Happy Birthday Linda
Today is Linda's birthday. I think it is very appropriate that we celebrate her life of giving, on her birthday.
From Linda's family, Mike, Amy, Tammy and Kathy her sister, thank you to everyone who been such an important part of Linda's life.
We all have stories to tell on Linda, and fortunately for us, she gave us many great loving memories to share.
Many of you remarked to Linda that her strength, determination and perseverance through this 3 and a half year ordeal, gave you strength and encouragement. Of course she didn't see it that way. She said she just went day to day, trying to do her best, living her life as she thought God wanted her to. She was not happy with her illness, but she was at peace with whatever the outcome was going to be.
We all know that though imperfect, as we all are, she looked more to help, than to hurt. I remarked to her that she was a sounding board, a source of wisdom for many. People knew that if you asked Linda for help, she was there for you. There are many of you who were the beneficiaries of Linda's small favors, advice, errands run, helping folks get to the doctor, even when it meant a trip to Tulsa or Oklahoma City.
The family wants to thank some folks who were especially helpful and loving to Linda and Mike through this process. Kathy Justice Larbi, one of Linda's lifelong friends, provided a second home for Linda and Mike while she was in Houston for treatment a few weeks ago. Kathy also was our email contact for updates about Linda's journey. Kathy couldn't be with us today because she is at her son's wedding. She sends her love.
Mike and Linda's across the street neighbors, Nancy and Joe were truly God's angels for many years for the Kern's. Through shared prayer, food, fun and tribulations, Joe and Nancy have been there for Linda and Mike - thank you Joe and Nancy, from all of us.
Linda and Kathy's cousins, Kenny and Kay Speers have been a constant source of encouragement, humor, support and travel companionship. We all wish to thank Kenny and Ginger, Kenny's wife, especially for being here this last week or so.
Personally, I will be eternally grateful to Linda and Mike for helping her sister Kathy and myself to become husband and wife. After Linda and Kathy's mother died when she was 23 and Kathy was 19, Linda looked after Kathy like she was her mother. Thank you Linda. She helped many of us through troubled times and shared our exciting, hopeful, happy times as well.
People also knew that you had to be honest with Linda, she could see through the, excuse me, the BS. She couldn't tolerate deceit, but she loved helping. Linda also was very grateful for all the help you have given her and her family over time. Her friends here in McAlester and all over the world were great joy and inspiration to her. Thank you.
This wonderful human being, was also the local animal kingdom's great hero. As her daughter Amy said the other day, the animal kingdom knew her address. They must have shared it through the critter grapevine. Amy mused that animals wandered down Redbud lane, looking around and spotting 1532 saying, yep, that's Linda's house, let's go there. At one point, Linda made a home for 4 dogs and 6 cats. She also has found homes for many animals and has been a big supporter of local efforts to help her animal friends. Her yard was designed for her animal friends. One of their great delights was sitting either in the "Dog House", Mike and Linda's great sun room, or on their back patio, watching the birds at the feeder or the squirrels running the fence. At one point, she found a dove that had a broken wing. Mike says she took the bird to the vet who clipped the wing, patched it up and Linda took it home. She and that bird had true communication. When Linda would coo to the dove, it would coo back, just for Linda, no one else. They comforted each other. That was the Linda we love.
Of course her great joy in life were her children, Amy and Tammy. I know she was so happy that each have wonderful husbands and proud they have chosen occupations of service to others. Mike also has shared that although her illness was tough, it has given them more personal time together, to pray, to share life's tenderest moments and to revel in all God has given them.
Us in her extended family, will truly miss her as our hub, the center of family gatherings. We were all blessed to be here last summer for Tammy's wedding. That was such a wonderful time for us and Linda. But we shared many such moments in time with Linda. It's been fun sharing, remembering those times these last few days together.
I do have one nit to pick with Linda though. I am just a real gullible, trusting sort. When we were with Linda, and she and her sister, my wife Kathy, would tell me they were going shopping, I believed them. I was sure that meant they were going to the nearest Wal-Mart or shoe store. Linda's "shopping" time was renowned. Kathy and Linda loved being together shopping, at a casino. Sitting together, putting pennies, nickels and quarters in those slots, sharing what their kids were up to was a great past time.
We will surely miss Linda. But she is now in a greater place from which to help us. We believe she will always be a great part of our lives.
Again, Linda's family wishes to thank all of you for being here, for all the kindnesses shown, food shared, stories told over these past days, months and years. You all have truly been a blessing to the Kern family.
