted the beading. That wedding dress will go to my daughter some day and I hope she’ll want to wear it. She sewed my baby’s first quilt, which my daughter values and takes good care of.
She was a faithful woman, always keeping her faith in God no matter what life sent in her direction. Not long ago, she told me she always felt like somewhat of a Job, first losing her first husband, then her father and youngest son in the same year. Even with cancer, she remained faithful. I appreciate her influence on me in this area of my life. One of the ways I feel close to God is through song. Anyone that has been in a church service with Linda will know that she loved to sing hymns and songs of praise. You could not help but hear her beautiful voice from any pew as she sang so whole-heartedly and didn’t hold anything back.
Linda has two grandchildren, Jillian, 13 and Taigen, 6 (both have promised to never be terrible teens!). Jillian is the daughter of my brother Jim and Taigen is my daughter. I remember how much Linda loved becoming a grandmother. She spent time with Jillian right after she was born, lending a loving hand to Jillian’s mom Julie and the newborn. One of the memories I and the girls each have is baking with Linda. Her chocolate chip cookies were frequently baked and many have enjoyed them through the years. The recipe is out in the fellowship hall on note cards for anyone who would like to carry on the tradition.
Linda has played a big role in both of the girls’ lives. She wanted them both to have memories with her – some that stick out for me are her and my dad taking Jillian to Alaska for niece Laura’s wedding to be the flower girl when she was 3 to the most recent trip to Victoria, Canada last summer. With Taigen, it has to be the trips to Florida to visit grandma and grandpa. We went to Busch Gardens last year and although Linda didn’t have a lot of physical strength at the time, we had a memorable day. When Taigen was tired, she could climb in Grandma’s lap and ride in the wheelchair with her. I will never forget that wheelchair with Linda sitting in it with both of her feet on the one foot pedal that was left on the chair and Taigen on her lap. We also did a family ‘camping’ trip these past two summers with my husband Chris, Taigen, grandma and grandpa, Jillian and Janine. I put in the quotes because while Janine and Chris, Taigen and I were in our tents respectively, grandma and grandpa were in the 5-star RV. But how cool that even last Labor Day weekend Linda could go camping.
I’m so grateful we had Christmas at her house last month as she loves Christmas and it made a most special memory to be with her another Christmas. I thanked her last week for being such a great grandma and she told me it was deliberate as it was very important to her. Family was important to her. Linda had a positive attitude, even to the end of her life. She freely gave smiles and warm words of encouragement to everyone. She demonstrated strength and dignity even in the face of trials, even death. I was so grateful to be able to see her last week and let her know how much she means to me and my family.
I will always be grateful for what she has taught me, her love and acceptance of me and my family and for her love and partnership with my dad.
Linda
It is hard to describe someone you love in 3 to 5 minutes so that someone listening can really understand her. You all knew Linda, in many different ways – I hope to share about her today in a way that lets you see her. She married my dad when I was 11, and was truly my other mom. When I was thinking of how I feel and think about Linda, and how to write a eulogy about her, I thought of the Wife of Noble Character in the Bible. This passage of scripture really applies to her in so many ways and in ways I can only hope to emulate some day. I want to read that to you now and I want you to think of Linda while I’m reading it.
Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
What I find noble about Linda:
She was a true partner for my dad. They did so much together and never did we hear either say anything negative about the other. They loved to travel, work, play and plan together. I shared at their 30th anniversary party on Nov 20, 2010 how I look to them as an example in many of these areas in my own marriage.
Linda was a hard worker – I never got it when I was kid why she couldn’t just sit and watch a movie with me – she was getting things done, not idle – now I understand since I have my own household to run, and only one kid to keep up with – it’s hard to sit and watch a whole movie and miss those two hours of getting things done that need to be done. She was busy outside the home with her work as well. She was a business woman, sometimes literally buying a field and developing it. She didn’t have a college degree or an 8 to 5 job but made her way in this world with a keen business sense and her work was profitable.
Linda was a very giving person, always donating to different causes, at church or different causes I was raising money for. She loved to sew. I can remember being a teenager and she sewed me a Gunnysack dress. I loved it – white and blue, soft colors, very whimsical, ruffles and ribbons. She sewed my wedding dress. It took her such a long time to add every single bead, but she did it because she loved me and I wanted the beading. That wedding dress will go to my daughter some day and I hope she’ll want to wear it. She sewed my baby’s first quilt, which my daughter values and takes good care of.
She was a faithful woman, always keeping her faith in God no matter what life sent in her direction. Not long ago, she told me she always felt like somewhat of a Job, first losing her first husband, then her father and youngest son in the same year. Even with cancer, she remained faithful. I appreciate her influence on me in this area of my life. One of the ways I feel close to God is through song. Anyone that has been in a church service with Linda will know that she loved to sing hymns and songs of praise. You could not help but hear her beautiful voice from any pew as she sang so whole-heartedly and didn’t hold anything back.
Linda has two grandchildren, Jillian, 13 and Taigen, 6 (both have promised to never be terrible teens!). Jillian is the daughter of my brother Jim and Taigen is my daughter. I remember how much Linda loved becoming a grandmother. She spent time with Jillian right after she was born, lending a loving hand to Jillian’s mom Julie and the newborn. One of the memories I and the girls each have is baking with Linda. Her chocolate chip cookies were frequently baked and many have enjoyed them through the years. The recipe is out in the fellowship hall on note cards for anyone who would like to carry on the tradition.
Linda has played a big role in both of the girls’ lives. She wanted them both to have memories with her – some that stick out for me are her and my dad taking Jillian to Alaska for niece Laura’s wedding to be the flower girl when she was 3 to the most recent trip to Victoria, Canada last summer. With Taigen, it has to be the trips to Florida to visit grandma and grandpa. We went to Busch Gardens last year and although Linda didn’t have a lot of physical strength at the time, we had a memorable day. When Taigen was tired, she could climb in Grandma’s lap and ride in the wheelchair with her. I will never forget that wheelchair with Linda sitting in it with both of her feet on the one foot pedal that was left on the chair and Taigen on her lap. We also did a family ‘camping’ trip these past two summers with my husband Chris, Taigen, grandma and grandpa, Jillian and Janine. I put in the quotes because while Janine and Chris, Taigen and I were in our tents respectively, grandma and grandpa were in the 5-star RV. But how cool that even last Labor Day weekend Linda could go camping.
