The sweetest, kindest, most gentle of Afterworders was admitted to a hospice last Friday and is receiving excellent care. She is in good hands and is as calm as you’d expect her to be.
Her sister, Julia, has access to her email address. If you wish to send a message, she would really appreciate it. Julia reads them to her when she has the energy.
Simply DM her as you would any Afterworder. Her real name is Linda Davies (she outed herself some time ago).
She has exquisite taste in music, so I know she’ll love The Roches.
Tiggerlion says
Bump.
fentonsteve says
I did at the weekend. The lovely, crazy, lady had requested regular updates on my garage.
I’ve moved in, but so did all the junk. Still some time before I’ll be playing records in the soundproofed bit.
pencilsqueezer says
I post Julia most days. Not every day because I don’t want to intrude in what is after all a very difficult time for Linda’s family. The last one was to answer a query from Linda as to what flavour of ice cream I prefer.
Linda is a remarkable person from a lovely family. She has been a good and generous friend to me when others had turned their backs. Her plight breaks my heart but her bravery in the face of it is inspiring in a quiet and unassuming way which is indicative of Linda’s heart and soul.
Please contact her if you wish. I know she would very much appreciate it and you would gain if only for a short time a loyal and loving friend.
RubyBlue says
Totally agree with this. Linda is such a source of joy to many of us.
Julia has given a recent update, so please send a message as soon as you can , should you wish to.
pencilsqueezer says
Thanks Ruby. I have just emailed her but before reading your kind response on here or Julia’s update.
I hope my email was not overly upbeat considering the obviously deteriorating situation that despite being expected nevertheless always comes as a shock.
I’ll leave this now. I’m in tears to be frank. I shall miss her immensely.
RubyBlue says
I’m sure your message was perfect. Linda would be very comforted to hear from you. X
Lunaman says
Nice thought – sent and now bumped (;
hubert rawlinson says
Sent and bumped too.
Twang says
Done. Dusty in here today.
RubyBlue says
Reposted at Julia’s request:
Dear all,
Linda always wanted me to be upfront so I wanted to let you know that she is very comfortable, sleepy and at peace.
She is not swallowing and that is an indicator that there is not long to go.
She has been very tired today so I have just shared a couple of messages. She knows how much she is loved by her family and friends.
Linda has meant so much to so many people, and the friendships she made in person and virtually so enriched her life.
She woke up when Mum and I came back into the room just now and said she was not well.
We said we knew, and told her how much we loved her. She said she loved us.
The loving care Linda is receiving here is exceptional – we could not ask for anything more.
If anyone is on The Afterword please can you post this and thank people for their beautiful messages, they mean so much to our family.
Much love Julia
Moose the Mooche says
Thanks for that Rubes.
Max the Dog says
Thank you for posting that, Ruby Blue. It’s a good thing I’m on my own at work today. Even as a (relative) newcomer to the site, I feel I almost know Linda through the high regard and love shown for her by the more established AWers. Her pod interview with Twang was a lovely listen. I wish her peace and grace.
RubyBlue says
Thanks, both. I know Linda will so appreciate your thoughts. X
SteveT says
That is heartbreaking – I remember her lovely voice and beautiful personality and feel blessed to have met with such a lovely soul albeit remotely.
God bless you Linda and your family – remember only the happy thoughts
Baron Harkonnen says
Words are not enough peace and love to a lady who is full of both, Richie
Colin H says
Desperately sad news. I just don’t know what to say. I’ve known Linda only slightly. A beautiful soul.
Junior Wells says
I had been wondering Tigger, apprehensively wondering.
I will drop a line.
Locust says
Linda is the best friend anyone could wish for, and will be deeply missed by so many people.
It’s a small comfort that she got to know that before it was too late. And I’m certain that it will be a great comfort to her family in their grief.
Arthur Cowslip says
Sorry to hear this. I don’t know her outside of her Afterword persona, but I value everyone on this community and this is very sad to hear.