Mike, Amy and Tammy have asked me to read this poem to close:
************************************
Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud, just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone". Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,
"Here she comes!"
************************************
Today, we thank God for Linda as a gift to us on her birthday. May she rest in peace. And may all her shopping in heaven, bring big winnings to all the animals and people we will help in the future, in her name.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Linda Kern Obituary
Linda Gail (Auldridge) Kern, 56, of McAlester, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008, at McAlester Regional Health Center.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Brumley-Mills Chapel.Mass of the resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Leonard Higgins officiating. Burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester.
Born May 31, 1951, in Henryetta, she was the daughter of Earl Allen and Doris Mae (Barnhill) Auldridge. She grew up in Henryetta and graduated from high school there in 1969. She then attended Draughan’s School of Business in Tulsa, completing their course of study in one year.
She married Mike Kern on Nov. 14, 1970, in Henryetta, and they lived in Stillwater while he was completing his degree. They moved to Ponca City in 1972 and then to Tulsa in 1973. In 1977 they moved to Tampa, Fla. until 1984, when they made their home in McAlester. She worked for a short time at the Dollar Saver Store then in 1988 went to work at The Bank, NA. She started as a teller and worked her way up to assistant vice-president, retiring in 2004.
She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and a former member of the McAlester Kiwanis Club.
She enjoyed her pets, her dogs and cats, and had a real passion for all animals, which showed in her devoted work with PAWS over the past number of years.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Kern, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Steven Mitchell, Keller, Texas, and Tammy and Bryan Barnette, of Muskogee. Also, one sister and brother-in-law, and their children, Kathy and Kevin Ryan, Montgomery, Ala., and their children, Kristen, Katy and Kyle; special cousins, Kenny and Ginger Speer, Baton Rouge, La., and their children, Mathew and Sarah, and Kay Speer, Arvada, Colo. And, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mark W. Kern and his wife, Sandy, Vicky Fegaly and her husband, Ron, Daniel “Duke” Kern and his wife, Cindy, Margie Collette, Sharon Sisson and her husband, Neal, Teresa Kern, Greg Kern and his wife, Lisa, Renee Kern, and John Kern.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Ryan, Steven Mitchell, Bryan Barnette, Mark Kern, Greg Kern, and Kenny Speer. Honorary pallbearers will be Mathew Speer, Kyle Ryan, Duke Kern, Ron Fegaly, and Neal Sisson.
Memorials may be made to the local PAWS group.
Published in the McAlester News-Capital from 5/29/2008 - 5/30/2008.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Brumley-Mills Chapel.Mass of the resurrection will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church with Father Leonard Higgins officiating. Burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home of McAlester.
Born May 31, 1951, in Henryetta, she was the daughter of Earl Allen and Doris Mae (Barnhill) Auldridge. She grew up in Henryetta and graduated from high school there in 1969. She then attended Draughan’s School of Business in Tulsa, completing their course of study in one year.
She married Mike Kern on Nov. 14, 1970, in Henryetta, and they lived in Stillwater while he was completing his degree. They moved to Ponca City in 1972 and then to Tulsa in 1973. In 1977 they moved to Tampa, Fla. until 1984, when they made their home in McAlester. She worked for a short time at the Dollar Saver Store then in 1988 went to work at The Bank, NA. She started as a teller and worked her way up to assistant vice-president, retiring in 2004.
She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and a former member of the McAlester Kiwanis Club.
She enjoyed her pets, her dogs and cats, and had a real passion for all animals, which showed in her devoted work with PAWS over the past number of years.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Kern, of the home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Steven Mitchell, Keller, Texas, and Tammy and Bryan Barnette, of Muskogee. Also, one sister and brother-in-law, and their children, Kathy and Kevin Ryan, Montgomery, Ala., and their children, Kristen, Katy and Kyle; special cousins, Kenny and Ginger Speer, Baton Rouge, La., and their children, Mathew and Sarah, and Kay Speer, Arvada, Colo. And, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mark W. Kern and his wife, Sandy, Vicky Fegaly and her husband, Ron, Daniel “Duke” Kern and his wife, Cindy, Margie Collette, Sharon Sisson and her husband, Neal, Teresa Kern, Greg Kern and his wife, Lisa, Renee Kern, and John Kern.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Ryan, Steven Mitchell, Bryan Barnette, Mark Kern, Greg Kern, and Kenny Speer. Honorary pallbearers will be Mathew Speer, Kyle Ryan, Duke Kern, Ron Fegaly, and Neal Sisson.
