Story Title: Linda: Aunt, “Big SIster” and Friend
By: Sheila
When I was a little girl, Linda was my idol. In my teens, she was my confidant and big sister. Rick, Mike and Billy were my little brothers, and because we lived in the country with no close neighbors, we were the best of friends. Ask them if they remember playing GÇ£houseGÇ¥ with me! I just recently shared with Linda a story about the times that I woke Billy up from a nap just to play with him. Now, as a mother myself, I realize how important those naps were to babies AND to mom! On the occasions that we talked over the years, we always reminisced of the good old days. We would recall Shipley vacations, holidays and family reunions. I regret that we didn’t spend more time together in recent years, but I am so grateful that over the past couple of months we again shared good memories. Linda was an amazing mother and grandmother, and she was still my source of advice. She was a Christian woman who was confident in her faith. While she was in the hospital, she shared her feelings with me about death. With tears in her eyes, she said she was not afraid to die, but she wasnGÇÖt ready to leave her boys and her mother. Then, with a burst of renewed energy and strength in her voice, she said GÇ£I canGÇÖt imagine how glorious it will be to look into the face of God and spend eternity with Him.GÇ¥ How comforting are those words for the ones she has left behind…..
Beth Shipley says
Linda,
I am so fortunate to have had you in my life as my special mother-in-law! I know that you are finally out of discomfort and pain and in a much better place. Please look for Emily and Brandon’s little angel, Nora Grace Shipley, your newest great-grand baby. She went to join you a few hours after you. Give her hugs and kisses from all of us. Please don’t worry about any of us…we will all be just fine, once we get through our sorrow. May God especially watch over and comfort your mom, Grandma Boyer.
Thank you for leading a positive, Christian life for all of us to admire and follow. You were loved by many, but especially your mother, sons, daughters-in-laws, brothers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Love you! Beth
Phil Miller says
Mike and family, I am deeply sorry about your loss, your family will be kept in my prayers.
Debbie Kearns says
My condolences to your family in the loss of your mother and grandmother. May your heart be filled with love and the pain get less every day. Memories are treasures to help remember her love and kindness. Debbie (Bunch) Kearns and family
Suzette Suzie Martin Stone says
Dear Aunt Mary and boys, We were sorry to hear about cousin Linda, and her fight with cancer, that led to her passing. We are sorry to have missed the visitation, would have loved to see you Aunt Mary. Take heart, she has gone on to a better place than we can ever imagine. All Aunt Maude Evelyn Ellinger Martin family send their love and regrets. Jennie Lea, Joe, David Wayne, Dean , Suzette, Mary Alice, and Jeffery Carl