Miss Linda

The tears are still fresh and continue to flow freely down my face. My heart is heavy and sad. A few minutes ago I heard my cell phone ring and saw that dad had called me twice. I scrolled through my email and saw a message from mom asking me to call her because they had some news. I immediately new someone had died. I just knew it. I started thinking about who it could be. My Grandmother Godfrey just turned 87 this week and I wondered, could it be her?

It wasn't her but someone who has had a huge impact on my life. Her name is Linda Melancon. She was my dad's right hand gal and the person who keeps Taylor Road operating day to day. I've known her since I was 4 years old. She is someone who intimidates most people without even meaning to (well maybe she wanted to try a little). My goal was to try and make her laugh. I usually succeeded but only because I say random off the wall things that most people would never say out loud. Seriously though we made each other laugh. She loved me for who I was even with all of the trouble I caused when I was younger.

When I went to Montgomery back in December to hear my sister sing at Taylor Road I saw her. In fact I talked to her and Ruddy, her husband, for quite a while outside the office. She was in her position behind the welcome desk. Her default position I think. We talked about Mackenzie and Jackson and her precious grandbabies. I hugged her that night and told her that I loved her. I do. I still love her even though she loved telling stories about how I was hell on wheels as a kid. There is one story in particular about something funny I said to her when I was reallllly young. She was telling it just last month.

I called her a few weeks ago to get her input on a reunion I was trying to put together for the former youth group members. It was so good to hear her voice. Even though I've been gone from Montgomery for almost 5 years it didn't mean that she means less to me now than she did then. I am so saddened by the loss. She was a wonderful lady that meant so much to me. She was the glue that held the church together. I am going to miss her dearly.

I love you Miss Linda. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.