In a few minutes I'm heading to a memorial service for the sister of one of my best friends. She passed away Sunday morning in her sleep, after a long bout with brain cancer.

It's funny how, sometimes, we can know someone for years and years and never really know them. I actually met her back in 1983 the first time at my friend's wedding, then only saw her a few times after that, as she was always very busy working with her then husband at a restaurant/bar. I never paid much attention to any of that stuff, as I saw other family members all the time, including her kids, so I can't say that I ever missed her.

It's probably only been the last 3 or 4 years that I've actually gotten to know her better. She was a very funny lady, very smart, and even though I only saw her on special occasions, I actually felt like I had been gypped all those years from not having the chance to get to know her better. She was a friendly and warm person also, and it's kind of ironic now that about 3 years ago she asked me if I knew some places where she might be able to get insurance. She didn't have the cancer then, but just knowing she needed insurance seems kind of serendipitous at this point.

Days ago I asked how well do we know people. I didn't get to know her well enough if you ask me. But I do know her kids pretty well, and now I'll go and pay my respects to the family. She did a pretty good job in raising them; I guess that's the best testament anyone can give to someone in the long run.

Here's a link my friend put up of his sister on his blog. R.I.P, Linda.