I am very sad to have to tell you that Linda, known affectionally to so many of you as Vee, passed way yesterday after a long illness courageously fought every step of the way.
Vee had fought so bravely and so long .. and although there were times she had despaired of getting well and going home, she seemed to be a little better, and was wanting to make contact with her many friends in the Meat community .. and she had so many .. I was just looking at the current card an hour ago and reading the messages and thinking just how many people had signed it ..
My heart goes out to Tom and Annie .. who now have to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives which will now hold the memory but no longer the hand of Vee .. I hope she has just slipped into Henry Scott Holland's "other room" .. one where she is free of pain and no longer needs to fight for every breath .. and from where she can watch over her husband, daughter and son, and know how much she will be missed. That she truly is just around the corner .. somewhere where all is well.
She was brave, she was a fighter, she never gave up fighting. Yes, she deserves to be with us still .. and in many of our hearts she always will be.
Have a safe and restful journey Vee. We will keep you in our hearts with fond affection. You may have slipped into that other room, but you will be with us still. We'll remember the happy times, the excitement of new tour dates and films we shared, the goodbye message on lists "Have great Meaty dreams!!", the jokes we shared, the fun we had. Today it's hard not to feel desolated and very sad .. but tomorrow we'll remember you with laughter and happy memories.
Her husband has asked that no flowers be sent. Her long illness as many of you know, has proved cripplingly expensive in terms of medication, and stretched them beypnd their milits. If you were thinking of sending flowers, a donation would be very much appeciated. If you would like to contribute towards a donation, please check back here. This has come as a great shock, despite her long illness. But we will set something up, including perhaps a book of condolence for her family.
Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you; whatever we were to each other, that, we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used, Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we shared together. Let my name ever be the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, Somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.
Henry Scott Holland 1847 -1918
Caryl .. trying to follow Canon Holland's advice .. although this morning it is very hard.
-- Edited by Caryl at 23:04, 2004-08-19
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Meat Loaf for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Let's help him get there!
Hey Caryl, hang in there my friend. Canon Holland's words are a great comfort, and you couldn't have chosen a more fitting way to close your post.
I am very shocked and saddened to hear of Vee's passing. My heart goes out to her family and close friends. Her long hard battle is finally over, one which I know she fought to the end. Many of us have benefited greatly from Vee's hard work, and dedication. I have made some wonderful friends through the forums, and the Room at the Top has become my second home! Everything she gave us, the fans, she did for the love of Meat Loaf.
God Bless Vee, rest well.
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I'd pull the sun down from the sky to light your darkest night.
So very sad to hear the news Caryl, especially after Vee seemed to be rallying a little after such a long, brave fight. Thank you from all of us for helping us get to know Vee a little through the cards and updates - she clearly enriched the lives of many people around her and was a very generous spirit. All our love goes out to her family...
I am so saddened to hear about Vee. It was such a shock to get on the computer today after being away so long and hearing this news... My heart goes out not only to her family but to all of you who knew her and called her friend........I can't think of any original words to say will I will leave with this
I get so weary On this troubled road Unlock these chains And gently rock me home Beyond the clouds and the rain Where Angels sing Where Angels sing Where lies can't hurt me The flesh desert me No in or out No loss or doubt No living with or doing without Where money ain't the power king And kindness is the most precious thing Where Angels sing