Everyone Needs an Aunt Judy

Aunt Judy Made Me Better

Aunt Judy was extraordinary. 

She was a worker. She made serving others her mission and she had a way of making you feel like you were extraordinary in her eyes! Aunt Judy taught me how to be an aunt, the most important things about being a teacher, and reminded me that the simple moments turn out to make the biggest impact. We all need an Aunt Judy in our lives. Early this morning, Aunt Judy went to Heaven. 

The World Looks Different Without Her

Aunt Judy had the biggest heart and was one of the most hospitable people I have ever met. Growing up, our family often spent the weekend at her house. When I made my way to the kitchen for breakfast, there was Aunt Judy sitting with a cup of coffee and the warmest smile.  It was always clear she had been up for a while because she had already made breakfast and the kitchen was clean. Aunt Judy always took care of us. No matter how many people were crammed around the breakfast table, she always found an open spot for you. Aunt Judy always had room for you at her table. 

When you walked into the room, Aunt Judy would light up as if the day was just beginning. 

Aunt Judy was Always There

Every milestone and major event included Aunt Judy. She never missed things. Looking back, I realize that some of the most important moments were the ones that were the Saturday afternoons when she called me over to sit down and tell her about school, the sports I was playing, and how my teachers were. She always wanted to know what I was up to. I remember one conversation in 7th grade where she said, “Are you doing well in school?” I said yeah, “I have A’s for the most part”. She responded with, “So what does that mean? What about the other part?” I remember telling her about my Pre-Algebra class and how it was difficult even after I studied a lot. She listened for a while and then said, “Math is not easy. But, keep working at it and I know you will figure it out. I bet you will do well in it when you are in high school.” She was right. I ended up taking a lot more math and did pretty well. It was a simple conversation, but one that I remembered when I decided to sign up for elective classes like Pre-Calc and Physics. 

Aunt Judy always believed in you! She saw your potential and treated you accordingly. 

She was One Of The First Working Moms I Knew

Aunt Judy was a mother of 5 and had a teaching job. Looking back, I realize that she was one of my first examples of a working mom. She always found a way to make sure the most important things got done. She treated her family, friends, and job as a privilege. She had to have been one of the busiest people but always made space for us. Aunt Judy was never too busy to spend time with us. 

She was Devoted to the People Around Her

 Aunt Judy was incredibly devoted to her family. She was married to       my Uncle Nathan for over 53 years. She had relationships with her         kids, grandchildren, and extended family. As I was given the opportunity   to spend a few moments on her final day with her, I saw what a marriage   that lasts a lifetime looks like. As I entered her room, next to her sat my   Uncle Nathan holding her hand. According to my cousin, he refused to  leave her side. As I saw him look into her eyes and just be with her, I realized this is what it is all about. I am sure that they had their moments, but their relationship is one I look up to and a beautiful example of what is possible. 

Besides your parents, who drives three hours to see you run a race? Several years ago I was visiting a friend in Texas and was planning to run the half marathon in Austin. Aunt Judy and Uncle Nathan were living in Texas at the time and found out I was going to be running. While it was a three-hour drive to get to the race, they were at the starting line. When I saw her I asked who else they were on the way to see or what else they were going to do. She proudly told me “Just You”. They said that they were excited to see me and that they would probably just go home after the race.

Every First Day of School and Teacher Appreciation Week I heard From Her

Aunt Judy was an elementary teacher for many years. Each September before the new school year, I would get a text from her wishing me a great year. And, when it was May, she would send me a Happy Teacher Appreciation message. She said that she remembered how tough it was, but that it was a very important job. Aunt Judy told me to give my best each day and be there for the kids. I do not think there is a better way to define the role of a teacher. 

How do you say goodbye to someone you have known your whole life? 

As I left the hospice house yesterday, I realized that there are not too many people who have known me for 43 years. Aunt Judy has been there for each stage of my life. Aunt Judy never craved the spotlight. She was a worker. She made serving others her mission. Aunt Judy taught me how to be an aunt, the most important things about being a teacher and, what it means to be devoted to the people around you. I aspire to be more like Aunt Judy. I am better because of Aunt Judy.