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...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
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28 comments:
Thank you again Dave for all the updates. It really is amazing how strong you have been and will continue to be. We are so glad that Linda is in a good place and the struggle is over. Take care of yourself and know we are all here to support you. Lots of love and prayers
Dave+Family.....you are in our prayers.....Dave you are a good guy and Linda was a good friend. We are honored to know Linda, she was a terrific woman!!! We`ll be intouch, Dave+Mindy Webb
Dave
There is nothing that could be said that could lessen the pain you must feel. How lucky Linda was to have you holding her hand as she left, knowing you never left her side. I pray you feel the love and comfort of those around you. Linda was an amazing woman that blessed my life. How lucky I am for having known her! Much love, Kathy l
Dave, thank you and Linda again for the updates. We feel we have a special connection with you through these last few years. Linda had a special strength and with you at her side we know it was a great team.
I don't really know what to say but please know that we are thinking of you and your family. Linda was a special woman and I admired her greatly.
My prayers and sincere condolences go out to you and your family. What an epic struggle and test of love. As a couple, you excuded so much love for life. I will never forget meeting you in Edmonton 3 times and your behind the scenes tours. You both gave us some life time memories. Thank you so much ...it is a sad day...
Thank you for the update... you are an amazing person, too, Dave, and we (peanut gallery) truly appreciate you keeping us posted on everything. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family... please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will cherish the great times we had with you and Linda at the races (and dinner at your place in FL), and just remember that we are all here for you.
Love,
Jim and Swee
Our thoughts are with you and family.
Tom & Dorothy
Thinking of you and Linda Dave. She was an amazing woman, and you have been an amazing and inspiring couple. Love and light to you.
Hugs,
Bridget
Dave,
Thank you for sharing your Walk with Linda. It was good to see her living life to the fullest.
Your love and devotion for each other is truly inspirational. Your support gave her the courage and strength to push on. We were
so lucky to have her for so long.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
I will miss my wonderful friend.
Love, Maureen
Well my friend, this journey has come to an end as we all must face someday. I only hope I can face it with the same grace and dignity that Linda did. All the memories-- from Alaska to Sanibel--we shared some amazing adventures and through it all you and Linda shared a special relationship that some of us can only hope to find. I have been enriched by the experience. From the WINGS experience, Jonathan's death, the good times and the stressful times, your love and committment to one another only seemed to make you stronger in that very special relationship. Though it all I appreciate being your friend and being included in so many parts of your lives.
Please accept the sincere condolances of Kathy and myself given to you and the kids and your family.
With our love and prayers.
Steve
Dave,
Thank you for letting us be part of Linda's journey. My heart broke tonight when I read she has passed. Our prayers are with you and the family. Please take care of yourself. We are here to support you.
ron & cathy
Dave, thank you so much for sharing -- sharing Linda and then sharing this journey with us.
My dad says this poem helped him:
ASCENSION
And if I go,
while you're still here...
Know that I live on,
vibrating to a different measure
--behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me,
so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
--both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
...I will be there.
Colleen Hitchcock
Again, thank you, Dave. And I have you wrapped in that golden glow of healing Love and Peace and Energy. May you find restful sleep tonight. And you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs all round,
Susie
Today was one of those days when I noticed how blue the sky is, how wonderful and warm the sunshine is, how much I love my friends, how wonderful life really is. It's thanks to Linda. She has reminded me of all of this. I thank her. And I am so fortunate to have stumbled upon the 2 of you all those years ago at California Speedway. My life has been so much richer for the time spent with you both.
I will miss Linda so much. But, somehow today I feel good. I know that Linda faced some extreme struggles in her life, but she did so with courage and determination and those experiences made her a wise and loving woman. I also know that Linda saw much beauty, much joy in this life and that made her a generous and kind woman.
I hope that I can live my life like she did. I hope that I can be half the woman she was.
Linda is at peace now. And for that, I am happy.
My thoughts are with you, Dave. I know how difficult this is, how huge an adjustment you will have to make. But, I know you are a strong and loving man and you have many friends who are here to help you. I am one of them. Let us all know what you need and we will help.
My love to you both, now and always.
Dave -just wanted you to know that we are here for you as you begin a new day without your loved one. Just an FYI - someone already told Jimmy Vasser too as he re-tweeted about it last night. Hope you were able to get some rest last night...
Take care... and our thoughts are with you always!
