Sadly missed

Today,as promised Pat and I attended Linda's funeral at Southend - on - Sea Crematorium, we went early in order to find the place, parked in the car park and had our lunch in the campervan As the time approached the car park began to fill up with a great number of cars and as we walked over to the chapel there was a large crowd. On entering the chapel being among the first we found a seat,the chapel continued to fill,people were standing at the back and even in the aisles,it was fantastic. It is clear that Linda's life touch so many people,no mean feat for a lady who was struck down by illness, who was confined to a wheel chair,unable to even feed herself. I could not help,but reflect what a wonderful person Linda had been,I did not know her for very long,I first met her at Howard's mini meet at his Cafe in Burnham - on - Crouch,I met her again at the Watling Convention at Diss, we were invited to her house for dinner and in return,because our house is unsuitable for wheel chair access,we had her and John to the Ferry Inn at Fambridge for lunch. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that it was only seven weeks ago,there was not the slightest reason to think that we would lose her. She was gay,full of laughter despite all the problems that she faced,she was the kind of person you liked to be with. Then of course,there is John,in my book he is a saint,he lovingly nursed Linda,taking care of her every need,it must have taken enormous sacrifice on his part. At my age funerals begin to become much more frequent,it is like soldiers going over the top as it was called in the first World War,seeing your friends and comrades falling down beside you, realising that in their passing that your circle of friends are now mainly widows. I have now been to many funerals,some with a handful of mourners,mostly relatives,some with a few more,but I have never been to one at a Crematorium that had so many. Linda was loved and respected that is certain,you should also know that I went for you,knowing that you would not be able to come yourself. We will miss all her humour and jokes on our site,but I am sure that we will not be forgetting Linda and John. It is a cross we have to bear, Excuse me if I shed a tear. A lady who I onced kissed. Linda will be sadly missed. Ken Watling

When you think of all the people you've met as you go through life, there aren't that many that change your life in any significant way. However, Linda was one of those rare people that I can truly say, made a difference to my life. Having met her, my life was better for it. I am so glad I met her - three times, once at her home, once at Howard's and once at the convention. Every time a pleasure. As a member of the email group she was such fun, always making us laugh with her jokes and sending cute pictures and wonderful sayings. I'll always think of angels and Linda together because she sent us "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly" which was just so apt given that her wings could no longer fly. Because my husband has the same illness (although he has severe brain damage so he is not alert and bright like Linda), perhaps I have some understanding of how difficult life really was for Linda and her family, which makes me appreciate even more their enormous courage and their positive outlook on life which is such an inspiration. Even though in real terms I hardly knew Linda, she is someone I will always remember with great fondness and if medals were given out for those who are good people to have as part of your life, Linda would win them all. Love, Anne

I am sure I can speak from the heart "there will now be a huge space that will ever be linda" Roz

I too am at a loss for words. Linda was an inspiration and I feel priveleged to have met her. Michael and I send our deepest condolences to John and Liane and, like Ken, hope they will stay in touch with the rest of the family. Elaine .

I only met her the once that she came to my shop for the "Mini reunion", but have benefitted by her wisdom many times. She was a lovely lady, & I will miss "talking" to her greatly. God Bless her, Howard.

.We only met Linda on two occasions - the "Watling" get-together at Howard's Coffee Shop and the Convention last summer. Linda was so full of life and so positive, she was a real inspiration. John, we were most impressed by your love, patience and sacrifical dedication to Linda - we all take so much for granted. You were a true example to us all. Mervyn & Joan.

I never got to meet Linda but her contributions to our little group were an integral part of the fabric which holds us together. We will all miss her but her spirit will live on in the Watling email group. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rob

People we have lost never actually leave, they live on. In our hearts, our memories and our laughter. Time flows by so quickly, It seems like yesterday, That time was still before us, now we wipe the tears away...... We can still see you so clearly, Even through the mist of tears, A woman loved so dearly, and the blessing of those years. And the memories will hit hard, and it is hard to understand, but we can take comfort in knowing, that she stands by Our Father's hand. Kassie and Cameron

Linda was one of the most gracious, gentle souls that have blessed my life. Linda was my third contact in our fledgling group and we shared many ups and downs . She was never a complainer and brought us good humor, kindness and gentle grace to our lives. I was never blessed to meet her because of the distance of our two countries . But our hearts touched and were blessed from that moment on . I will truly miss her. There are two quotes that I will share with you when I think of her. "Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." The Bible says: "Death is but a horizon and life is eternal." Linda lives on in our hearts. She will never be forgotten. Kathryn and Richard

She was obviously a happy, cheerful person, in spite of her difficulties, and an example to us all. Tom and Wendy

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