Podicle says
My thoughts too. I think its likely that that most/all the inhabitants of this forum are lovely people and it’s sad that I have little to no opportunity to ever meet any in the real-verse.
pencilsqueezer says
I’m meeting up with Hubes towards the end of the month. We’ve met up before and he is a gent. A weirdo but with impeccable manners and leading man looks even if he tries to hide his obvious star quality behind a gruff Yorkshireman facade and the faintest whiff of a decaying peat bog. If anyone has any questions for the great man you’d like me to ask him in person jot them down on a postcard and send them to me at the usual address. I can’t promise you Hubes will be able or willing to answer any of your enquiries in anything like a comprehensible manner as he functions on a different level to mere mortals and will in all likelihood spend most of the day roaring drunk and trying to befriend pigeons.
hubert rawlinson says
I hope people don’t mind the usual Afterword habit of veering down a different road from the original thread, especially on this one.
‘Leading man looks’ all will be revealed in my autobiography ‘I was Rin Tin Tin’s Stand-in’.
pencilsqueezer says
I know I can safely say that Linda wouldn’t mind a bit.
Rigid Digit says
Sad to hear, and if I can find the right words I will send the DM.
salwarpe says
A reminder that this is a good place and you are all good people. This evening I went back to Carolina’s previous thread and found there were so many more messages to her and from her than when I last looked. Real messages of friendship – ´holding in the light´, as is the old Quaker expression. Then I listened to her podcast with Twang for the first time – what a beautiful person of gentle spirit and abundant life, and how well, and lightly stewarded by Twang. Finally I stumbled upon one her early posts from 2015 – which in the current heat, seems as relevant now as it was then
Mod Team says
Sending DMs isn’t the most intuitive thing on the site so in case anyone can’t figure it out, just go to your profile tab in the top right corner of the site and click on MESSAGES from the dropdown menu. We’re sure that some messages of support for one of our own will be greatly appreciated.
Your helpful, but rather sad Mods
Tiggerlion says
Thank you, Mods.
Would it be OK to pin this to the top of the Forum for, say, a week? Then people won’t need to comment so much to bump it.
Thanks again
Tiggerlion says
Thanks once again, Mod Team
mikethep says
Sent and bumped…
fitterstoke says
I sent a DM last night. I wasn’t going to post anything here about it – but this thread should be bumped again. I never met Linda, but I feel like I’ve known Carolina for years – a gentle and positive (and humorous) soul…
H.P. Saucecraft says
This. (ATYPOTAS)
Locust says
She had ice cream twice today, breakfast and lunch.
I think I’ll try that myself tomorrow!
Jeff says
Just seen this. Thankyou so much @tiggerlion, @RubyBlue, and especially Julia.
RubyBlue says
Update, posted at Julia’s request:
Today I read Linda the names of everyone on this group and the Afterword members who had emailed messages, and other friends and family, and that we all loved her. She heard and understood this and smiled at some of the names – Tiggerlion this means you!
Blue Boy says
That’s good to hear Ruby – many thanks for the update. Sending Linda, Julia and their family much love.
Tiggerlion says
I’m sure she smiled at a lot of Afterworder’s names. There are lot more amusing handles than mine. Pencilsqueezer, for example.
🙂
Diddley Farquar says
Your handles are very amusing actually. You deserve a smile anyway. One of the good guys clearly.
Moose the Mooche says
My handles are bloody hilarious.
Diddley Farquar says
They should have their own TV show.
Moose the Mooche says
That’s what smartphones are for.
Leedsboy says
That’s lovely to hear.
Beezer says
Ah, this is so sad to read. I send nothing but warm thoughts to this wonderful soul.
RubyBlue says
Sadly, our lovely friend Linda has left us. Julia says it was a peaceful ending; Linda was in a deep sleep and was in no pain.
Julia says that your messages, emails and thoughts meant a lot to Linda, and to the family.
The funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Xxx
hubert rawlinson says
Sorry to hear, thank you for letting us know @RubyBlue.
pencilsqueezer says
Heartbreaking news.
