Linda's Haven

My beautiful mother, Linda "Joyce" Irby succumbed to ovarian cancer on May 16, 2006. Just as any one who has experienced the loss of a loved one, I miss her daily. My mother was my best friend and my inspiration.

Her earthly walk with God was a role model for others and myself. She touched lives and gave hope, teaching that faith in God and believing in his word, overcomes any obstacle that you must face on this journey. She was a guardian angel and I know and believe that she continues to guide me daily.

My mother taught me so much while she was here, she taught me how to appreciate life, treat others how you want to be treated and she also showed me how to be a prayer warrior. "Never give up the fight, no matter what the score looks like."

I listened and truly learned the darkest hour comes before the dawn. Stay in his grace...peace.

Wishes

Sometimes I wish I could kiss the sky
Leaving traces of my favorite color lipstick, honey blonde, burnt auburn or bronze
Careful not to smear
I want to slide down the curve of the moon
Holding the hand of Venus and Mars
Taste the Milky Way and play hide and go seek with the stars
And then sleep in the craters of the sun
Wake to the tune of the wind as it dances across the sky
Bow to the big dipper and play "Mother May I" with the galaxy
Asking permission to partake of its pleasures
Perhaps me and Mother Nature can drink tea and reminisce on days gone by
She can share her beauty secrets and I can give her pointers on life
And then we can play dodge ball with Saturn or engage in a game of spades
I can show her pictures of my kids and she can teach me how to turn the leaves brown
Make the flowers grow
I may even bargain for snow
I want to dance to the drums of the thunder and lull discretely with the rain
Sending beautiful rainbow drops of water to kiss earth's windowpanes
And if time permits I just might knock on Heaven and ask God if I can see my mother
Or perhaps if I'm lucky...
She will answer the door

Today I Cry

I cry for autumn days filled with orange and red,
Thanksgiving leaves that fall from trees
And momma's birthday
I cry for Christmas gifts with handwritten notes,
I love you
Birthday diamonds,
A set of studs that softly wrap my ears,
I cry for inspiration,
Her words of wisdom
And midnight calls filled with tears
I cry for Easter dresses and pressed hairdos tied up with silk bows
Summer Sunday dinners
Today I cry as one last breathe
Transitioned her earthly soul into a heavenly spirit

I cry because perhaps I didn't love her hard enough while she was here
I cry as she continues to visit me in my dreams
Bringing a touch of Heaven to share
Filling me in
Until I get there

Red Bird Memorial Scholarship Fund -- In Memory of Linda "Joyce" Irby

Linda Irby lived her life on earth as an angel to others. She was an inspiration, uplifting people with her words of wisdom and praying for others when trials and tribulations came their way.
Unfortunately the grip of ovarian cancer claimed her too soon and she succumbed in May of 2006 to this dreadful disease.

Still faithful to the end, she continue to minister from her hospice bed in anticipation of her transition into a heavenly angel.

Her daughter, Stephanie, has set up a memorial scholarship in her name in hopes that her mother's kindness and love for others will live on. Her mothers's love for Red Birds prompted The Red bird Memorial fund, which will give a annual scholarship to high school students who fit the following criteria:

*Awarded to a male or female whose life has been touched by ovarian cancer, either through self diagnosis or family member
*Applicant must be able to demonstrate good character and leadership ability as shown by his or her involvement in school, community or work activities
*High school senior at the time of nomination
*Academic achievement of 3.0 GPA
*Candidate must be accepted into a community college or a 2 or 4 year college/university
*Applicant must demonstrate financial need for help in continuing his/ her education beyond high school
*Students applying are required to write a 500 word essay on how ovarian cancer has impacted their life.

Please send all donations to:
304 Seton Hall Drive
Columbia SC 29223

Or email: redbirdkiss@hotmail.com

The pink and teal heart is a registered trademark of FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, a nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Wishes

Today I Cry

Red Bird Memorial Scholarship Fund -- In Memory of Linda "Joyce" Irby