I met Linda when i was 6. She was my BFF’s, Shannon’s, mom. i don’t know when I officially started referring to her as my ‘bonus mom‘ but I know it felt like she just always was. Every summer Linda would drive hours back and forth to pick me up/drop me off so that I could visit Shannon in Wausau. It would always just be me and her (Shannon was working at Wendy’s or at Karate or someplace each time 🤔). We’d listen to the oldies station and she’d do her goofy dance moves. We‘d chat and she’d listen.❤️ Linda was the first one to know something wasn’t okay with me (right before being diagnosed with type one). i remember being in her kitchen and getting the ”look” “now Megan McPhalen, you’ve look like you‘ve lost 10 pounds in a week.” She was worried and thought I was trying to lose weight. She pushed for me to go to the dr.
I remember, (i was maybe 10) her boycotting Calvin Klein bc they weren’t giving girls good examples of healthy models. It was such a stance and the first thing I can remember standing up for. She threw me wedding showers, baby showers, all the things to show me her love. She was the mom that I compare myself as a mom to. What would Linda do? All of shannons friends knew the mom to go to if you needed to talk, or help, or just needed care.
Her and Kent’s marriage is my absolute benchmark in life. Anyone who has been in a room with the two of them feels it. I was so grateful for that when I needed the reminder recently. I will definitely miss her snort laugh. The way everyone was always having fun when she was near. The way she’d say wash (warrrrrsh). ALWAYS feeling welcome in her home. For 30some years.
She spread joy EVERYWHERE she went and anyone who interacted with her could feel her impact, support and feisty way that she would never take anyone’s bologna. She will always be one of the most impactful people I have ever been lucky enough to know. My heart is broken for her family, but I have no doubt she’s watching out for the incredible amount of people she loved now.
Love and so many hugs,
❤️Megan McPhalen❤️
