The angels have a new apprentice.

My wife, Linda, has gone on to join them after her nearly two-year battle with cancer. But do not think the disease prevailed, her spirit was the victor.

Very soon after she was diagnosed I repeated a simple prayer, asking that the Lord take us by the hand to journey down this path together. This thought had a calming effect on my early fears, but over the long road it was Linda herself who made the experience bearable.

During her regular visits to the oncologist he marveled at her positive attitude and unabashed hope for the future even in the face of continually grim medical reports. The chemo was physically devastating, but through it her spirit never wavered.

The doctor told her to do whatever she wanted as long as she could – so she did. She continued her job coordinating the training of volunteers for Hospice of the Valley, to help others as they faced similar circumstances. She was on hospice care herself for two months before finally leaving her job.

Spending time with family was always a priority for her, and she continued to host and help prepare holiday gatherings, there were two family trips to California that included Disneyland, San Diego, Sea World and baseball. She was there in January for the birth of our third grandson; three boys, Christian, Corey and Tobias, she will continue to adore and watch over.

In July just the two of us made a trip to Flagstaff and we visited the Grand Canyon. Her thoughts were to make the trip easy on me. Over the roughly two miles of the South Rim Trail she pushed her wheelchair herself nearly half the distance so I wouldn’t have to push her.

During these final weeks Linda has continued to be a bright spot in the lives of family or friends, imploring everyone not to fear, she will always be there for them.

In the Gospel of John, Chapter 6, Jesus tells his disciples, “It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail.” It will be my goal to carry the bright spot of Linda’s spirit on into the future.

I remember 45 years ago, during September, I was returning to the house where I was rooming during my first year of college, as I turned the corner standing on the steps of the house about a block away was Linda standing with a mutual friend. It was at that point that we were formally introduced for the first time, and our lives, my life, changed for the better. It is hard to comprehend, but now I see that 45 years just doesn’t seem long enough.