Marie – loved all the pictures!! You didn’t say what you said to them that knocked you all off your feet?
I showed them Linda’s funeral memorial with their picture on it. Told them that she loved them so much her family used their photo at her funeral. I thanked them for giving my best friend peace and comfort in her final hours. All three froze for a moment just staring at me. That’s when Gianluca flew at me with the giant hug. The other two also grabbed on. It’s when they let go that I flew back. I still can’t believe they were so moved. What a wonderful, sensitive trio! How could you not love them?
Marie, thank you so much for sharing your experience with the guys seeing Linda’s funeral memorial with their picture on it. If it feels acceptable, I think our Flight Crew would love to see a photo of that beautiful memorial. I feel blessed to have seen it, and I think they would to.
Perhaps it would be a fitting *tangible* conclusion to Linda’s participation in the Flight Crew. I’m sure it’s not the end, because she’s in our hearts and memories, and some of us get little winks from the other side. Still, something tangible and as beautiful as it is, that’s nice. (And you know how I’ve been so involved with family health this year, that if you already shared the memorial, my apologies for missing it, and maybe you can tell me when it was or under what name, so I can find it.)
Your spirit is alive and well on the Flight Crew, Linda! With love and gratitude, Jeanine
Nice idea, Jeanine. I will post/share it soon.
♦
Here it is… Linda and her husband ~ Linda’s graduation from Nursing School ~ The Guys she loved so much:
I was as saddened as all of you to hear the Linda had passed away the morning Marie called me. I didn’t know her as well as Marie, but working with her as a board sister was always a pleasure, and knowing that she was a nurse and understood the trials and tribulations that go with that was a comfort and encouragement. She is definitely missed.
Many of you have expressed a wish to send condolences to her family. Marie reached out to Laura, Linda’s niece that cared for her, and she was very touched by the gesture. You can send your condolences to:
This morning, Linda Snyder, my best friend and the smartest woman I ever knew, passed away. She loved our Boys as much as any of us ever could. We met because of them. December would have started our 4th year of wishing each other good morning to begin our day and Hugs at night, including last night. Most of you “knew” her. I loved my dear friend so much. The world will surely miss this amazing, gentle woman.
~Marie
From a meet and greet in 2013 when Linda was too ill to attend the concert. How appropriate:
I cannot lie, the past few months have not been fun and games. No one, I think, is ready for a drastic change in life style, especially at my age. Never-the-less it has given me time to reflect on family and good friends and how they always come through when you need them most.
Don’t let anyone tell you cards and good wishes don’t make a difference in recovery. Suddenly several weeks after my first admission here cards started coming from everywhere on a daily basis! The mail lady would see me on the elevator and tell me how many cards she put in my room. Said I got more mail than anyone else.
They weren’t just any cards either. Even the envelopes were beautiful! They had butterflies, flowers, birds, kittens and puppies on the envelopes to match the cards inside. They came from everywhere, Florida, Texas, New York, California, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Maine, Georgia, and other places I forget – Oh yes – one from South Africa, everyone was impressed with that.
You sent messages of get well, prayers and lyrics from Il Volo Songs and other uplifting sayings. You shared your experiences and how you came to love “Our Boys.” Every time I read your stories, they reminded me of my first time hearing them and they are all remarkably the same. Some of you sent me pictures. Thank you for that. They hang on my wall.
We did not go wrong, Ilvolovers, I know first hand now that those of us who follow those amazing young men can’t help but be touched by their talent, looks and sweetness, their love of family and friends, their ability to have fun and stay true to their values. I love too how they love and care for their fans even though they’re tired at times they still cheerfully make time for their fans.
I think they make us better people. I know they do judging from the cards and letters I recieved and the people I have met. Loving them means loving each other. They bring the best out of us. They make us tolerant loving people who treat each other as we wish to be treated.
Thank you all so much you can only imagine how you’ve lifted my spirit!
I’m dedicating this post to Marie who passed the word to begin with. We are true BFF’s – We met on line 2 years ago (on Il Volo site), then phone calls, then in person. We connected immediately and formed a lasting and deep friendship. We’re in touch every day. We keep each other sane and make each other laugh. Sometimes we cry together too. Love you Marie.
Here’s what’s up with Linda. I’ve hesitated telling you all, waiting for something positive to say. I’ve got nothing.
Linda knows I’m telling you this. Her problems are many. She needs surgery. Has very painful problems with her hip, sciatic nerve and spine. Doctor won’t release her for surgery. Several reasons including lungs and heart. Even though she is on pain meds, she is still in a lot of pain and is only able to walk a few steps. She receives physical therapy everyday. Chances are she will be at St. John’s a very long while.
So, it looks like our Linda – as you all know has one of the best minds around, possesses more common sense than I’ll ever have plus, she gets all my jokes! – is trapped by her body. I hate telling you all this. I really do, but so many of you were asking. I just hope she is able to come back to us soon via computer. She misses it very much.
She wanted me to be sure to tell you all how much she appreciates you thinking about her. She was the envy of the center because she received so much mail from all over. Said even the nun’s were envious when she got a card from So. Africa.
Say an extra prayer for your board member and my best friend.
Linda Snyder St. John’s Nursing Center 3075 NW 35th Ave. Lauderdale Lakes, Fl. 33311
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
Marie – loved all the pictures!! You didn’t say what you said to them that knocked you all off your feet?