I’m so grateful we had Christmas at her house last month as she loves Christmas and it made a most special memory to be with her another Christmas. I thanked her last week for being such a great grandma and she told me it was deliberate as it was very important to her. Family was important to her. Linda had a positive attitude, even to the end of her life. She freely gave smiles and warm words of encouragement to everyone. She demonstrated strength and dignity even in the face of trials, even death. I was so grateful to be able to see her last week and let her know how much she means to me and my family.
I will always be grateful for what she has taught me, her love and acceptance of me and my family and for her love and partnership with my dad.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday....January 23rd....2011
Dave donated $500 in Linda's name to the Oregon Cancer Ski Out Bingo fundraiser night tonight.....and bought 1 bingo card for each of 6 rounds and won "squat"...oh well, who needs another Tshirt.....
Sunday....January 23rd...2011
Mom’s (Linda's) Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 ½ c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
I c. granulated sugar
3 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
12 oz. chocolate chips
Mix all of the ingredients together and drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown
1 ½ c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
I c. granulated sugar
3 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
12 oz. chocolate chips
Mix all of the ingredients together and drop by teaspoons onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown
Sunday...January 23rd...2011
Dave and Linda's Marital Commitments to each other... followed by their song.....
We are one
We commit ourselves to creating a safe environment within our relationship where we can exist in open and honest disclosure.
We commit ourselves to share our truths and to listen to each other with an open heart and without judgment.
We commit ourselves to getting below the surface and sharing our really deep feelings and dreams.
We commit ourselves to celebrating our differences as they are an asset to our relationship.
We commit ourselves to seeking and reaching compromise when at cross purposes, recognizing that the feelings underneath are the same.
We commit ourselves to having peace around Jonathan’s death and in keeping his memories alive in our hearts.
Dave and Linda Wood
Time After Time
Placido Domingo
Time after Time
I tell myself that I'm
So lucky to be loving you
So lucky to be the one you run to see
In the evening, when the day is through
I only know, what I know
the passing years will show
you kept my love so young
so new
and Time after Time
You'll hear me say that I'm
So lucky, to be loving you
We are one
We commit ourselves to creating a safe environment within our relationship where we can exist in open and honest disclosure.
We commit ourselves to share our truths and to listen to each other with an open heart and without judgment.
We commit ourselves to getting below the surface and sharing our really deep feelings and dreams.
We commit ourselves to celebrating our differences as they are an asset to our relationship.
We commit ourselves to seeking and reaching compromise when at cross purposes, recognizing that the feelings underneath are the same.
We commit ourselves to having peace around Jonathan’s death and in keeping his memories alive in our hearts.
Dave and Linda Wood
Time After Time
Placido Domingo
Time after Time
I tell myself that I'm
So lucky to be loving you
So lucky to be the one you run to see
In the evening, when the day is through
I only know, what I know
the passing years will show
you kept my love so young
so new
and Time after Time
You'll hear me say that I'm
So lucky, to be loving you
Sunday...January 23rd...2011
Linda's Winning In Life Statements..
Winning in life to me is
Feeling at home with who I am.
Feeling free to share my innermost feelings with others.
Looking inside for what I want and going for it.
Winning in life to me is
Accepting myself and others.
Taking ownership of the power that has always been within me.
Committing myself to creating a warm, open environment in which to exist with my family.
Winning in life to me is
Being outfocused and a quiet listener.
Risking myself to be all that I can.
Loving myself and others unconditionally.
Winning in life to me is
Feeling at home with who I am.
Feeling free to share my innermost feelings with others.
Looking inside for what I want and going for it.
Winning in life to me is
Accepting myself and others.
Taking ownership of the power that has always been within me.
Committing myself to creating a warm, open environment in which to exist with my family.
Winning in life to me is
Being outfocused and a quiet listener.
Risking myself to be all that I can.
Loving myself and others unconditionally.
Sunday...January 23rd...2011
Linda Wood’s Nature Paragraph
I am a flower…
I come in many colors and facets…
I stand up tall and brave the elements…
Occasionally I close my petals in…
When the sun comes back out…
I open up again…
The universe gives me nourishment…
And I provide its beauty…
I am a flower…
I come in many colors and facets…
I stand up tall and brave the elements…
Occasionally I close my petals in…
When the sun comes back out…
I open up again…
The universe gives me nourishment…
And I provide its beauty…
sunday....Janaury 23rd .....2011
Linda's Wings Crossover personal contract and song...
I am an open, powerful and courageous woman
Maureen McGovern - I Could Have Been a Sailor
I'm a happy woman
I made my choice in life
I chose to settle down
I chose to be a wife
And I take pleasure in my quiet hearth
And happy home
I never gave my heart
Its chance to roam
I could have been a sailor
And sailed the seven seas
The wind in my face all day
Can you taste the salty breeze?
I could have been a lover
Watchin' waves before me part
But I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
I'm a lucky woman
I'm the envy of my peers
Never ask for favors
And I never show my fears
Surrounded by too many friends
I am a one-man band
With all the trappings of
A life lived second-hand
I could have been a sailor
Rollin' through the night
My sails before the wind
And the stars my only light
I could have been a dreamer
But dreams just fall apart
So, I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
And I take pleasure in my quiet hearth
And happy home
I never gave my heart
A chance to roam
I could have been a sailor
And sailed the seven seas
The wind in my face all day
Can you taste the salty breeze?
I could have been a dreamer
But dreams just fall apart
So, I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
I am an open, powerful and courageous woman
Maureen McGovern - I Could Have Been a Sailor
I'm a happy woman
I made my choice in life
I chose to settle down
I chose to be a wife
And I take pleasure in my quiet hearth
And happy home
I never gave my heart
Its chance to roam
I could have been a sailor
And sailed the seven seas
The wind in my face all day
Can you taste the salty breeze?
I could have been a lover
Watchin' waves before me part
But I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
I'm a lucky woman
I'm the envy of my peers
Never ask for favors
And I never show my fears
Surrounded by too many friends
I am a one-man band
With all the trappings of
A life lived second-hand
I could have been a sailor
Rollin' through the night
My sails before the wind
And the stars my only light
I could have been a dreamer
But dreams just fall apart
So, I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
And I take pleasure in my quiet hearth
And happy home
I never gave my heart
A chance to roam
I could have been a sailor
And sailed the seven seas
The wind in my face all day
Can you taste the salty breeze?
