Once in a while, someone comes into our lives who touches our soul so deeply that we’re forever changed. For me, this was a long-time friend, mentor, mother figure, and former psychotherapist, Miss Linda. Over our three decades together, we laughed, loved, cried, played ball with my Seeing Eye dogs, sang off-key, and broke bread together.

I’ve always proclaimed that psychotherapy isn’t necessarily held in the therapist’s office. Though we spent thousands of hours in this venue, Miss Linda also attended my graduation from the Naropa Institute when I received my MA in Psychology and Counseling; assisted me through the breakup of a long-term relationship; encouraged me to write the first edition of my memoir; held my hand through numerous surgeries; helped nail the flooring of my former Habitat for Humanity home; walked me through the grieving of my parents, grandma, and six Seeing Eye dogs; hooped and hollered when I won the Miss Colorado Senior America pageant; and I can’t say how many spoon benders we enjoyed together. So many memories!

This week, dear Miss Linda died and went to God. As I sobbed hearing the news, I feel simultaneously blessed! Linda treated me as normal saying after our first session together, “Your blindness isn’t an issue with me, your psyche is.” I knew from that minute on we were a match meant in heaven. As I learned to trust and love her, Miss Linda gently wrapped her arms around me spiritually, psychologically, and physically. As I let go, I let God and Miss Linda perform the magic of love with my heart and soul.

As I acknowledged in my memoir, Soaring into Greatness, a Blind Woman’s Dream to Live her Dreams and Fly:

“Without a doubt, the angel sent to accomplish the hardest task of all was my psychotherapist, Miss Linda. In the years I worked with her, she nurtured, guided, and empowered me. Miss Linda, words can’t express my gratitude to you. You are the one who inspired me to write this book. You are the one who listened to my pain. You are the one who held me and told me I was okay. You are the one who encouraged me to feel, to love myself, and to be me. I appreciate the many long hours you sat with me, believing in me, and loving me. I probably would have made it through my life without you; however, my quality of life wouldn’t be the same. Because of you, my psychological pain is gone and I live in hope, joy, and love. Because of you, my life is not haunted by unknown faces or other disturbing mental images from my past. Because of you, I’ve kicked and screamed my way to freedom. You are the angel sent from God to assist in unfolding and allowing my wings to fly. I thank you for every spoken word, every loving gesture, and for forever believing in me. I hope we get to fly together someday. I love you from the depths of my soul. Thank you ever so much for touching my life and making me whole. “

Some of you may have your own memories of Miss Linda! I invite you to share them with me! I also invite you to cherish the folks in your life who have touched your soul! Remember to thank them! Remember to tell them you love them! Remember to let them know how they have forever changed your life! Remember, you are you because of the magic of their love! And remember, that in sharing love, you are changing the way you see and changing the way you live!