Memorials may be made to the local PAWS group.
Published in the McAlester News-Capital from 5/29/2008 - 5/30/2008.
From Cindy
What a pretty picture of Kathy and Linda not too long after they became a part of our family. My thoughts are with you, Kathy. If you need anything, please let me know. I'm including another picture of Linda -- taken in the kitchen of Grandma Moore's house -- not too many years ago. Linda was very special to me and I already miss her terribly.
Cindy
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
There will be a rosary for Linda 7:00 P.M. Friday at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home.
Her funeral will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church (located at 300 E. Washington Ave, McAlester).
Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery, Henryetta, OK.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her local animal shelter, PAWS, P.O. Box 76, McAlester, OK 74502
Her funeral will be 10:00 A. M. Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church (located at 300 E. Washington Ave, McAlester).
Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery, Henryetta, OK.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to her local animal shelter, PAWS, P.O. Box 76, McAlester, OK 74502
For my Best Friend
Linda, you were always there, and I'll love you forever. We'll meet again, I promise!!
RE: Linda Kern
It is with deep sorrow that I send this e-mail today. Linda joined her Lord and Savior early this morning.
Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester (918-426-0404, 1410 E Carl Albert Pky) will be handling the arrangements.
Linda will be buried in Henryetta, OK. I will e-mail the set time later.
Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in McAlester (918-426-0404, 1410 E Carl Albert Pky) will be handling the arrangements.
Linda will be buried in Henryetta, OK. I will e-mail the set time later.
Kathy Justus Larbi
Sunday, May 25, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
I spoke with Amy today. Linda is on a morphine pump and getting a dose
every hour. Her nausea is under control. She is comfortable at this time.
The doctor said it could be 2 weeks but the family believes it will be
sooner. Prayers are appreciated but no visitors please.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Saturday, May 24, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
I spoke with Mike and the news on Linda is not good. She is in constant
pain and the doctor does not hold out any hope for her getting better. She
is still in McAlester Hospital. Linda wants to go home but Mike doesn't
think she will be able to go. Please keep the family in you prayers.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Thursday, May 15, 2008
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RETURN!
When you get back to God's Country, We will start your next chapter ... Let me know when you up to talking after you return .. the trip back won't be any easier than the trip down but it's all for 'His Glory' to pick you up and dust you off ... & start all over again!!!
I will be here to pick up your spirits and get you laughing again. Since John is a man of leisure now, he will become my 'Jeeves'!!! (Don't tell him I said that.) (We better get Bush and his buddies out pretty dern quick though, or we will have to walk back and forth to Big Mac soon ... this gas stuff is not getting funny.) No Joke ... we will come down there and we will exercise our 'guts off' and you will energize your 'butt up' & running... I mean it!!!
It is all in the eyes and the food and the ELBOW ---Our will just be in reverse and we will be willing our excess to become your energy!!!
I've been praying so hard and have beeen soooo lonely for someone to talk to on the phone for hours... I am praying every time I reach for the phone (and even more often) so hurry home, rest up a little and call when you can stand me bothering you, sweetie. We love you, Linda. Tell Mike that John has been feeling his pain ... he hates those hours of waiting in the waiting room and knows it could only be on an even bigger scale down there!!! Keep your spirits up !!! Love ya, Cathy & John Garrett
I will be here to pick up your spirits and get you laughing again. Since John is a man of leisure now, he will become my 'Jeeves'!!! (Don't tell him I said that.) (We better get Bush and his buddies out pretty dern quick though, or we will have to walk back and forth to Big Mac soon ... this gas stuff is not getting funny.) No Joke ... we will come down there and we will exercise our 'guts off' and you will energize your 'butt up' & running... I mean it!!!
It is all in the eyes and the food and the ELBOW ---Our will just be in reverse and we will be willing our excess to become your energy!!!
I've been praying so hard and have beeen soooo lonely for someone to talk to on the phone for hours... I am praying every time I reach for the phone (and even more often) so hurry home, rest up a little and call when you can stand me bothering you, sweetie. We love you, Linda. Tell Mike that John has been feeling his pain ... he hates those hours of waiting in the waiting room and knows it could only be on an even bigger scale down there!!! Keep your spirits up !!! Love ya, Cathy & John Garrett
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
Mike and Linda will be going back to McAlester tomorrow.
The doctor informed them that Linda is too weak for chemo and that she needs to eat a special diet (proteins) to build up her strength.
Plus she has a blood clot in her leg.
