Today is Lynne's memorial and not a day has gone by since her passing that I haven't thought of her and Peter. I have written and rewritten several "posts" to try and express my feelings and every one of them has fallen short of what I wanted to say... Which, ironically, is one of the things I respected most about Lynne. She seemed to have the ability to put fingers to keyboard and almost effortlessly get her point across with just the tone she intended. She truly had a gift. At any rate, it's past time to say something so I'm just going to push through it and hope it begins to convey my feelings.
To start, I want to just get this out of the way: For whatever reason, I feel like it is important to add my voice to the dozens of others who dove with her, to say, she didn't just talk the talk, she walked the walk.... She was the most safety-conscious diver I have ever dove with. I can't imagine this was anything but an accident that occurred while diving.
Now, about Lynne: The reason I am where I am in my diving is because of Lynne, more than any other individual. She introduced me to GUE and encouraged me through some rough times. I have had some great mentors in the past few years, but I wouldn't be in the position to have had those mentors were it not for Lynne and her support and direction. I am very grateful I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend diving with her in FL caves. We had talked about me visiting WA and coordinating timing for our trips to Mexico (seems like we always missed each other by week or two) and I still am in disbelief that is not to be.
Another one of her gifts was that Lynne was a "connector" - she brought people together. Off the top of my head, I can think of four or five people that I've gotten to know well, that I may never have known had Lynne not introduced us. I can only imagine how many others are in the same position!
Finally... and most importantly... the loss that everyone else is feeling can be but a fraction of what you are going through Peter. I know we are just acquaintances but if there is anything I can do please let me know. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lynne you will be missed.
