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Quietly Sharing With Others

jlamb1
Adventurer C
A few weeks ago, I passed Linda (one of our Onboarding Department Employees) in the hall and said, "How was your weekend?"  With her always present smile, she said, "Great, my husband and I did one of our 'marriage weekends'."  I wasn't sure what she meant by "marriage weekend." For me that would mean that I did all my chores around the house and got to keep my marriage.  But for Linda, it meant spending a weekend with couples who are struggling in their marriages.  She and her husband give up many weekends to facilitate a special weekend to let other married couples see their example of hope and reconciliation. She does lots of other very nice things on her own time.  When Linda is made aware that an Employee at Southwest has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she sends a stuffed Care Bear as a way of letting the Employee know she is thinking about her.  But for some reason her willingness to constantly talk about a difficult experience so that others going through tough times in their marriages would know there is hope for them, really stuck with me. 
6 Comments
Matthew_Skok1
Explorer C
That's so nice of Linda to keep Employees with breast cancer in her thoughts 😄
Leah3
Adventurer B
That's very kind of Linda to do that! I participate in Race for the Cure every year & have quite a bit of pink ribbon merchandise. I save & certainly still wear my shirts from the Races, & I have a Fight Breast Cancer license plate. I don't have breast cancer, but a great grandmother of mine was a 20 plus year survivor of it; it was not what she died from. This employee will make it! I'll keep her in my thoughts & prayers. Linda, if you read this, thank you! You're very kind & compassionate.
Sandra_Glenn
Explorer C
How lucky I am to be Linda Gruben's sister.She has cared for everyone since I've known her.It doesn't matter if it's family or friend,she puts everyone else first.I love her dearly and I'm so happy she had her dream come true to work for Southwest Airlines,she just glows whenever she talks about her job and the wonderful people she works with!I love her with all my heart and I'm so pleased you appreciate her!!! Sandra Glenn
Stephanie_Hocke
Explorer C
WOW...THIS WAS LIKE A HIGHER POWER SAYING YOU MUST READ THIS! MY HUSBAND AND I ARE GOING THROUGH HARD TIMES AND WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 14 YEARS AND TOGETHER 16....A LOT HAS CHANGED FOR US IN THE LAST FEW YEARS...WE BOTH HAD GASTRIC BYPASS TO MENTION ONE...I REALLY WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO LINDA BY E MAIL TO SEE WHAT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO TO GET HER ADVICE AND HELP. PLEASE IF YOU KNOW HOW TO REACH HER HAVE HER E MAIL ME ASAP THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!!!!
Cindy9
Adventurer C
KUDO's to Linda!! So few people take the time to think of the people around them these days, its always so heartwarming to hear stories like this one.. Linda would probably tell you that its a joy and a privilege to do the things that she does for others.. In my mind, if you think that you have problems that are overwhelming then just go help someone else out for a while..It puts things in perspective.. It is also such a HUGE learning experience and gives back so much more than it takes away.. Linda, you are a very special person and if I could reach thru this monitor I would hug you and make sure that you knew just how special you are.. Whether its the trials of marriage or caring for a person that is sick, its not always easy but in the end, its worth every ounce of energy put forth.. Linda, I wish for you, everything and more than your heart desires.. Cindy
kdelevett
Employee
Employee
Thanks Jeff for sharing your blog about Linda. Linda, I don't think we've met yet, but you are an earth angel. You and your husband are courageous, and I'm thankful that you're a fellow Southwest Employee! It was heartwarming to read everyone's comments, especially your sister's; she's so proud of you!