I could have been a dreamer
But dreams just fall apart
So, I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
I settled for safer harbors
Of my heart
Sunday...January 23rd..2011
If you were unable to attend the celebration of Linda, I have posted the program below..special thanks to our children Jim, Wendy, Jeff and Janine for their incredible Eulogy of their Mother and their sharing of their Mother's Wings journey...Special thanks to Linda's dear friends, Judy, Claudia, Maureen, Mary and Rhody for their special memories of Linda....to Pastor Steve for his message and being the "glue", to Linda's siblings Karen and Marlin for their parts and a special special thanks to Hazel and Gail for their musical tributes which the likes of the Lutherans have not seen and left everyone raising their hands in paraise...wow..wow...wow... and to the 300 or 400 people attending this Celebration for this special lady.....thank you so much ..all of you...for your parts in making this so special....
Celebration of Linda
Today’s Program
Welcome and Opening Prayer ~ Pastor: Steve
Eulogy ~ Children: Jim, Jeff, Janine and Wendy
Sharing ~ Friends: Claudia, Judy, Mary, Maureen, and Rhody
Worship ~ Pastor: Steve
Scripture ~ Sister: Karen
Song ’I’ll Fly Away’ ~ Friend: Hazel
Prayer ~ Pastor: Steve
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Personal Contract
Song ‘I Could Have Been a Sailor’
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Nature Paragraph
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Winning in Life Statement
Introduction and Reading of Dave and Linda’s Marital Commitment to Each Other
Song ‘Time After Time’
Testimonial and Closing Prayer ~ Brother: Marlin
Invitation to the Gathering ~ Granddaughters: Jillian and Taigen
Song ‘Amazing Grace’ ~ Congregation
Celebration of Linda
Today’s Program
Welcome and Opening Prayer ~ Pastor: Steve
Eulogy ~ Children: Jim, Jeff, Janine and Wendy
Sharing ~ Friends: Claudia, Judy, Mary, Maureen, and Rhody
Worship ~ Pastor: Steve
Scripture ~ Sister: Karen
Song ’I’ll Fly Away’ ~ Friend: Hazel
Prayer ~ Pastor: Steve
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Personal Contract
Song ‘I Could Have Been a Sailor’
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Nature Paragraph
Introduction and Reading of Linda’s Winning in Life Statement
Introduction and Reading of Dave and Linda’s Marital Commitment to Each Other
Song ‘Time After Time’
Testimonial and Closing Prayer ~ Brother: Marlin
Invitation to the Gathering ~ Granddaughters: Jillian and Taigen
Song ‘Amazing Grace’ ~ Congregation
Sunday....Janaury 23rd...2011
People wanting to buy the book published on the many faces and expressions of Linda, entitled LINDA can order the book at www.mixbook.com/photo-books/family/linda-lou-5141059
Sunday....January 23rd...2011
I plan on a series of posts covered important things around the Celebration yesterday, etc...so read all....this is the first one....
IN REMEMBRANCE OF LINDA WOOD
In lieu of flowers Linda would appreciate donations being made to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. This fund is used to support people in attending the Personal Effectiveness Seminar and True Colors Teen Seminar. Please use the first form below to donate to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. You will have an opportunity to include a message to Linda's family in the comments section on the payment page.
Web Site for donations http://www.wings-seminars.com/linda-wood/
IN REMEMBRANCE OF LINDA WOOD
In lieu of flowers Linda would appreciate donations being made to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. This fund is used to support people in attending the Personal Effectiveness Seminar and True Colors Teen Seminar. Please use the first form below to donate to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. You will have an opportunity to include a message to Linda's family in the comments section on the payment page.
Web Site for donations http://www.wings-seminars.com/linda-wood/
Sunday....January 23rd....2011
It's late...the last of the talking is over...now for some rest...tomorrow this blog will have much more...as there is more to share and to..and to...
Just to say it was an incredible Celebration of Linda today.....the place was packed...the eulogy by the children was wonderful...the friends of Linda spoke very well of her...the music was incredible....the sharing of Linda's Wing's processes were very insightful..etc..etc...
The family gathered for a pot luck tonight and shared more.....
As I say tomorrow will bring more..with some pictures also...good night.....good night sweet Linda......I love you......
Just to say it was an incredible Celebration of Linda today.....the place was packed...the eulogy by the children was wonderful...the friends of Linda spoke very well of her...the music was incredible....the sharing of Linda's Wing's processes were very insightful..etc..etc...
The family gathered for a pot luck tonight and shared more.....
As I say tomorrow will bring more..with some pictures also...good night.....good night sweet Linda......I love you......
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday....January 21st.....2011
We're ready for tomorrow...the Celebration of Linda....we will do her right...as they say.....I look forward to it...
With daughter in law Jenn's help, we've put together a book of pictures of Linda...anyone can order a copy...whether they are at the Celebration or not...I will post the information as soon as I have it....it is spectacular....
Thank you for the cards, calls and Facebook comments..they are all very helpful and supportive....
Tonight the family will meet after dinner to reminisce...I have a process to connect with Linda's image which I will share the results on this BLOG later....tomorrow night we have a family dinner planned before folks start heading back to their homes.....
The programs are spectacular thanks to daughter Wendy....i will publish on the BLOG by separate posting....
ps..Linda has come back to us with the help of Chad, our daughter in law Jenn's step father...he handled the cremation.....the "Emken " children (Jim, Jeff and Janine) will be spreading 1/4th of their Mother's ashes to represent the 10 years of marriage to Richard Emken and 4 children.....Linda's family of 30 years of marriage to Dave will spread 3/4th of Linda's ashes....at a lake in the wilderness where we hiked with the children when they were young and camped....of course we have to wait til the snow leaves....
With daughter in law Jenn's help, we've put together a book of pictures of Linda...anyone can order a copy...whether they are at the Celebration or not...I will post the information as soon as I have it....it is spectacular....
Thank you for the cards, calls and Facebook comments..they are all very helpful and supportive....
Tonight the family will meet after dinner to reminisce...I have a process to connect with Linda's image which I will share the results on this BLOG later....tomorrow night we have a family dinner planned before folks start heading back to their homes.....
