In Honor of My Dear Friend Judy

Judy and I met in junior high (now called middle school), and were more acquaintances than friends until after we graduated.  We worked together and became friends at the old Bank of Lancaster many, many years ago.  We were in and out of each other’s lives over all those years, but never completely lost sight of each other.  When we did connect, it was like we had just talked the day before.  A few years ago, a group of us started going to lunch together somewhere in Lancaster every Thursday.  Those lunch times turned into so much more than lunch and talking.  They turned into a strong, caring network of dear friends who support each other through everything.  They turned into this wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.  Judy and I were able to reconnect on a much deeper level. 

      She learned that I had lost my sister to ovarian cancer.  She wanted to know all about Glennie, how she handled the news, how she dealt with her condition daily, and she wanted to know the truth of what she experienced.  It was difficult, but I told her everything.  She was not as fortunate as Judy has been.  She was only with us 9 months from the date of her diagnosis.  Judy has persevered for years, thank God.  I cannot say how much I admired and was in awe of how my sister handled herself through her ordeal.  I had never seen such strength and courage in anyone before or since, until Judy. 

      Judy has left her mark on every life she has ever touched.  No matter what she may have been going through herself, she has always shown concern and caring for others and their needs.  She has never stopped living her life despite incredible obstacles. She has never stopped appreciating everything and everyone, or enjoying each moment she has been given.    

     We have talked about everything from the serious to the frivolous.  We have agreed to disagree, laughed together, cried together, and shared so many times, and made so many everlasting memories.   

     Judy is a shining example of strength, courage, dignity, humor, and love.  She is a dear and true friend, and I am heartbroken that she is leaving us and for what she is going through.  She told me last week that she didn’t want to miss any of our “parties”.  I told her she never would because she will always be with us.   

     Someone sent me a card when I lost my sister that was of great comfort to me, and this is my tribute to Judy as she moves on to another of life’s facets on her journey: 

 Don't think of her
as gone away-
Her journey has just begun
Life holds so many facets-
this earth is only one...

Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away

And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost-
and she is loved so much.

I love you my friend.

Freida