Friday, December 13, 2024
Today, I attempt pay tribute to a true lady who meant so very much to me and so many people. Lynn McLendon was the personification of not just a southern belle, but a steel magnolia. She was grace and poise, thoughtful and giving, and absolutely tough as nails – I have heard her referred to and have myself called her a ‘force of to be reckoned with’!
Lynn was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in, she tackled things head on, but she also was also compassionate and thoughtful. She wept at sad movies, suffered when others suffered, and noticed and remembered things. Even small things casually mentioned in passing, Lynn remembered and acted on them – birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, etc.
Lynn was a lover of art; she collected many pieces of glass, pottery and artwork and particularly held dear the paintings done by her grandmother. She loved music – all different genres, but her satellite radio was most always tuned to the 1970’s station. Lynn loved fine dining and southern cuisine. She taught me how to make tomato pie and eggplant parmesan and she made some of the best grits I know I’ll ever eat.
Lynn loved going to the beach and to the mountains. She was a fierce competitor in games of cards and dominos and she could answer almost every question on Jeopardy correctly.
Lynn adored her dog, Izzy, and Taylor and Chong before that. I’ve always thought if you had to come back as an animal, being one of Lynn’s dogs would not be a bad place to land!
And of course, most of all, Lynn loved her family and friends. Being in a world of Lynn’s love was all encompassing in the very best of ways. She was there in times of joy and sorrow. She was there for the biggest times as well as the day to day joy of just spending time together. Lynn loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.
Rest in peace, my dear friend Lynn. You will forever be missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who were privileged to love you and be loved by you.
