We were Facebook friends for 5 years and had never met face-to-face but she was one of my most favorite people. If social media has done nothing else it has opened the door a crack to find some really wonderful people in this world. I felt that way about Linda.
I don’t remember how we met on Facebook. One of us contacted the other because we shared a name. I remember telling her that we should go to a Linda Smith Convention … or at least get one started. I said we wouldn’t have any trouble remembering anyone’s name no matter how many people were there and she said we’d meet some really cool, amazing people because Linda Smiths are like that. I liked her right away.
And we both loved animals.
We didn’t communicate every day but we LIKED what the other said and we SHARED stuff and she especially liked the photos of a life-sized pink concrete pig our neighbors have at the end of their driveway and dress in seasonal and holiday outfits. Every time they change the pig’s outfits, I take her picture and post it on Facebook. People from all over comment about the pig but Linda ALWAYS said, “I LOVE that pig,” and then we’d laugh together across the miles.
The last time I posted a Miss Piggy picture Linda didn’t respond. I missed her, “I LOVE that pig,” so I sent her a private message. Her daughter responded that her mom’s vision had gotten really bad and that she couldn’t see to read or respond. I asked her daughter to tell her I was keeping her in my prayers and that I missed her.
Several days ago Linda’s daughter said she was very ill and had been moved into hospice. My heart hurt at the news.
Today there was message from her daughter saying her mom had passed away at 4:42 p.m. The shock and sadness I felt immediately has not diminished. I can’t stop thinking about the woman I’d never met who shared my name and my sense of humor. Alone in my office in front of my computer I cried with small sobs that came from my soul, and genuine tears. My sadness has been almost unbearable.
I will so miss my friend … the woman who shared my name and my love for animals and a pink concrete pig with a wardrobe bigger than ours combined. The world is a little darker. My heart is considerably heavier. She was very special to me.
Linda and I often talked about how common our “Linda Smith” name was. We did a search and found out there were hundreds of us on Facebook alone so I’m guessing there are probably thousands of us in heaven. I hope my friend has found them all at a huge, raucous Linda Smith Convention and is having a time. Maybe she will tell them about me and about that pig down the road dressed up in a bathing suit and sun glasses for summer.
I miss you already, Linda Smith. You were a light in my world.
heimdalco 