As many of you have already heard, Trey's Mother, and one of the most incredible women, my biggest supporter and dearest friend passed away December 2nd. She died of bleeding on her brain a few days after neck surgery.
Just stating that she is gone and how she died just doesn't seem right. I don't know if going into why she was so wonderful, and how I don't know what we will do without her, or why I haven't been able to write this till now will help, but I just don't know what else to do. So, I will try to somehow express myself.
We used to talk several times a week, and almost always, she would remind me of something or think of something that was really important in our lives that I have completely not thought of. She had a focus on us that was amazing and needed and I don't know what we will do without her.
From the beginning, we could talk for hours on end because we shared the same favorite topic: Trey. Brooklyn naturally made that list and just made our conversations that much more fun!
She was the perfect Mother-in-law and Perfect Grandma/Nai Nai. I have never dared to imagine what life would be like without our her. She was the only other person on earth that looked at Brooklyn the same way Trey and I do. She adored her the way I know she adored her boys. She would always assure me that Brooklyn is brilliant and more beautiful than any other child(; She spoiled her with the most adorable clothes and all her love. I actually never had to buy her clothes! Last visit she showed up with her entire winter wardrobe, then took us shopping at Target for more clothes!
All my friends would say to me "I want a Judy!" or "everyone needs a Judy". I agreed and was so glad I was the one that had her.
When Trey got the call when we were all still in Calgary, Trey ran out the door in less than 5 minutes to board the next plane. Brooklyn and I were left in my parents Condo alone. I couldn't stop sobbing, I just knew she was gone. Brookyln didnt' know what to do, so I sat on the floor and held her to me in a tight hug as I wailed. I was amazed at how still she became and just became the heartbeat I needed to hear as I cried. She just let me hold her and hug her for at least half hour as I sobbed before a Sheila, our friend came over. Over the next few days, she wasn't quite as understanding as she would just say "No more crying Mommy!" every time I would start sobbing again.
When Judy passed away, it felt like there was a lighted path in my life, full of joy and love and memories that was suddenly extinguished. That's just the best way to describe it. As I walk through my days, I think of how I'd like to call her and tell her something, or now that we are here at her house, what I would be saying to her and it is just so heartbreaking and lonely. I miss her so much it hurts. We are now learning to live in the world without her.
This entry is all about me and my feelings, but Trey and Logan just lost their Mom, Fred his wife and helpmeet. She was their Rock and they are dealing with it in thier own ways. Part of the pain is knowing how much they must hurt.
Through this experience I have learned an incredible amount about how to serve and help others in the grieving experinece. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming and each call, note and shared tear has been felt and appreciated.
Comments
What a beautiful tribute to Judy. It describes her well and shows the person she is to you, Trey and family.
My heart breaks as I cry knowing how you are feeling. There are no words, just the comfort of knowing and believing in a Loving God who is the ultimate healer of wounded hearts.
One of my favorite memories of Judy is the weekend I was in Utah and Judy took you, Trey and I to Temple Square in Salt Lake... remember that young man who Trey started talking to? She thought he might be interested in the Church and wanted more of an opportunity to talk with him.
So, Judy took us all (including the young man who we didn't know and all just met) out to that amazing restaurant overlooking the Big Temple. It just shows how Judy cared for people, even those who she didn't know. Her love and laughter was captivating. And I am so thankful to have known her and been able to spend a little time with her.
I will be praying for you and your family. Take care of yourself and the little mister in your belly. I'll call again when I get back from Billings after the new year. Love and Blessings to you, Trey & Brooklyn.