Love,
Jim and Swee
p/s: When you get a chance, may we please have the kids' (Janine, Jeff, etc...) addresses too? Thanks.
Dave
I know that nothing can ease the pain right now. Linda was was at peace knowing that you were there with her, through it all and last night. I know that is the most anyone can hope for when the time comes. She was so loved. Take care of yourself, your strength and dedication taught us all something.
tess & Wayne
Thank you for sharing this amazing journey with us. No one can know what you are going through right now and how big your personal loss. I only know you have given me and so many others a new appreciation of life and the courage to enjoying EVERY Day we have. I, like so many, will miss my dear friend but know she will be there for so many as a Angel. I felt blessed to have her in my life. I hope you will keep in touch for many years to come as well.
Judy
Thank you, Dave, for all the updates and your loving care of our
wonderful Linda. As it should be you and the whole family were there for her at the end, just as you all were for the last 3 plus years. We will miss her so much, but are happy she is now at peace.
We will see you at the memorial service. Now it is time to take care of yourself. With so many great friends you will never be alone and Linda will always be in your heart and ours.
Love to all,
Nancy, Jim, Joe and Gene
Dave, We are so sorry to hear about Linda. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Don and Phyllis Shore
Dave
Just know we are here...when things slow down in a day or two, we will give you a call. Take care, we love you and will miss your beautiful Linda so much!
Lots of Love
Kim & Ernie
Dave, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peace be with you at this difficult time. Bob and Julie Brown
Thanks Dave to you and Linda for everything you are. It was a pleasure dining with you at Laguna seca back in the CC days and you guys always will be family. Rest easy Linda, I'll raise a glass to you in silverstone this summer.
Dave,
Thank you for all the updates on her health and letting us know her passing.
We'll keep you in our thoughts.
Ricardo Hernandez
"Au Revoir" Linda, until we "meet" again ... just hoping to end up wherever you are, that will be heaven in itself! Such a deep sadness fell upon us after our return from the first family trip in 7 years. The blog news wasn't looking good! While away from home, talking to Guy about you, I felt you struggle ... the struggle is over ... you can finally rest!!!
The sadness still weighs heavy on my heart, but yet there is that peace knowing that you left our world holding hands and getting a kiss from your husband! We all would love to be transitioning with that kind of love around us, when our time comes! The great love surrounding you, all the family & friends praying and wishing you well are an indication of the kindness, generosity, positive approach to everything and, most of all, unwavering love YOU brought to this world, no matter what tragedy life presented you stayed true to your course, seeking the "silver lining" in all, keeping your faith, staying strong and spreading more love! We will miss you so greatly, your hugs, your smile and zest for life! Rest well, our friend, you have lived & fought tirelessly to make the world around you a better place! Your physical being has left us, but you were a woman larger than life (or death) and therefore your spirit will continue to be felt strong in all those treasured memories we can call our own by having had you in our lives!
Thank you Dave for all those updates (although you must have been exhausted and emotionally drained at times!) the honesty and clarifying thoughts & feelings you shared so openly with all of us!
As we are gripped by sadness we feel at a loss of words to express our grief for your loss! We just want to let you know how inspiring BOTH of you were to us in your closeness as a couple,honest and truthful communication and focus on love and devotion. How telling that you were there to be holding Linda's hand, letting her go with a kiss and loving heart!
Cherish your uncountable memories and Linda's spirit that will live on in them ...
After a little while: give yourself a good rest, also! You have put out a great deal over the last 3 1/2 years as a care-taker-husband-family-man-friend ...
Lots of fervent prayers and love along with our deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family!
So glad we had the privilege of celebrating your 30th anniversary
with you and seeing you before the last Christmas celebration!
Dave and Family,
I was fortunate to know Linda if only for a short while. However, during that short time she touched my heart with her beautiful smile and her positive attitude. Never did I hear her complain. Such a sweet lady. Dave to you and your family, I pray for God to give you peace.
Jackie Youngblood
Land O' Lakes, Fl.
Dave and family,
We are devastated to hear the news about Linda. She was a great lady and will very much be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Kurt and Lisa Wagner
Dave,
God Bless you and your family.
God Bless Linda, she is at peace. I pray that you have comfort.
Brad
Dave, I am so sorry to hear the news about Linda. I've been in touch with her progress through Jen.What a special lady!! Thank you for sharing the journey of her courage of love. I feel blessed to have known her. My prayers are with you and the family
Carolyn Petersen
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