The programs are spectacular thanks to daughter Wendy....i will publish on the BLOG by separate posting....
ps..Linda has come back to us with the help of Chad, our daughter in law Jenn's step father...he handled the cremation.....the "Emken " children (Jim, Jeff and Janine) will be spreading 1/4th of their Mother's ashes to represent the 10 years of marriage to Richard Emken and 4 children.....Linda's family of 30 years of marriage to Dave will spread 3/4th of Linda's ashes....at a lake in the wilderness where we hiked with the children when they were young and camped....of course we have to wait til the snow leaves....
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday....Janaury 19th...2011
We are preparing for the Celebration...the programs are being printed (right next to me by daughter Wendy)..it is 12 pages!!!!!....I told you things would be different...with a color picture of Linda of course...
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Wendy and Janine have the food scoped out for the Gathering ...they are picking everything up Friday....
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Wendy and Janine have the food scoped out for the Gathering ...they are picking everything up Friday....
Jim has the audiovisual stuff figured out...
The siblings have the Eulogy put together.....the five friends of Linda have their part figured out individually and Friday they rehearse....
The music is being put together right now by me......
I took time tonight to have dinner with dear friend Claudia....the Widower met with the Widow....(we call ourselves the "Widower Man" and the "Widow Woman")...she is of great counsel to me in these trying times....as she was with Linda and I when Linda was going through her Journey.....
Tomorrow my Brother and his family arrive from Anchorage.....Linda's Bridesmaid Mary is flying back here tomorrow......Friday many coming in for support..thank you all for the time and expense to support Linda..she was special and so are you...and you....and you..
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Daughter in law Jenn, in addition to doing the obituaries for the newspaper, has worked with me (I just identified the pictures) and created a book of pictures of Linda...an amazing assortment in book form allowing folks to see the many faces of this amazing woman....application forms will be available at the Celebration and folks can order their copies directly from the publisher on line....really cool!!!!!
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday...January 18th...2011
Busy day again today..getting things organized for Saturday's Celebration of Linda...I am so excited that we will be able to do things Linda wanted..I assure you it will be different from anything you've been to.......see you there....
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday....January 17th...2011
Zion Lutheran Church...Newberg....Oregon
DIRECTIONS
The church is located in the vicinity of downtown Newberg, three blocks south of 99W at 301 S River St, near Hoover Park. Coming from Dundee on 99W, go through downtown Newberg and turn right on S River St. If you're coming from Sherwood on 99W, turn left on S River St just before entering the downtown area.
http://www.newbergzion.com/
DIRECTIONS
The church is located in the vicinity of downtown Newberg, three blocks south of 99W at 301 S River St, near Hoover Park. Coming from Dundee on 99W, go through downtown Newberg and turn right on S River St. If you're coming from Sherwood on 99W, turn left on S River St just before entering the downtown area.
http://www.newbergzion.com/
Monday....January 17th...2011
Showcase Of Flowers
215 Villa Rd.
Newberg OR 97132
(503) 538-4311
(800) 606-5075
http://www.showcaseofflowers.com/
IN REMEMBRANCE OF LINDA WOOD
In lieu of flowers Linda would appreciate donations being made to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. This fund is used to support people in attending the Personal Effectiveness Seminar and True Colors Teen Seminar. Please use the form on the web site below to donate to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. You will have an opportunity to include a message to Linda's family in the comments section on the payment page.
Web Site for donations http://www.wings-seminars.com/linda-wood/
215 Villa Rd.
Newberg OR 97132
(503) 538-4311
(800) 606-5075
http://www.showcaseofflowers.com/
IN REMEMBRANCE OF LINDA WOOD
In lieu of flowers Linda would appreciate donations being made to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. This fund is used to support people in attending the Personal Effectiveness Seminar and True Colors Teen Seminar. Please use the form on the web site below to donate to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund. You will have an opportunity to include a message to Linda's family in the comments section on the payment page.
Web Site for donations http://www.wings-seminars.com/linda-wood/
Monday....January 17th...2011
Linda was an open, powerful, & courageous woman. Surrounded by her loved ones, Linda Lou Wood passed away peacefully on January 15, 2011. She was 64.Linda Lou Rasmussen Emken Wood was born on March 13, 1946 in Blair, Nebraska to John & Maxine Rasmussen. She spent most of her childhood on a dairy farm outside of St. Paul, OR where she attended High School at St. Paul & Newberg. She was a cheerleader & president of the FHA. Linda went to college at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. On a trip to a family wedding in Nebraska, Linda met her 1st husband Richard Emken. They traveled back to Oregon were they raised their four children in the Monmouth area. After losing her first husband in 1978, Linda moved to Salem to start the next chapter of her life.
In the spring of 1980, Linda met her soul mate David Wood. They fell in love and were married on November 20th of the same year. Linda & Dave eventually moved to the Bend area where they started Central Oregon Custom Homes & Legend’s Publick House, while Dave continued to work for The Oregon Education Association. Linda & Dave enjoyed working closely with WINGS seminars, Champ Cup Open Wheel Racing and spending time at their 2nd home in Land O’Lakes, Florida. They loved to travel and experience new adventures together. After battling cancer for a few years, Linda & Dave moved to the Canby area so they could be closer to family & friends.
Linda loved to bake!! She was known for her cookies & other treats. Linda loved to read & play cards. She was a tremendous friend to many. Her smile could light up a room. She loved to spend time with her family, especially her two grandchildren who were very near and dear to her heart.
Linda is survived by her husband David Wood of Canby; sister, Karen Meuchel of Brooks, brothers, Marlin Rasmussen of St. Paul, Norman Rasmussen of Salem: Children, James Emken of West Linn, Jeff Emken of Bend, Janine Emken of Tualatin, Wendy Soethe of Seattle & Juli Walton of Bend; Grandchildren, Jillian Emken & Taigen Soethe, and her dog, Sadie. She was preceded in death by her 4th son Jonathan Emken Wood.
We invite you to join us at the Celebration of Linda on January 22nd, 2011 at 1:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church, 301 South River Street, Newberg, OR 97321.
In lieu of flowers Linda would appreciate donations being made to the WINGS seminars scholarship fund in her name at www.wings-seminars.com/linda-wood.
For more information about Linda’s extraordinary journey please go to www.linda-lou.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday...January 16th..2011
The CELEBRATION OF LINDA will be Saturday...January 22nd at 1 pm....at the Zion Lutheran Church in Newberg Oregon.....301 S River Street.....
With the help of Pastor Steve Estrem , Janine and Dave were able to put a program together that reflected the wishes Dave and Linda had discussed several times.....