Linda’s struggle with the ill health that has plagued her for so long is over. I’m grateful that my dear friend is no longer suffering and alongside the sadness at her death I will always remember her as the kind, gentle and loving soul that found room for me in her life.
I shall miss her.
RubyBlue says
That’s lovely, P.
Twang says
Fine words P. I can only agree. My chats with her were always a joy. I’ll raise a glass to her later.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Go steady there, Linda, and bless you on your travels.
hedgepig says
Such sad news. She was clearly both lovely and much-loved. All the best to her family and friends.
Gatz says
What sad if inevitable news. My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Max the Dog says
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
Rest In Peace Linda.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Ach and bugger. I remember when my youngest son passed away in a hospice. After all the suffering and pain to be treated with dignity and allowed a gentle and peaceful goodbye was simply wonderful. Sounds as though it was the same for sweet, sweet Caroline.
Tiggerlion says
I know you have mentioned your son before, Lodey, but I can’t let this slip by without acknowledgement. It must have been, and still be, very hard. They say that the grief a parent has over a lost child is the love that never dies. It becomes part of you. There must be days when it’s too hard to bear.
You have my utmost respect and admiration.
Moose the Mooche says
Amen.
pencilsqueezer says
I concur completely. My condolences Lodey. Your post made me think of my mother in law Pat. Pat was mother to four children, three daughters and a son. First she lost her eldest daughter to breast cancer then her youngest my wife to pancreatic cancer finally last year she lost her son to stomach cancer. Out of four children only one survives. I spend time with Pat occasionally and we quietly mourn together with some tears but a lot of laughter too as the memories of loved ones pour out of us like water from two broken vessels. Life is random and cruel. Kindness and compassion make it bearable.
Twang says
Lovely words P.
dai says
I wasn’t aware of this, very sorry to hear that you went through this
hedgepig says
Jeez, Lodey, I didn’t know you’d been through this. I can’t imagine. I’m so sorry.
fitterstoke says
Similarly, Lodey, I was completely unaware – it’s a hard thing to bear, hopefully made more bearable by the dignity and eased pain. I don’t know if you’re religious at all, but God bless anyway.
Twang says
I can’t think of any useful words to acknowledge your post Lody other than to say I’m writing through welled up eyes. Mine is next door, unshowered and belligerent in front of the Xbox before going to uni in a few weeks and I am off to give him a hug. Thanks for your post.
Podicle says
Just reading that sentence made me tear up, as my youngest son slouched by at that exact moment. As I’ve said before, I’m constantly stunned at the grief quietly carried by many of those around me.
Lodestone of Wrongness says
Thanks everyone. My respect for the work that hospices do will never dim.
Diddley Farquar says
Most of us were just passing through cyberspace but the impression left was strong and memorable. It’s still real human contact. Terribly sad. It’ s her family and close friends we think of. I feel that words are inadequate but it’s better to say something than nothing.
attackdog says
What sad news. Linda was a lovely, down to earth soul who brought just the right tone to the blog. Sincerest thoughts to her family and friends.
Leedsboy says
That’s very sad news.
Blue Boy says
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this.In her last post Linda shared her playlists including this beautiful one. A comforting light indeed.
Moose the Mooche says
Days eh?
Bless the light.
God speed, Linda.
X
dai says
Didn’t really interact with her too much here, but RIP Linda.
Tiggerlion says
As Pencilsqueezer says, this is heartbreaking news.
Linda has endured poor health for many years. She was never going to pursue the adrenaline rush of a bucket list. She couldn’t chase rainbows. However, she extracted every morsel of pleasure from so-called small things. She understood that true joy is found in personal relationships. That’s where love and fulfilment lies. We could learn a great deal from her.
Take a listen again to her one-to-one podcast, beautifully hosted by Twang:
fitterstoke says
Not an easy listen this evening, but I’m glad I did.
God speed, Carolina.
