Citizen Dog by Mark O'Hare for November 09, 2014

@ Dry&DustyDry, (I wish I knew your real name) The last 2 or 3 months of Linda’s life were very hard on her, and almost as hard to watch for those of us who loved her. She asked me to start posting for her about 6 weeks or so before she passed. I didnt want to do it, because I was afraid I would just screw things up, and really, I am sort of shy. But then, I would do anything to set her mind at ease and she adored her gocomic friends. You, StelBel, Bev, 2Old, Eldo, Gweedo, Number 6, Happy Happy Happy, all the 10 cats gang, Susan Sunshine, and so many others that I cant remember, by name although I know Shikamoo (who could forget that name?) was included, you were all special to her and even though you had never met, I never passed a day without hearing her laugh with you, or at you, or to pray for you for whatever reason. Linda was a very loving person, and when she cared about someone, she flat out cared and meant her prayers and blessings. You guys meant so much to her and I cant explain it and neither could she. But the fact remains that you have come to mean a great deal to me also. She and I were alike in so many ways, and I know she got me involved simply because she knew I would fall into caring about you and laughing with you. She knew I would need to talk about her and that you kind people would understand and not tell me to just “get over it”. You dont lose a friend like that and not have it strike you at the oddest times how much it hurts not to have her with you. You have all helped me with my grief in so many different ways that dont seem like they should be that helpful, but they are. Simply letting me do something she taught and encouraged me to do, like posting here has lifted my spirits and here lately, I have expanded to other strips that I enjoy, and to me that signifies that I am coming to terms with her loss. I think she knew that it would encourage me to talk more, and believe it or not, I am usually a quiet, withdrawn person. My friends faith in me and our mutual love of animals made me want to learn how to show that and posting does that , and so I have learned. She may have created a monster however – lol – If I post too many, please dont ever feel that you will hurt my feelings if you have to tell me to back off. I wish you all could have known her in person. She was really a loving, funny, wonderfully charitable person. Her heart was as big as her home state of Texas, and I miss her more than I can say. God Bless You All.