Judith-Jude-Judy-Aunt Juicy-Sweetpea

November 19, 1963 - January 27, 2011
Judith beloved wife of Michael
Daughter of Ted and Eleanor
Sister of Katherine, Ted Jr., Janet, Liza, Ellie, Patsy, and Christopher
Aunt (Aunt Juicy) to Jade, Tawney, Tiger, Kyle, Megan, Anna, Ryan and Luke
Loving sister-in-law to Galen, Matthew, Mel, Russell, Jackie, and Don
Cherished Friend to Many

Judy passed away on January 27th. God bathed her in his love and took her peacefully. She never experienced any pain. As her husband Michael promised, the last words she heard was him telling her in loved her. Michael took Judy on final adventure to ensure she continues to be a World Traveler. He spread her ashes in the Colorado River and from the currents sent her on her world tour.

Judy we miss you immensely and love you very much!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Thank you for the steady stream of cookies, truffles, and chocolates. They always hit the spot. Judith and Michael appreciate them and the "love" they come with.

Judith continues to decline physically and cognitively but is not experiencing any major pain.

Our family refers to Michael's level of caregiving as a "living wedding vow". He is doing an amazing job keeping her as comfortable as he can. No exaggeration, Michael tells Judith that he loves her at least 100 times a day.

Please pray for Judith's peace and comfort and for continued strength for Michael.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Judith had a great visit to Seattle prior to Christmas. Cortex gave her a warm good-bye party and she was able to spend time with her mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, and dear friends. She headed off to Fresno on Christmas Day with Janet to see more family and friends. She had great visits with her friends Brenda, Chad, and Stephanie. She also got to indulge in the Haynish Christmas Tradition of "pretty hair" as she always called pierogi. She stayed with her mom and had treasured visits with her father and her brothers and more nieces and nephews.

These are special memories for all.

Unfortunately upon her return to Spokane her health has declined. Judith started receiving hospice services on Monday, January 3rd. She needs maximum assistance to stand and walk. Judith is not experiencing any pain or discomfort. She is a little disoriented. Judy will remain at home for as long as possible before she goes to the Hospice House of Spokane (www.hospiceofspokane.org/hospice_house.html)

Please continue to pray for her comfort until the Lord takes her to be with Him. Please also continue to pray for strength and courage for Michael and the rest of our Family.

God bless each of you during this difficult time.

With Love and Appreciation,

Judith's Family

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Judith has made a couple of difficult decisions over the last couple of weeks.

She has decided that she is not pursuing any more treatment. The gamma knife treatment was not what she expected and was not a positive experience.

Judith has also decided to stop working. Her last day at Cortex will be December 24th.

Aunt Juicy is traveling to Seattle next week to spend time with her mom, her sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. She is also having a going away party with her Cortex family.

Judy's contact information is located at the top of the blog.

Please continue to keep Judy & Michael in your prayers this Holiday Season.

God bless each of you.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Treatment

Judith will undergo a gamma knife procedure on Wednesday, Novmeber 17th first thing in the morning. Please keep her in your prayers.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

A Poem from Judith

No One Had to Tell You

To sit with me before my first surgery so many years ago and help me understand I will forever be your little girl.

Your immediate reaction would be to jump in the car and drive across the desert to be by my side. Hearing from you every few days would be so important, especially to include “Exercise your brain hints.”

To come see me, regardless of the rules, because if you didn’t do it then, when would you have the chance?

To put your life on hold for a week, no questions asked, no future obligations. Created how to coordinate visits, share your love and laughter at a time it meant so much.

To sleep on the floor next to me until we could share our bed together again.

How much healing can take place through Mac-n-Cheese and green beans.

The comfort I took with me to treatment each day via the prayer shawl. How it would feel the love of so many at the same time would envelope me.

How prayers from people I know and those of who I have yet to meet would make such a difference. How cards and flowers and gifts would fill the emptiness that crept into our days.

The importance of helping me pack.

How much it meant to take me in when I had no home and to endure the howling of cats for 6 hours.

How tough it would to get me and my cats from Fresno to Spokane.

How amazing the weekly prayer call has become.

I love you my family and friends.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Health Update

Judith had an MRI last Tuesday and the results showed 3 new cancer spots on her brain close to the original tumor. She has multiple appointments scheduled to meet with her new team of doctors in Spokane. Her first appoinment is tomorrow with a radiologist oncologist and Wednesday's appointment is with the neurologist. Next week on November 8th she has a PET Scan scheduled and she will meet with her oncologist on the 9th to discuss going forward with gamma knife treatments.



Please keep Judith and Michael in your prayers as they will need continued strength and guidance.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.