The woman above is Linda Scheid, a woman of many hats: a Minnesota legislator, Park and Rec leader, teacher, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, employee of Macy's, peace corps volunteer, mentor, friend, among others. She passed away June 15th, and today was a celebration of her life.
I had the opportunity to work with Linda a number of years at Park and Rec in Brooklyn Park. I had no idea she was a MN senator until half way through my first summer. She was just a regular lady, who once I got to know, was hands down one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She is an inspiration, and sets a precedent of how I want to live my life. She lived a life of service for other people, and she did so with a smile on her face always, even throughout her battle with cancer. If only everyone had her sense of humor, courage, ability to care for others, and outlook on life...the world would be a better place.
The world is a better place because Linda made a difference in it, I am a better person because she made a difference in me. There are little things I will carry on that remind me of her, like always bringing extra towels on water day at camp just in case some kids forget, or the idea that the beauty of children who have parents of different races is God's way of saying that it is meant to be that way. Today, at the memorial service Governor Mark Dayton declared today, Linda Scheid Day in Minnesota. Heck, you have to be doing something right if when you pass away, the governor honors you with your very own day!
She was an amazing woman, who will be remembered always. Rest in Peace, Linda.
"...A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives..." Jackie Robinson
<3
