She never complained and always hoped to be able to conquer it. It was not
to be.
Our beautiful children - Heather, Mary, Stella and James - have been an
incredible strength during this time, and she lives on in all of them.
The courage she showed to fight for her causes of vegetarianism and animal
welfare was unbelievable. How many women can you think of who would
singlehandedly take on opponents like the meat and livestock commission,
risk being laughed at, and yet succeed?
People who didn't know her well, because she was a very private person,
only
ever saw the tip of the iceberg. She was the kindest woman I have ever
met;
the most innocent.
All animals to her were like Disney characters and worthy of love and
respect. She was the toughest woman who didn't give a damn what other
people
thought. She found it hard to be impressed by the fact that she was Lady
McCartney. When asked whether people called her Lady McCartney, she said,
"Somebody once did once, I think.''
I am privileged to have been her lover for 30 years, and in all that time,
except for one enforced absence, we never spent a single night apart. When
people asked why, we would say - "What for?''
As a photographer, there are few to rival her. Her photographs show an
intense honesty, a rare eye for beauty.
As a mother, she was the best. We always said that all we wanted for the
kids was that they would grow up to have good hearts; and they have.
Our family is so close that her passing has left a huge hole in our lives.
We will never get over it, but I think we will come to accept it.
The tribute she would have liked best would be for people to go
vegetarian,
which, with the vast variety of foods available these days, is much easier
than many people think. She got into the food business for one reason
only,
to save animals from the cruel treatment our society and traditions force
upon them.
Anyone less likely to be a businesswoman I can't think of, yet she worked
tirelessly for the rights of animals, and became a food tycoon. When told
a
rival firm had copied one of her products, all she would say was, "Great,
now I can retire.'' She wasn't in it for the money.
In the end, she went quickly with very little discomfort, and surrounded
by
her loved ones.
The kids and I were there when she crossed over. They each were able to
tell
her how much they loved her.
Finally, I said to her: "You're up on your beautiful Appaloosa stallion.
It's a fine spring day. We're riding through the woods. The bluebells are
all out, and the sky is clear blue.''
I had barely got to the end of the sentence, when she closed her eyes, and
gently slipped away.
She was unique and the world is a better place for having known her.
Her message of love will live on in our hearts forever.
I love you, Linda.
xxx xxx
Paul