She will be seeing her doctor in McAlester to address these problems. She will contact M. D. Anderson in two weeks to let them know her progress. She will need to be able to walk and get around good before chemo is started.
Pray for her to find the strength to do what is asked of her.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Monday, May 12, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
Thought I would send a note to let everyone know how Linda's week-end went.
Her daughter, Amy came down Thursday evening and I know Linda enjoyed having her here for Mother's Day. Amy took very good care of her.
Linda has been eating a little more the past few days and been awake for longer periods of time. She has been sleeping a little better at night. The scan last Friday was tiresome for her...they were there over six hours.
She sees the doctor tomorrow and will be finding out what approach M.D. Anderson will be taking. They have a center just for Sarcoma. Four teams deal with nothing but Sarcoma so Linda and Mike are confident they will have the answers. I think she is being very strong and positive. Keep up those prayers and positive thoughts for her. Prayer is very powerful!
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Thursday, May 8, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
Linda has an appointment tomorrow to have the scan and other tests done. It will be a long day for her so say some extra prayers.
She has been awake more today and has eaten about the same as yesterday. She is certainly glad to be getting the tests over with.
Her appointment with the doctor is set up for next Tuesday.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
To one of the most beautiful I've ever known
Dear Linda,
When I think of all the blessings from God in my life, I think of family, faith, shared moments, simple pleasures, and I think of you. You are a kindred soul, and I'm so thankful that we have and can share our paths at the same time on earth. Thinking of you with love... and hope and prayers that you recover quickly.
Colleen
When I think of all the blessings from God in my life, I think of family, faith, shared moments, simple pleasures, and I think of you. You are a kindred soul, and I'm so thankful that we have and can share our paths at the same time on earth. Thinking of you with love... and hope and prayers that you recover quickly.
Colleen
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Linda is still waiting on the insurance okay for testing at M.D. Anderson. She is thinking positive and she ate a little better today...the trip down was a bit hard on her but she seems more comfortable today. Keep up those prayers...
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Just a note to let everyone know that Linda is still waiting on approval from her insurance to get scans and tests started at M.D. Anderson.
Please say some prayers for a quick response from them and strength for her and Mike. Hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.
Please say some prayers for a quick response from them and strength for her and Mike. Hopefully we will hear something tomorrow.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Linda Kern Blog
Thoughts of you keep creeping into my mind --- I immediately pray for your strength to carry on through this ordeal -- I feel there is greatness available there and you are in a good place now. God be with you and Mike as you walk together through this trial! I am praying again right now!! Luv, Cathy
Monday, May 5, 2008
MD Anderson Update - Mon 5/5/08
Hello to all,
I know everyone has been anxious all day but this is the first chance I have gotten to sit down at the computer. Linda saw the PA at M.D. Anderson...of course they want a new scan and that is being set up just as soon as M.D. Anderson gets the okay from the insurance. They told us that Linda should see the doctor no later than Friday.
We really didn't find out much today but it sounds like they will want to start treatments with chemo. She may be able to do chemo in McAlester and return every two weeks to M.D. Anderson to check her progress. We will know more as soon as she sees her doctor.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Sunday, May 4, 2008
RE: Linda Kern
Hello to all,
Linda and Mike have made it to
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
Linda's made it to Houston
Just got a call from Amy Mitchell, Linda's daughter in Dallas.
She said that Linda and Mike have made it to Kathy Larbi's house in Houston.
She's tired but gald to be there.
God bless Linda.
She said that Linda and Mike have made it to Kathy Larbi's house in Houston.
She's tired but gald to be there.
God bless Linda.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Update - Fri evening 5/2
Kathy talked with Linda this evening.
Their tentative travel plans call for a trip to Dallas and stay with daughter Amy and Steve on Saturday and then onto Houston on Sunday.
She's not feeling well. She has not been able to review the directions from MD Anderson to get the details of her appointments, but Tammy has.
She seems very drained so phone calls are not advised.
Keep up the prayers and positive thoughts.
May the Peace of Jesus be with her.
Their tentative travel plans call for a trip to Dallas and stay with daughter Amy and Steve on Saturday and then onto Houston on Sunday.
She's not feeling well. She has not been able to review the directions from MD Anderson to get the details of her appointments, but Tammy has.
She seems very drained so phone calls are not advised.
Keep up the prayers and positive thoughts.
May the Peace of Jesus be with her.
A High Tech Hello!
Hey Aunt Linda!