Following the Celebration Of Linda, a GATHERING will take place in the Fellowship Hall where refreshments will be served as well as pictures of Linda....folks will be able to put an order in for a picture book of our favorite photos of Linda as well as seeing some favorite things of Linda...
This event has a money back guarantee...it will not be something to miss....
Tonight Daughters Wendy and Janine, son in law Chris, daughter in law Jenn, son Jim, grand daughters Jillian and Taigen, brother in law Marlin and sister in law Joni, joined for dinner, provided by special friends Ginnie and Nancy (who we are very grateful to). We took time around the table to say one word that came to our mind when thinking of Linda and the past three days...the words were:
CONNECTION
LOVE
FAMILY
COMPLETION
SAD
PEACEFUL
PEACE
MOM
THANKFUL
GRATEFUL
Linda's special friend Mary and her daughter came over with gifts for the next day and Mary, who was with Linda when Dave really connected for the first time and was Linda's Brides Maid came after dinner...Mary and Dave each took time to tell their side of the story as to what went on when the connection took place between Dave and Linda....Mary's story was quite embellished while Dave's story was straightforward and with out any exaggerations etc...Dave can say this because he gets to write the BLOG...actually the jury..ie members at the table scored it a tie between the stories with several pluses and several minuses, where they felt the truth was being stretched...it was fun...
Each family member and friend has a responsibility for the Celebration.....so it is a shared responsibility...
Please spread the word about the Celebration a there are still folks unable to read...or so we think....
With the help of Pastor Steve Estrem , Janine and Dave were able to put a program together that reflected the wishes Dave and Linda had discussed several times.....
Following the Celebration Of Linda, a GATHERING will take place in the Fellowship Hall where refreshments will be served as well as pictures of Linda....folks will be able to put an order in for a picture book of our favorite photos of Linda as well as seeing some favorite things of Linda...
This event has a money back guarantee...it will not be something to miss....
Tonight Daughters Wendy and Janine, son in law Chris, daughter in law Jenn, son Jim, grand daughters Jillian and Taigen, brother in law Marlin and sister in law Joni, joined for dinner, provided by special friends Ginnie and Nancy (who we are very grateful to). We took time around the table to say one word that came to our mind when thinking of Linda and the past three days...the words were:
CONNECTION
LOVE
FAMILY
COMPLETION
SAD
PEACEFUL
PEACE
MOM
THANKFUL
GRATEFUL
Linda's special friend Mary and her daughter came over with gifts for the next day and Mary, who was with Linda when Dave really connected for the first time and was Linda's Brides Maid came after dinner...Mary and Dave each took time to tell their side of the story as to what went on when the connection took place between Dave and Linda....Mary's story was quite embellished while Dave's story was straightforward and with out any exaggerations etc...Dave can say this because he gets to write the BLOG...actually the jury..ie members at the table scored it a tie between the stories with several pluses and several minuses, where they felt the truth was being stretched...it was fun...
Each family member and friend has a responsibility for the Celebration.....so it is a shared responsibility...
Please spread the word about the Celebration a there are still folks unable to read...or so we think....
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday...January 15th...2011 4:35
Most everyone has gone...Wendy, Chris and Taigen are here...
Tomorrow I meet with the Minister of the church in Newberg that Linda's parents went to and supported....Linda wanted her Memorial there if things worked out...
What Linda and I discussed many times that we want is an upbeat two part Celebration for this very unique woman. The first part we want is that it be in the Sanctuary...and that our Minister from the Bend Church Linda attended (and I on select days) lead this part...and that it include Linda's favorite hymn "Amazing Grace"..maybe sung by a special friend who admired Linda. We would like for the children of ours to read the eulogy together and in parts..of what Linda/Mother meant to them....and then special friends selected to speak to qualities of this woman and how it impacted the world.....and some appropriate scripture.
The second part we might do in the Fellowship Hall.....we shall see.....we would like to see the Head of Wings lead this part and that it include the sharing of Linda's personal life long contract...that it include sharing Linda's "Winning in Life" statements....that it include our Listening Heart Commitment to each other...that Linda's personal song given to her be played...that our Listening heart Couples song be played...that "The Dance by Garth Brooks be played...and that we all sing a song together (I have a couple in mind)....and that we are led in a Closed Eye Guided Imagery process where Linda tells us good bye and not to worry...she is in a better place.
I have been collecting some really neat pictures of Linda..it is not important when or where the picture was taken..it about seeing the many faces of Linda and taking them in...that these be published in a book for people to see and they have the opportunity to purchase one thru Costco or where ever...
And then a sharing a a healthy meal celebrating our special friend.
The When and Where will be published on the BLOG as well as obituaries in the Portland, Newberg, Bend and Salem news papers.....
I do want you to know how things went today..briefly...I alerted everyone very early to come...individuals, couples and families each had time to be with Linda...she did not speak. After all were finished...I went in alone...held her hand and talked to her...kissed her....she started to become cold in her hands...took two small breaths and was then gone.....no pain..no suffering...we then all went into the room......gathered around her and prayed......it was very very special.....then it was over...
Tomorrow I meet with the Minister of the church in Newberg that Linda's parents went to and supported....Linda wanted her Memorial there if things worked out...
What Linda and I discussed many times that we want is an upbeat two part Celebration for this very unique woman. The first part we want is that it be in the Sanctuary...and that our Minister from the Bend Church Linda attended (and I on select days) lead this part...and that it include Linda's favorite hymn "Amazing Grace"..maybe sung by a special friend who admired Linda. We would like for the children of ours to read the eulogy together and in parts..of what Linda/Mother meant to them....and then special friends selected to speak to qualities of this woman and how it impacted the world.....and some appropriate scripture.
The second part we might do in the Fellowship Hall.....we shall see.....we would like to see the Head of Wings lead this part and that it include the sharing of Linda's personal life long contract...that it include sharing Linda's "Winning in Life" statements....that it include our Listening Heart Commitment to each other...that Linda's personal song given to her be played...that our Listening heart Couples song be played...that "The Dance by Garth Brooks be played...and that we all sing a song together (I have a couple in mind)....and that we are led in a Closed Eye Guided Imagery process where Linda tells us good bye and not to worry...she is in a better place.
I have been collecting some really neat pictures of Linda..it is not important when or where the picture was taken..it about seeing the many faces of Linda and taking them in...that these be published in a book for people to see and they have the opportunity to purchase one thru Costco or where ever...
And then a sharing a a healthy meal celebrating our special friend.
