Gone but Never Forgotten

     As Charles Dickens once said "It was the worst of times, it was the best of times..." This could not be more true this past month when my great aunt, Judy past away. Judy had suffered a severe stroke last month and was hospitalized for a week before she was taken to heaven. As my mom and grandparents were in Colorado for the duration, cleaning out the condo, spending final moments with Judy, and reminiscing the life of such an interesting woman, we were at home praying, hoping, and remembering.
     While cleaning out the condo they found many pictures and documents reminding them of just how interesting of a woman she was. They realized that that she was a collage dean, she was in the very first group of the Gold Singers at the University of Iowa, she was in a play with Harrison Ford, and she sang in the University of Iowa choir with Simon Estes. However that's is all stuff my mom and grandparents remembered or found out, I on the other hand remember some other things about aunt Judy.
     I remember receiving cards always in her cursive writing that was near impossible to deceiver, every time either talking about the Broncos, Packers, Hawkeyes, Cubs, or Rockies. Her passion for sports was something i admired and she was always interested in what I thought about the teams, and always up on the latest news. I won't forget her love and passion for the game of golf and and her little bank in the condo reading "green fees."
     As hard of a loss this might be, it really brings people together to celebrate the life and achievements of an accomplished lady. The visitation was filled with laughter and great memories and stories were told. As we mourn the unexpected loss of a fairly young loved one, we will never forget the Christmases spent at grandma's house, the birthdays with great gram Russ, the trip out to her condo on our way to Estes Park and her chest high waist line.
     Through the days after her passing, the visitation, and the funeral, there were many very sad times; but all in all it is a time filled with laughter and joy as we look back, remember, and celebrate her life. There is nothing that can replace her presence, but the memories will live on forever. Rest in peace aunt Judy; you will be missed. (WC 406)