Remembering Mrs. Linda Graham, Garibaldi Secondary School teacher

Left:  A Zentangle name card made by Mrs. Graham for me.  Right:  A GSS yearbook photo of her.

Did Mrs. Graham ever make a you a name card like the one shown above?  She made one for me, it was something I saw her often working at.  A Zentangle is a "relaxing art method used to create abstract, structured black-and-white patterns called tangles on small paper squares." (Google)  I think she found them relaxing and enjoyed making them for people.  She would laminate them afterwards and give them to their namesake.  

She cared for people, was a respected teacher and colleague, and taught at Garibaldi for a number of years.  I always enjoyed her company.  The cards that she made for people spoke of her care for others.  If you notice, it is signed, "L L.G."  I think it stands for "Love, Linda Graham."  I never saw her as emotional or conflicted, but I am sure she must have had challenges in her life.

She was a heavy smoker; I remember she would take her breaks out in her car with a cigarette.  We were in the middle of a strike one school year when we got word that Linda had passed away.  It came suddenly.  It wasn't cancer.  I do not know the cause of her passing, but it may very well have been due to her smoking habit.  We all felt the loss.  There was a heavy pall in the air as we gathered together at the picket line.  

I cannot find any reference to Linda Graham on the internet.  No photos.  No mention of her as a teacher anywhere.  I think it would be nice to share some of those stories and photos online to help remember her.  It is a small thing to ask, like the cards she made, but something that may have a lasting impact for us to think about for years to come.  Also, like the cards she made.  

In case I never said it, "Thanks for making me a great card.  I will keep it and cherish it, and it will help me think of you."  You are missed, Linda.  Be at peace.

Eric Svendsen

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