The When and Where will be published on the BLOG as well as obituaries in the Portland, Newberg, Bend and Salem news papers.....
I do want you to know how things went today..briefly...I alerted everyone very early to come...individuals, couples and families each had time to be with Linda...she did not speak. After all were finished...I went in alone...held her hand and talked to her...kissed her....she started to become cold in her hands...took two small breaths and was then gone.....no pain..no suffering...we then all went into the room......gathered around her and prayed......it was very very special.....then it was over...
Saturday....January 15th...2011.....9:30 am
Linda's Journey on earth is about complete........
It will be a while before I post again.....
I sincerely thank each and everyone of you for your incredible words of love and support for Linda...and she thrived on those words.....it was a big part of her healing....and wholeness...
It will be a while before I post again.....
I sincerely thank each and everyone of you for your incredible words of love and support for Linda...and she thrived on those words.....it was a big part of her healing....and wholeness...
Saturday....January 15th...4 am...2011
Perhaps "Linda's Journey" is coming closer to an end...or just beginning elsewhere.....
Linda's respirations are about 6 per minute.....normally one takes about 12 breaths per minute....which the nurses say is the system starting to shut down....the pulse is till high which means her heart is still working hard...it always does....and the nurses say this will start to drop....
The above feels almost "clinical"...whatever that means....to me it means I am going to lose my dear friend and lover and...and....and I am so sad...and yet I am somewhat comforted by knowing she won't be suffering much longer. And I know...even though I slept a lot during the night...I am tired and.......
Linda's respirations are about 6 per minute.....normally one takes about 12 breaths per minute....which the nurses say is the system starting to shut down....the pulse is till high which means her heart is still working hard...it always does....and the nurses say this will start to drop....
The above feels almost "clinical"...whatever that means....to me it means I am going to lose my dear friend and lover and...and....and I am so sad...and yet I am somewhat comforted by knowing she won't be suffering much longer. And I know...even though I slept a lot during the night...I am tired and.......
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday....January 14th...10 pm .....2011
Linda is resting peacefully....her numbers are good...what a difference a day makes....the difference with "comfort care" vs struggling to breathe...respiratory distress.
Dave has met with the Hospice folks...Linda will remain in the hospital and cared for by the hospital this weekend...Monday (if she is still with us), she will be transferred to a Hospice "house" to complete her journey under the care of Hospice....Linda has expressed that she does not need to be taken home to die....and that is good.
Linda will be an organ donor to the Lions Eye Bank...the process is in place for this to happen.....
Linda will be cremated and her ashes split between her first marriage (her husband passed away in an accident) and her second marriage to Dave....the first set of ashes will be spread by her children among the graves of her husband and son...the second set of ashes will be spread by her family and friends in nature at a place of beauty and a place she will be remembered....we have ideas in place.
A memorial celebration of life will be held with a religious and a spiritual part...Linda and Dave have been working on this and it will be something not to miss..more later....
Today many friends and family visited with Linda..many flew in more coming in tomorrow...her grand children are present ....her siblings are here...many of her friends are here...nieces, nephews..etc..e.tc...the visits were small at a time and quiet with touching of this precious woman...
Linda is sleeping as this is written...a woman in peace....and peaceful....the struggle is over....
Dave has met with the Hospice folks...Linda will remain in the hospital and cared for by the hospital this weekend...Monday (if she is still with us), she will be transferred to a Hospice "house" to complete her journey under the care of Hospice....Linda has expressed that she does not need to be taken home to die....and that is good.
Linda will be an organ donor to the Lions Eye Bank...the process is in place for this to happen.....
Linda will be cremated and her ashes split between her first marriage (her husband passed away in an accident) and her second marriage to Dave....the first set of ashes will be spread by her children among the graves of her husband and son...the second set of ashes will be spread by her family and friends in nature at a place of beauty and a place she will be remembered....we have ideas in place.
A memorial celebration of life will be held with a religious and a spiritual part...Linda and Dave have been working on this and it will be something not to miss..more later....
Today many friends and family visited with Linda..many flew in more coming in tomorrow...her grand children are present ....her siblings are here...many of her friends are here...nieces, nephews..etc..e.tc...the visits were small at a time and quiet with touching of this precious woman...
Linda is sleeping as this is written...a woman in peace....and peaceful....the struggle is over....
Friday....January 14th...2011
Linda made the decision today to discontinue treatment....the fight was one she was losing and the Doctor said the counts were going against her.....the antibiotics were not going to beat the pneumonia but slow it down...
Linda had a horrible night....struggling to breathe..and was wanting to be done with it.....
She is clear and at peace with her decision....
What now?
All treatment will cease ..no more antibiotics.....
Linda is getting a drip flow of morphine continuously now for comfort.....comfort is the key....
Hospice will be notified and involved....if this continues for a couple of days, Linda might be sent home...although she has made it clear that going home is not important...she just wants to be at peace.....
Visitors today will find a much different day than yesterday...the Doctor said Linda would not see another day like yesterday...each moment from now on will be different. We are limiting visitors to 2 or 3 at a time...much quieter with comforting words to Linda..not needing a response...visitors do not have to worry about a cold or..or..it doesn't matter now..
The Doctor was wonderful...involving Linda..listening to her needs...and as sad as it is, Linda made the right choice..to be at peace....
Linda had a horrible night....struggling to breathe..and was wanting to be done with it.....
She is clear and at peace with her decision....
What now?
All treatment will cease ..no more antibiotics.....
Linda is getting a drip flow of morphine continuously now for comfort.....comfort is the key....
Hospice will be notified and involved....if this continues for a couple of days, Linda might be sent home...although she has made it clear that going home is not important...she just wants to be at peace.....
Visitors today will find a much different day than yesterday...the Doctor said Linda would not see another day like yesterday...each moment from now on will be different. We are limiting visitors to 2 or 3 at a time...much quieter with comforting words to Linda..not needing a response...visitors do not have to worry about a cold or..or..it doesn't matter now..
The Doctor was wonderful...involving Linda..listening to her needs...and as sad as it is, Linda made the right choice..to be at peace....
Fridaqy...January 14th..6:45 am...2011
They are cutting the time in the sequence of the morphine that provides comfort..the cycles during the night were too far apart resulting in extreme discomfort for Linda....Linda is no longer gasping and struggling..more calm...
Linda feels the "caring" with this new approach...folks trying to stay on top of it for Linda...
