The Poet T.S. Eliot claimed in his poem “The Wasteland” that “April is the cruelest month…” However, this is not the case. Yes, it is cruel because in one week we speak about Christ’s triumphant return to Jerusalem, his betrayal, his trial before Pilate, his crucifixion and his resurrection. But, in seven days we were guaranteed eternity by the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross.
As the poet Dylan Thomas noted in his poem “And Death Shall Have No Dominion,” death did not hold dominion over Christ. It will not hold dominion over the memory of Linda McDonald either.
Linda McDonald was a cornerstone at Rockingham Junior High School for many years. She helped many a student and many a new teacher in acclimating themselves to the school. She never used the word no without good reason. She taught us as well but she always cared about everyone. When you met Linda McDonald, you became family.
In the final days before his ascension, Christ said, “…I go to prepare a place for you.” I can assure you, that with the changes that the world is currently going through, Christ looked down and called on the one person he knew could handle helping him out to prepare a place for us and that person was Linda.
The French have a saying, au revoir, which translated means, “until we meet again”— and yes, fear not, we will all meet again “on that beautiful shore.” Linda will be there waiting for us.
Anne Bronte has a beautiful poem called Farewell. It is a poem that embraces the concept of Au Revoir — until we meet again.
Farewell – Anne Bronte
Farewell to Thee! But not farewell
To all my fondest thoughts of Thee;
Within my heart they still shall dwell
And they shall cheer and comfort me.
Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live
And women more true that Thou wert one;
Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,
Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.
Memories remain. They always will. No one can take that from us. Linda’s memory will shine forever in the hearts of Jamie, Eddie and Michael and all of their families. The memories will also shine eternally in those who knew Linda.
Linda is a Spanish word that means beautiful and I can’t think of a better adjective to describe Mrs. Linda McDonald.
Note: This writer worked with Linda McDonald at Rockingham Junior High School from 2002-2005.
Christopher McDonald is an accomplished educator and military veteran with experience in print and radio. Reach him at cmcdonald@richmondobserver.com.
