“Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A Woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy.” Proverbs 31

“Make sure you excel in the act of kindness also.” 2 Corinthians 8

Linda is one of the most hospitable women I’ve ever known.  She is also very elegant, paying close attention to her appearance and attire.  She is refined, courteous and incredibly kind. And faithful. Very faithful! Linda exemplifies the passage from Proverbs

I first met she and her husband while I was a pastor in Las Cruces, NM.  Linda and her husband Scott would spend part of the winter there to escape the cold Michigan winters.  Her mother Iona was with them as well.[1]  They had visited the church I was serving, and as was my custom I made it a point to go visit them and welcome them to the church.  However they were the ones doing the welcoming, as they graciously served me refreshments and showered me with hospitality.  It was the first of many acts of hospitable kindness that I would receive from Linda. 

Shortly thereafter Scott died unexpectedly, and Linda and Iona moved to Las Cruces permanently. Linda and Iona loved going to basketball games at New Mexico State University, and it was at one of those games that she met her future husband, Paul. Paul, who was a professor of Latin and French at the university, would also bring his wife to the games.  Paul and Linda struck up a friendship, and after Paul’s wife died, they got married. 

Paul was a consummate gentleman, as well as being an expert linguist, and thus he offered to teach me Latin. Soon we were having weekly meetings at their house for my lesson.  Afterwards we would enjoy refreshments with Linda.  Occasionally Linda and Paul would invite me for lunch and sometimes the family over for dinner.  Our fellowship often included a glass of Guinness beer. Linda took a special interest in my four daughters, gifting them with jewelry and clothing.

After leaving Las Cruces I remained in touch with Paul and Linda.  On occasion I would return for a funeral or some other occasion, and they would always insist I stay with them.  Linda was an incredible host, providing a small basket of snacks and drinks in my room, and even Ferrero Rocher chocolates on my pillow. Linda was kind, gracious and loving.

Seventeen years ago, Linda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  It has slowly taken its toll on her.  Five years ago, her husband Paul died.  Three years ago she moved back to Michigan to be close to her daughter.  It has been difficult for her, as she left her home in New Mexico and most of her friends.

A week ago, I took a trip to Chicago to see friends and family.  Having flown into Chicago, I decided to drive through Michigan, across the Straits of Mackinaw and the Upper Peninsula.  It would be a scenic drive that I had never made, and as a bonus I would be able to see Linda.  

As I walked into the room at the care community where she lives I experienced a combination of joy and sadness.  Joy because I was again in the presence of this dear, sweet, beautiful woman.  Sadness because the Parkinson’s had taken its toll on her.  For the most part she is confined to a wheelchair and sleeps in a recliner.  She seldom gets out of the community where she lives, and has little if any opportunity to host guests, as she used to love to do.

And yet, there is the same spark of life in her eyes, the same gracious and kind demeanor, and the same inner beauty that she has always possessed.  We spent a delightful afternoon together, catching up on family (she was most interested in my daughters), reminiscing, lamenting over some of the seemingly unfair turns that life has taken us on, and of course laughing.  The two hours went far too fast.  Linda had made reservations for me to stay overnight at a local hotel, but I had to be on my way.  So with some final hand holding, hugs, and words of love and appreciation I took leave of this dear, sweet soul.

As I drove away, I wondered if I would ever see her again this side of eternity.  Certainly, time and health is not on our side.  I was very sad at the thought.  But I was also grateful to have had this time with Linda.  Not only the few hours visiting her on my trip, but all of the happy times we had enjoyed previously.  I realized I hadn’t appreciated them as I should’ve.  It was a reminder to embrace the moments we have with the ones we love.  And indeed, I love Linda.

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[1] I hadn’t been to Iona yet, but her name appealed to me.  I believe it was a bit prophetic of the time I would spend at Iona in Scotland, and how much that holy island means to me.