Linda is actually breathing out her nose as opposed to open mouth gasping...what a relief....
Linda feels the "caring" with this new approach...folks trying to stay on top of it for Linda...
Linda is actually breathing out her nose as opposed to open mouth gasping...what a relief....
Friday...Janaury 14th...6 am...2011
Linda continues to struggle....tough night.....very hard on her body....her numbers are back up with O2 at 95/94%...her pulse is down to 135 (and up and down) which is still very high but not in the upper 150's like at times during the night....
They continue to give her antibiotics to fight the pneumonia...as well as morphine continuously for comfort....and having said that, Linda is struggling....
This is not what she wants....and we are going to discuss..are we still fighting to win (ie beat the pneumonia) or prolonging things....if the latter then we want the "comfort" "upped".....we will discuss when the doctor comes around today....
We have discussed visitors today....we discussed this with the nursing staff too...we are going to keep the numbers in the room at a time down with everyone else down the hall...trying to keep the noise down....and we are asking folks to be more quiet and not engaging Linda in terms of responses as she is working to use all her energy to fight right now...engagement would be more of comforting words and quiet touching etc etc...the nurses endorsed this approach....as the best we can all be for Linda...and it allows folks to support each other....and rotate in and out....
As a final...Linda has suddenly calmed a lot..the results of the latest morphine most likely..her breathing is calming...as opposed to hours of gasping...and sweating and..and.... Linda and I just looked at each other..I said "WOW"..she said "GOOD".....maybe the race and the pace has slowed a bit...maybe now she can sleep ...and get the rest her body desperately deserves and needs...
They continue to give her antibiotics to fight the pneumonia...as well as morphine continuously for comfort....and having said that, Linda is struggling....
This is not what she wants....and we are going to discuss..are we still fighting to win (ie beat the pneumonia) or prolonging things....if the latter then we want the "comfort" "upped".....we will discuss when the doctor comes around today....
We have discussed visitors today....we discussed this with the nursing staff too...we are going to keep the numbers in the room at a time down with everyone else down the hall...trying to keep the noise down....and we are asking folks to be more quiet and not engaging Linda in terms of responses as she is working to use all her energy to fight right now...engagement would be more of comforting words and quiet touching etc etc...the nurses endorsed this approach....as the best we can all be for Linda...and it allows folks to support each other....and rotate in and out....
As a final...Linda has suddenly calmed a lot..the results of the latest morphine most likely..her breathing is calming...as opposed to hours of gasping...and sweating and..and.... Linda and I just looked at each other..I said "WOW"..she said "GOOD".....maybe the race and the pace has slowed a bit...maybe now she can sleep ...and get the rest her body desperately deserves and needs...
Friday....January 14th...2:30 am...2011
Linda continues to struggle..but not as bad...her O2 % is 91..but the pulse is still high..but lower than earlier...they have given her two administrations of morphine and a respiratory therapy in trying to ease her efforts...she is responding a bit....
What started out looking like a night's sleep went haywire..hopefully she will fall asleep soon and then I'm right behind her....
She really doesn't like this state of being and quality of life she is in right now....we've yet to see a doctor this evening...my sense is the program is laid out....keep the antibiotics going...keep the oxygen going..either the pneumonia gives or Linda's body gives....there will be a victor....
What started out looking like a night's sleep went haywire..hopefully she will fall asleep soon and then I'm right behind her....
She really doesn't like this state of being and quality of life she is in right now....we've yet to see a doctor this evening...my sense is the program is laid out....keep the antibiotics going...keep the oxygen going..either the pneumonia gives or Linda's body gives....there will be a victor....
Friday....January 14th.....12:50...20111
They just gave Linda some interveinous morphine to try to slow her down....breathing like a freight train.....pulse elevated..they think this will slow her down....more in a half hour if needed...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Friday...January 14th...Midnight...2011
How come.....when you settle down...the nurse comes in to check things out...then you settle down ....and then a new nurse comes in and announces there is a shift change and she is the new nurse and repeats what the other nurse did...
Mrs. Wood seems to be settling down....very restless....needed her suction...which of course was on the floor....then the wrapper.....also on the floor.....
Then Wendy left her Wheat Thins over my objections..and me with no will power....ate the whole box...without breathing...and upon reflection remembered I got hooked up with Linda in the first place because I had no will power...Linda and Wheat Thins have a lot in common....
How come they hold a debate session outside your door at midnight?
Linda doesn't think her quality of life right now is really that hot..thinks maybe she might just go while in the hospital...today she figured out everyone would be ok.....except me....and it's too late to do anything about me....
I really want a diet coke but they are on to us and I have to wait one more shift change to go across the hall to snag one....if I were at Meridian Park Hospital down the road, my friendly nurse friends from days past would take care of me....they were the ones who declared diet coke a clear liquid for a clear liquid diet..much to my delight....
Mrs. Wood seems to be settling down....very restless....needed her suction...which of course was on the floor....then the wrapper.....also on the floor.....
Then Wendy left her Wheat Thins over my objections..and me with no will power....ate the whole box...without breathing...and upon reflection remembered I got hooked up with Linda in the first place because I had no will power...Linda and Wheat Thins have a lot in common....
How come they hold a debate session outside your door at midnight?
Linda doesn't think her quality of life right now is really that hot..thinks maybe she might just go while in the hospital...today she figured out everyone would be ok.....except me....and it's too late to do anything about me....
I really want a diet coke but they are on to us and I have to wait one more shift change to go across the hall to snag one....if I were at Meridian Park Hospital down the road, my friendly nurse friends from days past would take care of me....they were the ones who declared diet coke a clear liquid for a clear liquid diet..much to my delight....
Thursday...January 13th...2011
The first BLOG........Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Today and How we Got Here
About eight weeks ago, Linda started a hacky cough. We didn't think much of it as there seemed to be something going around.....there was a lot of coughing. As it continued, she attributed it to allergies...lot of plants start late here in Central Oregon. So Linda continued acting as if it wasn't a big deal..in fact the coughing was all the symptoms exhibited. We went to the Beach for two weeks...worked a Champ Car event in Portland and camped in Camp Sherman in the Metolius area with her Brother Marlin and Sister in Law Joanie.
One day Linda decided to have the cough looked at and scheduled an appointment with a lung physician at the medical clinic in Bend, Oregon. This was June 11th. 15 minutes before the appointment, the Clinic called to say the doctor was ill. Linda then went in and saw a physician's aide who had an Xray done and said he thought it was pneumonia. He gave her antibiotics and cough medication.