Look at us all...we're moving into the current tech craze! And its all so we can let you know how much we love you and are praying for you. I know I am every time I get a chance or a prayer group gathers. Its going to work too :) I miss you like crazy...I'm so jealous Mom and Dad got to come up for a visit. Hopefully we will all have a chance to get together soon. Let us know how you are doing. Talk to you soon!
Your loving niece,
Kristen
Look at us all...we're moving into the current tech craze! And its all so we can let you know how much we love you and are praying for you. I know I am every time I get a chance or a prayer group gathers. Its going to work too :) I miss you like crazy...I'm so jealous Mom and Dad got to come up for a visit. Hopefully we will all have a chance to get together soon. Let us know how you are doing. Talk to you soon!
Your loving niece,
Kristen
Hello Linda
Linda,
I just want you to know that I think about you often and pray for your speedy recovery. We are sending our positive thoughts and energy your direction. And look forward to hearing good news from you after your appointment at M.D. Anderson. I have a friend that has been seeing Doctors there and has had very positive results. Keep positive thoughts and know that we all love you very much!!
Love,
Pandy
I just want you to know that I think about you often and pray for your speedy recovery. We are sending our positive thoughts and energy your direction. And look forward to hearing good news from you after your appointment at M.D. Anderson. I have a friend that has been seeing Doctors there and has had very positive results. Keep positive thoughts and know that we all love you very much!!
Love,
Pandy
Good Luck!
Linda - I anxiously await hearing good news next week. You are one of the strongest women I know. I admire you and love you. Think positive!
Melanie
Melanie
New Blog Info
Hey, this is Kevin Ryan, Linda's sister Kathy's husband.
I created this Blog for Linda, but she probably won't see it for a while.
We stayed with her last week and she didn't want to get on the computer the whole time we were there.
Over time, I hope she will find some usefullness to this in communicating with all who love her.
I hope this will help us all in getting info and communicationg with each other as well.
Peace be with all of you - Kevin
I created this Blog for Linda, but she probably won't see it for a while.
We stayed with her last week and she didn't want to get on the computer the whole time we were there.
Over time, I hope she will find some usefullness to this in communicating with all who love her.
I hope this will help us all in getting info and communicationg with each other as well.
Peace be with all of you - Kevin
Hi Linda!
Hey Linda,
I think about you everyday. I'm so glad that MD Anderson finally called. I hope this is the answer to your prayers. We are rooting for you. Hopefully I can make it over to Houston. I understand if you don't want visitors, but I told Tammy to let me know if she is going to be there. Maybe at the very least I can take her to dinner, maybe a movie...just to take her mind off of things.
We love you so much!!!!
Sarah
I think about you everyday. I'm so glad that MD Anderson finally called. I hope this is the answer to your prayers. We are rooting for you. Hopefully I can make it over to Houston. I understand if you don't want visitors, but I told Tammy to let me know if she is going to be there. Maybe at the very least I can take her to dinner, maybe a movie...just to take her mind off of things.
We love you so much!!!!
Sarah
How the BLOG are you?
What is a BLOG and why don't they call it MEMO or NOTE?
How will I know if this works or not. Will I get some flowers sent to me.
Another phase of my life began on April 1st, yep April Fools Day, I officially became single again after 29 years of marriage and started a new job with KXOJ and The Sports Animal as a sales rep. I wish you were still at Bank NA.....I'd sell you an ad.
I have been keeping up with you and your ordeals the best I can from the emails I get. I so admire your strength and courage in what you have been through over the last years. I pray every night for that same endurance you have.
Keep your sunny side up and everything else down.
God sure has His Blessings on you. Take Care.
How will I know if this works or not. Will I get some flowers sent to me.
Another phase of my life began on April 1st, yep April Fools Day, I officially became single again after 29 years of marriage and started a new job with KXOJ and The Sports Animal as a sales rep. I wish you were still at Bank NA.....I'd sell you an ad.
I have been keeping up with you and your ordeals the best I can from the emails I get. I so admire your strength and courage in what you have been through over the last years. I pray every night for that same endurance you have.
Keep your sunny side up and everything else down.
God sure has His Blessings on you. Take Care.
04 29 2008 Update from Kathy Larbi
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:45:20 -0500
Hello to all,
Linda phoned around lunch time today…her appointments are set up for Monday and Tuesday next week at M.D. Anderson. Her and Mike should be at my house on Sunday. She is very anxious. I’m asking for positive thoughts and prayers from each of you. I’ll let you know as soon as I know what the doctor says.
Hugs,
Kathy Justus Larbi
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