Linda Shank invited me for dinner when we were in the 3rd grade and we were best friends from then on. She lived just a few blocks from me and on Saturdays, I would time myself to see how fast I could race down to her house. We would talk away the hours while I was flopped on her bed and she cleaned her bedroom. We "double dated" in high school. We were in each other's weddings. We remained friends all through the years. I have so many memories...and the older I get, the more they visit me!  I remember the years Linda was housebound due to MS. I would  flop on her bed again and talk the hours away....just like we did when we were kids. I remember when my son, Collin, died and she listened to my grief for years on end....with the same empathy she had when were kids. And, oh how we could laugh....just like we did when we were kids. To anyone else, it appeared that MS robbed Linda. She did not feel that way. Linda spent most days in prayer....giving thanks for her good life. She had a loving husband,Tom, who cared for her to the end and 2 wonderful daughters she adored...and then a grandbaby boy! She felt nothing but blessed. If you were in Linda's life, she would have prayed for you, too. Those hours in prayer were also for others. She told me that she prayed EVERY day (for years) for my little grandson who has autism. My deepest regret is that I wasn't with Linda before she died in Florida. Even though she would forgive me, I carry it with me. I have dear and good friends in my life, but when something happens, I still want to call Linda....All I really need to do is go make some good coffee, pour it into the cup she gave me with hand painted "Jo" on it, and tell her all about it, just as I did when we were kids. Jo Mavis

I attended college with Linda at Mankato State University.  She found the love of her life - Tom Packard - there.  He was a fraternity brother of my husband, Tom.  We had great times together on (& off!!!) campus and after graduation as well.  We watched helplessly as she struggled with MS.  She, however, always had a smile for us all.  Her husband, Tom, was always by her side & thankfully able to afford her the very best care.  We miss you Lindy....