Linda Katherine Denis (Johnson)

Mom, I know you wouldn’t want me to sit and cry and be sad every day, and I’m doing my best, but losing you has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I hope you are reunited with Dad and on your next phase of life, whatever that may be. I miss you like I can’t catch my breath.. like there’s a brick on my chest.
The best gift you ever gave me was life. The second was your love. I keep reminding myself that if it didn’t hurt, your life didn’t matter. So it’s worth every bit of pain to know you’re finally at rest and pain free.

I wrote this for my mom a few years ago for Mother’s Day. To my Mom and best friend. I love you. ❤️

MY ROCK

You are my rock.
You’ve protected me.
And shown me how to protect myself.
You’ve made tough choices.
And proved to me that the easy road is far less interesting.
You’ve taught me to trust. And that I have to start with myself.
You’ve given me confidence.
And reminded me that too much can get me into trouble.
You’ve taught me to be a strong woman.
But that weakness is strength by another name.
You’ve taught me to be safe.
And that no one has the right to take that away.
You’ve taught me independence.
That it’s ok to want someone to share my dreams, but that I can do it on my own.
You’ve taught me compassion.
That everyone has a story, and it shapes who we become. No one is perfect.
You’ve shown me that being weak isn’t a fault.
That not choosing to do something about it is.
You’ve taught me to listen.
And that simply hearing someone isn’t enough.
You’ve taught me to work hard.
And that bribes and begging get jobs done too.
You taught me how to play.
But that everything in life has to be balanced.
You’ve given me support.
And let me make my own decisions, right or wrong.
You’ve forced me to be responsible.
That there is no easy way out.
You’ve shown me the value of money.
And the root of the evil behind it.
You’ve taught me respect.
And how easy it is to lose it.
You’ve made mistakes.
Allowed me to make my own and learn from them.
You’ve shown me love.
But taught me that you can still love someone and not like them very much.
You’ve shown me how to love.
To give of yourself and to never expect it in return.
You’ve taught me to forgive.
And that we do it for our own peace, not for others.
You’ve taught me to accept when I’m wrong.
And that accepting blame is not the same thing as being sorry.
You’ve taught me to have self confidence.
Not to worry what others think, but that being cocky is the fastest way to make enemies.
You’ve shown me to have faith.
That religion isn’t the same thing, or enough.
You’ve taught me there has to be rules.
Although some are made to be broken, others stand the test of time.
You’ve taught me to think before I speak.
But that speaking before you think brings truer thoughts.
You’ve taught me to live life with no regrets.
But that sometimes you have to ask for forgiveness.
You’ve taught me perseverance.
But there’s a fine line between a driving force and driving someone crazy.
You’ve taught me magic.
That control is an illusion, and I’m not a magician.
You’ve shown me to strive for excellence.
But that the journey is the reward.
You’ve taught me the value of education.
But that no one likes a know-it-all.
You’ve taught me to be passionate.
But that not everyone loves bacon as much as I do.
You’ve shown me I need companionship.
In life and love, head and heart make the best partners.
You’ve taught me balance.
Without dark there is no light.
You’ve taught me to be afraid.
When you have nothing to lose, you have nothing to fear.
You’ve taught me to be a rock.

Thank you for all of life’s lessons, good and bad. I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know. ?
RIP My sweet Mommy. May you soar with the angels.

~Cynthia. ❤️ XOXO

❤️

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I will miss you so much my friend but the memories we shared will be with me till the day I pass — even though the years passed where we didn’t see each other we never forgot each other and we never will — so glad I got to spend time with you before you left us — Love you my dear friend and always will

Words can’t begin to express the pain of loosing someone as lovely as Linda. Cindy, your verse is absolutely wonderful. I believe it covers everyones thoughts and feelings. So very glad she was able to read it and know the love she was surrounded by.
I still go to call or send a text, as we did that almost daily, and find I have to stop as theres no number to send it to, so I look up and send a prayer her way. Miss her so very much. You were blessed to have her as was everyone in her life.
God Bless.

I met Linda, prior to her owning The New You on Mosley St.
Such a smart business woman. And, how she kept a great relationship with all her staff and clients. And, especially her daughter Cindy.
Now, Cindy, what you write about your Mom, absolutely beautiful.
The words so inspirational to us all. Just lovely.
So, sorry for you to be without your Mom, too soon.
My condolences and love to you all.

Sorry to read of your mom’s passing, Cindy. I was a client at The New You many years ago. My condolences to you.

My thoughts and prayers to you and all the family during this difficult time. I wish you all strength and beautiful lifelong memories of Linda bringing you peace within. Xox

Oh , so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing Cindy…I was looking for a stylist when I moved up here from TO in ’89 .. I called her and never looked back until she gave up the business and I had to move on. I always enjoyed her company while she was doing her best to make me look good…lots of fun she was !!!

I always say you’re a beautiful woman on the outside and I know you are beautiful on the inside too.
Such beautiful words you’ve wrote above.. …you can cherish all the wonderful memories you have.

You’re in my thoughts Cindy.