I have some words that I would like to share with you. These words should not only tell the story of Lynda's life, but should reach inside each of us and give us a reflection of who we are and who we can be:

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

There are not my words, but the words of James, an apostle of Jesus. But for me, these words ring true and I think of Lynda especially when I hear about providing for people in need of food and clothing. Many times, too many to count, Lynda would give whatever a person would need – food, money, clothes, a place to stay – But it was not a gift of convenience. No, Lynda gave her time, her listening ear, her compassionate heart, in every instance to meet the need of some else. She would sacrifice and go without herself to meet the need of others. She did so with joy.

If there is a word that I would use to tell everyone about Lyndia, I think Joy is the best word. It is funny that as a man of words and using words to make an impression and a point, that I would choose such a short one.

But Joy is a particular word. It is more profound than happiness. It is a spiritual word, a word that says of someone's deep connection with people and within herself, even in times of trouble. It is like the depth of the ocean compared to a stream. That is joy.

I have to say that I love Lynda deeply. She was so beautiful. When we wed, she was only 17. In the many years that we spent in marriage together, Lynda showed me what love was and she showed me that in Joy. I was young also – and foolish – and did not understand until later in life how special and important she was. I guess that you could say that my love for her grew stronger each day. When I was young, I did not know anything about Joy. Every kind thing I have in my life has come from learning of Joy by watching her.

The most joyful thing came out of our last conversation. We can say "I love you" and usually get a response of "I love you, too" and those words were exchanged between Lynda and me. But when Lynda said I love you to me, I knew that she meant it. I could feel that joy, that great emotion, that meant everything. She followed it with this great wisdom: "I guess that we just need each other."

Those words will stay with me for the rest of my life. I hope that I can tell people that are important in my life that I love them like Lynda told me. I must never forget that we need each other, and I am not alone. It was a great gift of joy that she gave in that last talk.

Lynda's greatest joy was her family. I remember the joy that she has in watching Lindy and Dennis grow and the children I brought to her – Erin, Patrick, Julie and Kelly – Jennifer, Jessica, Samantha and oldest daughter Wendy… there was no appreciable difference here, only a heart that embraced them. Her greatest joy – until they had children of their own. Her great joy shown in bring there when Lindy's children were born. For her, it was a completion of a circle. She gave of herself for her children and now they could give of themselves. For grandkids John, Dustin, Jeremy, Kyle, Alex and Shannon that Joy was fulfilled in seeing you in your first moments. It continues as she watched you become accomplished young people, her hope for the future.

Her joy was made further complete when Wendy, Kayla and Robert came from Minnesota. I remember that she felt complete having all her family near. You see, while we remember Nanny this way in great joy, I want you to know she thought of you as fulfilling her joy.

That was her greatest joy – until the great grand kids came along. She saw her family expand and become even a greater hope for what will come. There was Justin, Jordan, and Bailey – Savannah and Elise – Donovan, Devon, Jasmine and Jade. She loved Kaden, Dayton, Brooklynn and Ashton – Jeremiah, Lacy, Zoey, Balidia, Devin and Lilly – Tryson, Laniya, Elyana and Arlo – Autumn and Nevaeh. All was right with the world when she was around her family.

Whatever the grandkids needed, Nanny gave. She was there to provide that kind ear and listen to their accomplishments and their troubles. All the kids could come to her and always be accepted no matter what the need was, money or advice or even just a hug. They could always come to Nanny.

Sometimes I make a mistake in times like these. I come in sorrow and in loss feeling like this is the end of something. But Lynda taught me different. I say today that there is no end. There would be no joy if this was an end. No, it is a thing that has no end. As Lynda gave life and joy to all of us, we continue that life and joy by giving to one another. Her words, "I guess that we just need each other" show that there is no end, as long as we continue to love each other.

I have been lucky in my life to have such angels around me. My friend from my youth Bobby Wilson and his wife Joann were always there. In my later years, my friends that I met at the Miami newspaper has shown me love and joy.

But through every moment in every important time, there was Lynda. She would open her heart and her door anytime that I had a need.

In our Eastern Shawnee heritage, we say it in this way; that one of our cherished ones has gone to the Great Circle. Our old ones were wise and courageous and left us a path to follow that we might reach the Great Circle. There is no doubt that the Great Circle has welcomed a loving new member this day.

And in joy it is made complete.