Sometimes I think retirement should be illegal.

It forces us say goodbye to people who've become family to us.Like everyone else, I've grown to know Linda Koehler through her interesting news stories, fascinating features and hilarious columns.Oh, those columns!If anyone knows how to entertain in a way that touches the heart, it's Linda.She's the Erma Bombeck of the Times News.And that's important because daily news is often dismal and heavy. Writers like Linda know how to make us laugh, and they're precious for doing so.But now she says she's ready to step into a new phase of her life. Her final day was yesterday and I'm happy for her.But it just won't be the same without Linda in the office.She always gave us a glimpse into the lovingly crazy side of life. We reveled in her zany routine with hubby Harry.We laughed at the antics of a vacation gone bad and learned to cherish good food, no matter the calorie count.Linda worked in the Palmerton office. I'm located 24 miles away, and for that reason I didn't get to see her as often as I wanted.That's a shame because time spent with Linda is always special.I remember attending a workshop she hosted years ago when she treated us to one of her incredible recipes.I can't recall if it was pineapple upside-down cake or a baked cherry delight.All I remember is that it was a delicious concoction.Even better, she told us it had no sugar, calories, fat or cholesterol. And if Linda says so, that's good enough for me, even if common sense tells me otherwise.Linda and I were there for each other. The magic of the Internet put us seconds apart.Our bond was important during rough waters, and I always admired her positive attitude.She never allowed a problem to spoil her enthusiasm.For instance, one time years ago she put her heart into a tantalizing feature story that never made print.The story focused on a local man with close ties to the filming of the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz."Linda sent the piece to me for review. It was wonderful, as always."Gosh, Linda," I said. "Readers will be thrilled to know about this. Everyone loves the 'Wizard of Oz.'"But then, just hours before presses rolled, the man changed his mind. He told Linda he didn't want the story published.We were forced to scuttle it.Such a loss for everybody. Plus so much wasted time and effort in interviewing, researching and writing.Linda handled the setback with grace, even though she had every right to clobber somebody with a pineapple upside-down cake.I have many fond thoughts of Linda, and I'm delighted she'll have time to pursue her dreams.But I'm sad, too. I don't want her to leave. I feel as though I'm being divorced.I felt the same way when talented Marigrace Heyer retired, and again for my one-of-a-kind partner Pattie Mihalik. I miss them so much. And now Linda, too.Truth is, three divorces are very hard to handle for someone who's never actually been married.But there's good news. Linda expects to continue to pen her column and maybe even throw in a feature story now and then.That's what I want to hear.A few weeks ago she wrote: "I'm learning to appreciate the perfect moments that come my way. I resolve to appreciate them for the amazing gifts they are."Funny, but that's exactly how I feel about Linda.I cherish the amazing gift and I'm grateful she came my way.