Dave Ross says
This is so sad even though I didn’t really have much contact with @carolina . In her last thread all I could do was post a link of Hue and Cry’s Looking For Linda which she responded to kindly. My mum passed away last Sunday. She was 93 and her health had been failing but the deterioration in the last two weeks still caught us slightly by surprise. Loss of a loved one in front of your eyes is so hard but mum was 93. I can’t imagine watching someone with so much life in front of them. Love to all and if Linda and Mum’s paths cross in the afterlife Linda had better be ready to discuss Engelbert Humperdinck x
Blue Boy says
So sorry to hear about your Mum, Dave. Jeez, there’s a lot of sadness in this thread.
Gatz says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss Dave.
pencilsqueezer says
My most sincere condolences Dave to you and your loved ones.
Rigid Digit says
My condolences to you Dave
fitterstoke says
Condolences to you and your family, Dave
Twang says
Sorry to hear that Dave.
ip33 says
My heartfelt condolences to you Dave. We are a few months down the line from my Mums passing and I know its going to be a hard few weeks/months but we have a lot of happy memories of her and its given us a lot of comfort. Take care.
Black Celebration says
Sorry to hear that news Dave.
dai says
And my condolences too, but a precious gift to have so many years with a parent.
niallb says
Sorry about your Mum, Dave. That’s tough.
Leedsboy says
Sorry to read that Dave. It’s never easy losing a parent. It’s a big gap.
mikethep says
Nothing to add. Sad.
Rigid Digit says
Tonight, I raise a glass to Linda
Locust says
It’s my birthday today, and at midnight I unwrapped the final birthday gifts and card that Linda sent me, over a month ago when she was still able to put energy into such things.
In her card she said she thought the gifts could serve as a memento of her…and they will, but I have so many other mementos as well, not least the two iPods that she filled with music for me, and always remind me of her when I listen to them.
Last weekend when I brought one of them to a picnic day alone by the water, all of her favourite songs and one song after another with lyrics that spoke directly about her life and about the end of life, came up on shuffle for two hours straight.
We never met in real life, but through letters, emails and voice mail we got to be great friends for many years, and I’m going to miss her so much. A truly beautiful soul.
H.P. Saucecraft says
If it’s possible, and appropriate, maybe a photograph of her would be a good thing for this thread to include?
pawsforthought says
Such sad news about Linda, but also to hear about everyone’s loss. My thoughts are with you all today.
jazzjet says
Oh, this is so sad. Linda’s podcast with Twang was very moving and she will be greatly missed.
fentonsteve says
I am going to miss Linda and our PM chats terribly. It must be obvious, as Mrs F is keeping an eye on me.
And where am I going to send my left-over Christmas cards every January, to be transformed into something wonderful, now?
I’m going to go and play the Martha Marlow album. She liked that one.
Tiggerlion says
This just in from Julia:
I am so glad I was there – it was such a beautiful and peaceful death.
Linda was incredibly organised, including of course with the music lists for her funeral and then service of thanksgiving, which will be followed by a vintage tea party! She was so creative, I will be adding some champagne.
We will be inviting everyone to this and also streaming Library service.
It is very kind of you to think of a donation – Linda wanted these to go to Calibre Audio Library, where she got talking books from, or the South East Cancer Help Centre which helped with counselling.
I am also going to join the AW forum, have just found a request from Linda, so I can post the details of the service and acknowledge all the wonderful messages.
It was such a joy to be able to read some of them to Linda, and see clearly that she was listening and pleased.
Love Julia
fentonsteve says
*Turns piggy bank upside down*
Tiggerlion says
I’ll just leave this here, if people are so inclined:
https://calibreaudio.org.uk/donate
https://www.sechc.org.uk/donate
Boneshaker says
This is sad news indeed. Condolences to Linda’s family and to those on here who knew her. I’m going to the funeral of one of my oldest friends this afternoon. His was a life lived long and fully in every way, and I had always thought he would be around for ever. Sigh.
