As Andy mentioned in her Editor’s Note, we met Linda many years ago. You could always count on Linda for a smile, a sparkle in her eye and lots of fun.
She can’t possibly be gone. But cancer has a way about it that knows no bounds, strikes almost indiscriminately and often without reason or good sense to so many, many people. Linda fought bravely and with her usual grace, until she could fight no more.
No, not Linda Bruce, she can’t possibly be gone.
Words are pretty powerful in print. I have seen a number of acrostic poems using Linda’s name. I have a problem with them. The problem is her name is too short to do justice to her life, her temperament, her professionalism, her creativity and her passion for her family, friends, the balloon industry and in particular to the Pioneer Balloon Company.
So, a poem I will not write. An acrostic I will not form. But here is the Linda Bruce I was proud to know:
Fun
Funny
Lovely
Smart
Dedicated
Professional
Mother
Wife
Daughter
Sister
Creative
Beautiful
Bubbly
Energetic
Happy
Quiet
Mischievous
Expert
Patient
Worldly
Tireless
Diligent
Positive
Helpful
Inventive
Concerned
Caring
Pleasant
Passionate
Consistent
Eager
Original
Proud
Vivacious
Enthusiastic
Sophisticated
Dependable
Supportive
Organized
Loyal
Accommodating
Constructive
Positive…
A Friend
You see, her name was just too short!
The good die young is a phrase I have often heard. It’s been the title of and in a number of songs, movies and books. Billy Joel wrote a song entitled “Only The Good Die Young.” And so just a few short weeks ago we were unfortunately given proof of the certainty of that phrase. It has to be so; otherwise Linda would still be here with us creating, smiling, laughing; shining her light on all of us.
We mourn you. We miss you. The world will never replace you.
Only the good die young.
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