Linda McCartney

Linda McCartney holding her favored camera (http://beatlesnumber9.com/linda.html ())

The beautiful face of the beloved Linda McCartney doubles as the face of a hero. Fair, honest, and determined was she.  Before her tragic demise in 1998, she lived her life just as you would expect any hero to: she fought for her beliefs. Her battles mainly included those for animals, animals' rights, which were topics that were very dear to her heart. She endlessly strove for the better life of creatures of all sorts, which made her a precious and appreciated part of society; a hero in the eyes of many, including me. 

Linda Louise McCartney was born in September 24, 1941, in New York City. She grew up with her parents, Lee and Louise Eastman, and three siblings, older brother John, and younger sisters Laura and Louise Jr. She left New York to attend the University of Arizona and study fine art. She met her first husband there and had her first child, Heather. After a year or so the couple split and Linda took Heather with her on her career seeking adventure. She became a receptionist for a magazine, beginning with her photography passion. At a party she was allowed to photograph The Rolling Stones, which began her successful career; she went on to photograph more stars such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Who, The Doors, and, of course, the Beatles. In 1969, she married her second husband, Paul McCartney.

As successful as she was, she didn't let fame go to her head. She didn't make stupid choices as celebrities often do. Instead, she focused on promoting vegetarianism and animal rights. In 1975, she convinced her husband Paul McCartney to stop eating meat as well. That same year she made two meatless cookbooks that became international bestsellers. She was out to change the world. The McCartney family was soon known as devoted vegetarians and strong supporters of animal rights. With Linda as the engine, the McCartney train went full speed ahead in the fight for fair animal treatment. She introduced her own line of vegetarian meals in 1991. It started off with just 6 meals to choose from. She was also well known for supporting organizations such as People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and Friends of the Earth. Before her death from cancer in 1998, she starred in a commercial for PETA saying that animals can feel pain. It was a very effective ad. Sadly, her tale ends on April 17, 1998 when breast and liver cancer took her life. She lived her last days at the McCartney farm at Sussex, surrounded by family and being prayed for by all.

         Every action performed by Linda McCartney matches the actions of a hero. She fought for others, she tried to get better treatment for others and wants to protect others. Even if these "others" are only animals, her message and attempts are still valiant, respectable, and heroic. She has made me want to help others as well. In school, my English class all organized a bake sale to get money to donate to the SPCA. We made over $100 to give, so that animals can be helped a little more. All the while, I was thinking that I was helping just like Linda always did. I was very proud to be a part of it, and follow in Linda's footsteps for a while.

Her life was so admirable in the way she lived, not for herself but for those who didn't have a say in their own fate. I could pick no better hero than Linda McCartney. Though her life ended years ago, she no doubt influenced many people, groups, and communities to be better people and live more purposely.