The following Monday ...the 18th, she called in and said she had joint aches and swelling...also the cough medicine was ineffective and she still had the original symptoms.....the Clinic referred her to a kidney physician as these signs were of kidney problems....having been on vioxx for her back was a concern earlier as to kidney difficulties.
The kidney physician met with her that same day and was very concerned about the original Xray and wanted a Cat scan done..which was scheduled for Friday the 22nd. She saw the doctor in the hall after the scan and she indicated to him that she wanted to know the results even if it meant calling her....he said "even if it's bad news"...she said "yes".
Of course that set off our imaginations...worse case scenarios....by the time Saturday rolled around, I had already imagined myself as a widower.....I was clearly "reading the last chapter of the novel first"...and the story had the possibility of many different endings. Linda's emotions were all over the place.
On Sunday we received the call...lung cancer.
We cried.....we were strong....we were all over the place....it was very much a roller coaster ride.
The physician assured us he would do some "arm twisting" to get her a Pulmonologist (a lung doctor)......so of course we expected Linda to be rushed right in Monday morning and get going with the cures.
Sadly Linda's appointment is not until Tuesday the 3rd of July. Many calls..many efforts to have the next test done right away were unsuccessful...they have a way they want to do it and that's the way it will be.
What we have learned is that Linda will meet with the doctor and he will then schedule a test based on what he sees from the cat scan and meeting with her.....One test is done in the hospital and involves a biopsy...we think it involves a surgery. The other test is an outpatient involving a needle biopsy.....more than that we don't know..about the particulars.
What the biopsy is supposed to do is provide a road map as to the type of cancer and the course of action. We are so anxious to get to that point...
Right now Linda has two symptoms..cough and no energy...she has moments of normalcy but lots of tiredness...I'm trying to get her to take naps..sleep in..etc etc. She has no appetite...slimfasts every couple of hours has been helpful.
Son Jim came from Portland with granddaughter number 1.....Jillian........to visit overnight...son Jeff came over from Bend and spent the night also....clearly it was a blessing and gave much energy to Linda...Jim said she looked 5 years older when he walked in...the next day she looked herself.
Her cousin, Ron, a doctor in Eugene offered her much insight and information which gave her hope and much peace of mind.
Many, many people..friends..acquaintances...etc etc have called and sent emails..so many in fact that I decided to do this Linda Blog .... a place folks could turn to for information and updates on Linda.....a comments section is also provided and encouraged...she will read them as she is able.
Thank you for your support and prayers..there are prayer chains all over the U.S. for her...we thank you for that. Hopefully this Blog will also provide a map for others who may unfortunately follow this path ....
Linda is strong and determined..none of this remission..but rather a cure is her goal...and we all know she sets a intention and makes it happen.
Dave
Today and How we Got Here
About eight weeks ago, Linda started a hacky cough. We didn't think much of it as there seemed to be something going around.....there was a lot of coughing. As it continued, she attributed it to allergies...lot of plants start late here in Central Oregon. So Linda continued acting as if it wasn't a big deal..in fact the coughing was all the symptoms exhibited. We went to the Beach for two weeks...worked a Champ Car event in Portland and camped in Camp Sherman in the Metolius area with her Brother Marlin and Sister in Law Joanie.
One day Linda decided to have the cough looked at and scheduled an appointment with a lung physician at the medical clinic in Bend, Oregon. This was June 11th. 15 minutes before the appointment, the Clinic called to say the doctor was ill. Linda then went in and saw a physician's aide who had an Xray done and said he thought it was pneumonia. He gave her antibiotics and cough medication.
The following Monday ...the 18th, she called in and said she had joint aches and swelling...also the cough medicine was ineffective and she still had the original symptoms.....the Clinic referred her to a kidney physician as these signs were of kidney problems....having been on vioxx for her back was a concern earlier as to kidney difficulties.
The kidney physician met with her that same day and was very concerned about the original Xray and wanted a Cat scan done..which was scheduled for Friday the 22nd. She saw the doctor in the hall after the scan and she indicated to him that she wanted to know the results even if it meant calling her....he said "even if it's bad news"...she said "yes".
Of course that set off our imaginations...worse case scenarios....by the time Saturday rolled around, I had already imagined myself as a widower.....I was clearly "reading the last chapter of the novel first"...and the story had the possibility of many different endings. Linda's emotions were all over the place.
On Sunday we received the call...lung cancer.
We cried.....we were strong....we were all over the place....it was very much a roller coaster ride.
The physician assured us he would do some "arm twisting" to get her a Pulmonologist (a lung doctor)......so of course we expected Linda to be rushed right in Monday morning and get going with the cures.
Sadly Linda's appointment is not until Tuesday the 3rd of July. Many calls..many efforts to have the next test done right away were unsuccessful...they have a way they want to do it and that's the way it will be.
What we have learned is that Linda will meet with the doctor and he will then schedule a test based on what he sees from the cat scan and meeting with her.....One test is done in the hospital and involves a biopsy...we think it involves a surgery. The other test is an outpatient involving a needle biopsy.....more than that we don't know..about the particulars.
What the biopsy is supposed to do is provide a road map as to the type of cancer and the course of action. We are so anxious to get to that point...
Right now Linda has two symptoms..cough and no energy...she has moments of normalcy but lots of tiredness...I'm trying to get her to take naps..sleep in..etc etc. She has no appetite...slimfasts every couple of hours has been helpful.
Son Jim came from Portland with granddaughter number 1.....Jillian........to visit overnight...son Jeff came over from Bend and spent the night also....clearly it was a blessing and gave much energy to Linda...Jim said she looked 5 years older when he walked in...the next day she looked herself.
Her cousin, Ron, a doctor in Eugene offered her much insight and information which gave her hope and much peace of mind.
Many, many people..friends..acquaintances...etc etc have called and sent emails..so many in fact that I decided to do this Linda Blog .... a place folks could turn to for information and updates on Linda.....a comments section is also provided and encouraged...she will read them as she is able.
Thank you for your support and prayers..there are prayer chains all over the U.S. for her...we thank you for that. Hopefully this Blog will also provide a map for others who may unfortunately follow this path ....
Linda is strong and determined..none of this remission..but rather a cure is her goal...and we all know she sets a intention and makes it happen.
Dave
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