Linda

On Friday morning, August 26, our lives were forever changed. We lost my mother-in-law suddenly and unexpectedly. She was the matriarch of our little clan and our hearts shattered into millions of pieces.

This was my ulegy. 

"I met Linda in April of 1990. I learned two things very quickly about her. She loved her two boys immensely and was a fantastic cook. There are probably very few people in this room who have not had a taste of her cooking. I married Brent for her cooking. Phatema and I are terrified of the holidays without her, because of her cooking!

As I met her many friends yesterday, the common denominator was the caliber of person Linda was. She was a friend to all. If she didn't like you, there was a very big reason for it! She was kind and loving and generous. She always tried to meet the needs of others through her volunteer work and by simply giving. She would give her clothes away, she would give her food away and her greatest gift to give was her love. So many people have been touched by her simple generosity. 

I marveled at how much she did. I think she did more in retirement than she ever did working a full time job. She helped with voting, was a Civitan, volunteered with the Red Cross. She loved her Bible studies and her two churches, Okolona Methodist and Brewer Baptist... This making her a Metho-Baptist. Her most recent love was helping out with the Saltillo Historical Society. If anyone knew about Saltillo, it was Linda. She was a wealth of knowledge and a little bit of gossip!!

But of all the wonderful things she was, her greatest achievement was mother. Kevin and Brent were her center. She was an excellent Momma. Never judgemental. She was always loving and full of wise correction. Thank God for her!! Kevin and Brent turned out to be loving and kind husbands and fathers! She was a mother to their friends as well. She never turned any of them away and I have always said I would have hated to see her grocery bill each week! 

Phatema and I were blessed to have her as well. She loved us like we were her own. She always gave the best advice and we never felt unwelcome or unloved. We are now the matriarchs of our little circle and put together, our feet can't fill her shoes. But she left us so much we will try our best to keep her memory alive. 

Cole, Anna Lauren and Matthew were her greatest treasures. She was a doting grandmother and not one person she encountered didn't hear about them  She was so proud of all three of them and spoiled them and loved them unconditionally. She was a wonderful Gran. When Cole found Rachel she was over the moon. She loved her like one of her own. 

She also loved her sister, Ann and her brother-in-law Carl. She was so happy when they moved to Shannon so she could see them more. She loved to cook for them and I think Carl loved that part too!

Our lives are forever changed and we don't know how we are going to do life without her. The hole she has left is unfillable. We will miss everything about her, especially her wit. She was so funny and a straight shooter and made life hilarious at times. No more picking on her about her food preferences or people observations. Eating out won't be near as fun or embarrassing. We will miss her chicken dressing, pecan pie and fried okra. Those are such trivial thoughts knowing where she is right now. Skipping and running and maybe even cartwheeling down the streets of gold. Telling Jesus what He needs to do for her family and friends here on earth. His response is most likely, "Yes, Ms. Linda. " Finally free of pain and happier than she ever could have imagined.

We can't adequately express what she meant to us. But we are thankful for everything she was to us. Only by the grace of God will we make it through without her. 

Love on your mothers. They are treasures and she was one of our greatest. 

Proverbs 31: 28-31

"Many daughters have done well,

But you exceed them all. 

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing

But a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised 

Give her the fruits of her hands

And let her own works praise her in the gates."

We praise you in the gates, Linda, and rejoice you are with your Savior. 

There is no greater gift to leave us. 

Monica