Arthur Cowslip says
Very sad news. My condolences to her family.
Malc says
Only just caught up with this – such sad news. Condolences to Linda’s family.
Jaygee says
Didn’t know or interact with C as I’ve only been on the board for 18 months or so*.
She sounds like a lovely person so I hope no one will mind if I add an RIP of my own.
* Yes, I know, it probably seems a whole lot longer
Black Celebration says
I didn’t know Linda apart form the odd interaction here but she was lovely and she really did seem to get her “affairs in order”, as they say. Including probably one of the least important- letting an online music forum full of idiots like me know what was happening. Go well.
Junior Wells says
We’ve lost a few along the way. Lovely posters each one,
She was religious so I have no qualms about posting this.
Baron Harkonnen says
A lovely lady. R.I.P. Linda
ganglesprocket says
I have been absent and I am truly, truly sorry to have missed everything here.
I cannot add anything really. But a person I never met in real life, really did lift my own life with her kindness and wisdom, generously given in this wee corner of the internet.
RIP Linda. You were a good person and you put a little bit more joy into this world than there was before.
Milkybarnick says
Very sad to read this – RIP Linda & condolences to family & friends.
attackdog says
And finally, I’m sure she and Tigger would have enjoyed shooting the breeze over their well deserved hamper.
Bingo Little says
Just returned from out of town to this extremely sad news. Can only raise a glass and add to what others have already said: Carolina/Linda was always very clearly a lovely person, and she’ll be much missed.
Condolences also to those others on this thread who have suffered losses, some of them quite shocking to hear. It all rather puts into perspective the day to day stuff we tend to spend our lives worrying about.
niallb says
A really sad thread. RIP, lovely lady x
Tiggerlion says
An update from Julia, Linda’s sister:
“There will be a Thanksgiving Service to celebrate Linda’s life on Wednesday September 14 at 2.30pm at All Saints Church, Church Road, Kenley.
The beautiful, personal service was designed by Linda, herself.
Family flowers only.
The service will be streamed – the details are https://youtu.be/UIyeYGG2vHc.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Linda, they would be warmly welcomed by Calibre Audio Library, a charity that provided Linda with her treasured audiobooks, or the South East Cancer Help Centre, a Purley cancer support charity that helped Linda.
Linda recorded her poem Leaving on her Youtube channel. The recording will be played at the service. You can hear it at https://youtu.be/oJPC7FvQxzY
Linda also recorded a 1 hr podcast in March 19, where she talked about her love of music throughout her life, with a fellow member of her music forum The Afterword. You can find it in in the iTunes Store if you search for The Afterword Podcast. It is episode 79, The One-to-One Cast with Carolina (Linda’s Afterword nom-de-plume.)
You can also listen to Linda’s Spotify playlists, ranging from ‘Shameless Nostalgia’ and ‘Women Sing Out’, to ‘A Comforting Light’ and much more inbetween. Search for Linda2048 on Spotify, and enjoy. ”
If anyone would like to attend in person, they would be most welcome. DM me and will pass the details on.
Julia also adds, “Much love to everyone on The Afterword – the messages we received meant so much to Linda, me and Mum and Dad.”
fentonsteve says
I’ve just clicked on ‘Leaving’.
Ruddy heck, it’s dusty in here.
Tiggerlion says
Leaving
Tiggerlion says
Just a bump to remind everyone that the service will be streamed this Wednesday afternoon.
fentonsteve says
Will the service be kept for catching up with later? I have to take an Offspring to a hospital appointment, and guess when that is…
hubert rawlinson says
About to ask the same as I have a doctor’s appointment then.
Tiggerlion says
I’ll find out.
fentonsteve says
This afternoon.
Kid Dynamite says
I’ve not been here a great deal of late, and missed this final turn of events. Very sad, huge sympathy to all affected, and I hope Linda is resting easy.
Tiggerlion says
2:30pm
https://youtu.be/UIyeYGG2vHc.
Tiggerlion says
Six minutes…