THE WOMAN JUDY
There once was a girl. She was born Judith Ann, but would later be called names such as Daughter, Sister, Mom - Jude, Tude, Tudy - and Judy.
She started her youth in an average family in the 60's of Southern California. As many others in her time, she came to know responsibility early as she had three younger brothers thrust upon her, which she often had to care for.
Judy was a tough older sister to her brothers, she had to be. With three unruly younger brothers she learned early that, much like the mighty Eagle, that with her keen senses along with her sharp talon like finger nails, she could control her siblings. She was not vengeful, just a girl trying to fulfill her responsibilities as older sister and "baby sitter".
Judy, soon became a young woman in her early Twenties anxious to spread her wings. She was becoming independent, and intelligent with incredibly good taste in colors and textures, which she used in her photography, clothing, and decorating.
By the time Judy was twenty-eight she was beginning to really develop in her career, and in her social life. But, it was then that she first encountered the beast called Cancer. Judy was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes or Hodgkin's disease. When faced with the life and death decision of treatment which would render her unable to have children or death, she chose treatment. After vigorous Chemo-therapy and radiation, she was free of the monster.
It was at this time, that Judy became more fully dedicated to experiencing life. She volunteered her time and energy to helping children. She helped out at hospitals, and in the courts as a court appointed advocate. She also helped others challenged by the beast called Cancer.
Judy then found the one who would totally change her life. Emily and Judy were great together, and both seemed to thrive in each others care. Judy wanted to give the World to Emily, and was the ever proud parent. She took photos of every occasion, and loved to celebrate every holiday. Judy was not rich in the things of money, but was able to show the world to her daughter. They loved to travel, camp, and go to the ocean. Judy was very proud of her daughters' intelligence, and at each conversation she would work in a tale of her daughter's latest quest.
After 18 years free from the beast, she would have to battle one last time with the Cancer monster. Judy was on a trip in Alaska, still trying to show Emily the world, when she became ill.
She spent the last six months of her life fighting cancer, all the while still trying to enjoy every day the same as she enjoyed her life. During the last few months she enjoyed a trip to the ocean at Monterey, and a trip to Disneyland. I know that she was in a lot of pain on both these trips, but no one could talk her out of enjoying her life as she wanted.
As if by sheer will alone, she fought to stay alive until after Christmas. She fought to keep everyone's memory of her last Christmas a happy one. Until in the early hours of December 28th, 2004 she gave one last breath and a wave to the picture of Emily next to her hospital bed, and she flew away.
She is Honest, Kind, Intelligent, Charitable, Hard Working, Stubborn, Gentle, Thoughtful, Soft Spoken, Selfless, and Happy. She is a Mother. She is a Daughter. She is a Friend. She is My Sister.
She is The Woman Judy.
