CD: Thank you, Linda, for coming back so I can talk to you. You connected well with Max Danner, and I think it’s important for readers to know a little bit about you.
LINDA: I’m flattered! I was surprised when you contacted me and happy to oblige.
CD: Can you tell me about yourself? What are your likes and pet peeves?
LINDA: I love old movies, popcorn and comfy chairs. Chocolate is a go to for me when I feel down. There’s something about the silky feel of it. I enjoy cooking too. For some it’s pulling weeds or planting flowers, but cooking is therapeutic for me. I don’t do a lot of cooking or baking since Mrs. Norman takes care of most of that and housekeeping. She’s a great cook, and sometimes I help her out. She has shared some of her cherished recipes with me. I didn’t know my grandparents, so I see her as my grandmother.
CD: What gets under your skin?
LINDA: Well, I’m not that tall so if I need something that’s on a shelf too high for me to reach, I have to find somebody to help me. I don’t need someone at my elbow twenty-four hours a day; I like to think I’m independent but I don’t shy away from asking for help. I don’t like being called “little lady” either.
CD: How did you become involved with the Danner family?
LINDA: I was working on my Masters degree through Oregon State University and working at a clinic in Portland which is part of the program to get certified as a speech therapist. Anyway before I completed the program my professor told me about a friend of his who was looking for someone to help her out with her son. The problem was the job was in Seattle, I was living in Portland at the time. My professor told me that I should at least go talk with Rosalind Danner, Max’s mother. I fell in love with her warmth and professionalism. Max wanted me to stay but I had to take care of things in Portland. Long story short, I’ve been here with the Danner family almost four years now and it feels like home to me.
CD: What is your biggest worry?
LINDA: Well, since Mrs. Danner passed away I’m afraid I’ll have to find a new job. I haven’t met Mr. Danner, Trent, the oldest son, but I don’t think he’ll want to stay here. Mrs. Danner talked about him a lot. He’s some sort of big man with the FBI in Baltimore. I guess he’s too busy to come visit, I mean, I’ve been here a long time and still haven’t met him. I know he’s supposed to be coming to take care of things and it worries me about what will happen to Max. Mr. Danner will probably take his brother back to Baltimore, I don’t know how Max will handle that. He’s made great progress and I think if he is taken to some where new he’ll regress.
CD: What do you think should happen?
LINDA: Mr. Danner should leave Max here. I’ve grown close to Max and Marge, uh, Mrs. Norman. I know it sounds selfish, but he needs familiarity and stability. I could be jumping the gun but my instincts tell me otherwise.
CD: But, you’re happy now?
LINDA: Oh sure, I love the job and the area. It’s a beautiful place. It’s rewarding tackling hurdles and accomplishing goals with your patients. Max is a wonderful person, but he has his good and bad days, I suppose that’s true with anyone. Lately though, he’s been down, and distracted. I’m sure it’s because of his mother; they were close. Grief is an emotional time; I have to let him grieve in his own way. Most of the time he goes out to her rose garden and sits. It hurts me to see him like this but all I can do is try to give him things to occupy his time. We go to flea markets, watch movies, and other things.
CD: What do you hope to do with your life?
LINDA: For starters, I want to get my PhD in Behavorial Science and maybe open a clinic. But not something that’s “antiseptic”. What I mean is something like a place where families can be with their children who are disabled in some form or another. My idea is having a facility where there is lots of fresh air, and tasks such as growing vegetables or feeding farm animals. I believe it could help the families and patients. Teaching them responsibility and independence are achievable and makes them feel better about themselves. It’s a dream and I don’t know if I can make it happen but I’ll sure try.
CD: That sounds like a wonderful dream! I just have one more question. Is there anything you’d do to change something that you don’t like about yourself?
LINDA: (laughing) I wouldn’t mind being a little taller. Once, when I was on a date with this guy, he told me I was a little elf and tried picking me up. Not only did I leave the date but it got him a swift kick in the shins.
CD: I know I said one more question, but you brought up another question. Do you think you’ll ever have your own family?
LINDA: Oh, I don’t know. I’m not looking for a relationship, Max and my studies keep me busy. But, yeah maybe one day. I’m closer to forty than thirty; I’ll be thirty six soon. I’d say if it doesn’t happen in the next five years it probably won’t.