May 4, 1952 - September 21, 2006

         I first met Linda online when we were both members of a Scleroderma support group.  We were both diagnosed with the same diseases which I believe contributed to our friendship.  I often looked to Linda for advice when I would develop new symptoms.  She was always supportive, and helpful.  We were also both members of an online Sjogren's support group and then when I started a private group of my own, she became one of the first members.

     Linda was a very upbeat, positive person.  She dealt with a lot of health issues but would rarely complain.  She was the President of "The Saskatchewan Scleroderma Self Help Group" in Canada, a charitable organization, providing information and support for others with the disease as well as their families.  She became involved with the Scleroderma Association of Saskatchewan in 1991 and became group President in October of 2000.  She was also involved in the formation of the Scleroderma Society of Canada, working with others to find a cure, raise funds for research, and promoting awareness. 

     Linda was a dedicated and loving wife to her husband, Gerald.  She would often comment on what a good and devoted husband and friend Gerald was.  She is also survived by her daughter, Michelle and her husband, Josh, and their two precious daughters, Claudia and Monica.  Linda loved being a mother and grandmother.

      I was never fortunate enough to meet Linda in person but I did speak to her numerous times on the telephone and we kept in touch through email.....both privately and through my support group.  I miss her and she will always be in my thoughts and prayers.  

God Saw You Getting Tired

"God saw you getting tired
When no cure was meant to be.
He wrapped you in his loving arms
And whispered, "Come to me".
You suffered much in silence
Your spirit did not bend
You faced your pain with courage
Until the very end.
You tried so hard to stay with us
Your fight was all in vain
God took you in his loving arms
And freed you from your pain.
You didn't deserve what you went through
And so He gave you rest,
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best."

"Memories are a way of holding onto the things you love, who you are and the things you never want to lose. Though death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves memories no one can steal."

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an Angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above...
And that I'd have to leave behind,
All those I dearly love.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

Linda's favorite quotes:

"I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly."

"You may be here for only a short while. But, in whatever part you play, be remembered as part of a legacy...changing someone's life for the better. It's that legacy that never dies."

Story Copyright © 2007 Lynne Messina