I think it was back in 2004 when I began blogging. There weren’t so many blogs around back then. We lived in Kentucky, far from family and long time friends. Chad was in high school and I thought I wasn’t going to make it through those years. The blog was a whole lot about quilting and a good bit about family and our home life. There are folks who have come and gone through these 10 or so years. Some became blog “friends” and then drifted away, there are some blog friends who came along about the time we moved from KY to MO, or just when we were moving to Texas, or were introduced to the blog when I was teaching quilting. Whenever or however the readers found me, I appreciate you all. I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your reading, your comments, the support you offer me . . sometimes when you don’t even know you’re doing it.
On July 30, after posting a link to a funny obituary, I received this email from a long time reader; a reader who loved cats and was so happy when Boots came to live at our house and often wrote me when I hadn’t mentioned Boots . . just to check on him and be sure things were ok.
How strangely ironic that the hysterical obit was your post today when I wanted to write to you about obits. My cancer returned with vengeance. I probably have about 4-6 weeks left on this wonderful journey through life that I’ve had but I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your blog – well, maybe not so much the snake news. You are a wonderful writer and make things that I’m not even interested in (knitting) a pleasure to read. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I love your stores about you and Vince. He reminds me so much of my dear husband. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures with all of us. I always look forward to seeing what’s new in your world and so glad that you post so often. Thanks for being a little bit of sunshine throughout my day.
It was a hard email to read, and I’ve left out some of the more personal portions of the email.
She didn’t have the 4 – 6 weeks that she thought she had. From the time she wrote the above email, she had exactly 2 weeks. Her “wonderful journey through life” has ended. Her touching story has given me a little kick in the rear end . . a reminder to clear out some of the things in life that don’t really matter and make more time for the things that do matter.
I will miss her comments, I will miss her checking on Boots .. I will think of her often.
wanda jordan says
Thank you for sending this email. it is a great reminder to us all. We don’t know how long we have here on this planet. We must somehow enjoy each day and except that it is a blessing no mater what. If we wake up in the morning it is a blessing if we go to sleep at night we have lived another day and should be thankful. Never let something pass you by. Stop and do what you heart and mind tell you to do because that time will pass and you might have regret that you missed that.Life is to short no matter how long you have.
I to love all your post. I tell all my friends about you and your life. Vince was a good catch too by the way. And I am glad Boots came your way. It goes to show people that not all cats are bad. They should give them a chance. Just like chickens never know till you try something out.
have a great day and enjoy whatever comes along. Never enough time ever……..
Marsha says
Yes a good reminder to us all to enjoy life each day. None of us know when our time will come to meet the Lord. My husband is now on dialysis. Three of his siblings are in poor health. I enjoy reading your blog. I used to be a farm girl but not any more. Enjoy your mini farm life
PattiLynn says
Awww, so sad for your blog friend. It is a hard thing.
We too enjoy your blog. I usually read your posts aloud to my husband. He likes hearing about Vince . . . and Rita! His mother had a chihuahua when he was a kid. Their dog seemed to hate my husband and was VERY protective towards his mother. He keeps saying they are a 1 person dog.
And, we used to live in Bwd, so we know all about the weather and landscape. We readily agree with so many of your observations of the country there.
Debbie M says
Thank you for sharing that email, Judy!
“You are a wonderful writer and make things that I’m not even interested in a pleasure to read. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I love your stores about you and Vince.”
Ditto, ditto, ditto…..
(I left out the word knitting because I am a knitter.)
Anita says
I also enjoy your posts and learn so much. I share with you the joy and agony of rural life. One has to watch the weather and take care of the garden before the rains come. But the blessing of plenty at harvest time makes it all worth the trouble. I share your posts with my husband as well; it usually goes like this: My friends Judy and Vince got an electric pressure cooker. I think we should get one. He asks why? Well, says I, we can cook things faster and can have supper sooner so your GERD aggravation will be over by bedtime. Or this one: Judy and Vince have one of those great big dehydrators. I think we should get one. Why? he asks. Because, says I, you could make your deer jerky so much more easily and won’t have to clean up the oven afterward. I love you Judy, and I have never even met you. May God continue to bless you and yours for a good long time!
Patricia Cash says
Beautiful lady, we all can learn from her spirit. Thank you for sharing.
Carolyn Sands says
Very touching and a big reality check. Thanks for sharing. There’s a meaningful lesson in your story for everyone.
Tina in NJ says
My condolences. Her journey has not ended, for she lives on in our hearts.
Sue says
Thanks for posting this …it’s a reminder. I’ve been having coffee with your blog every day since you started it…and connecting with you since the days of the Alex Anderson site. My block exchange quilt has your lamp on it. I went through Breast cancer in 2012/2013 but didn’t mention it. I take care of my ailing cancer fighting Dad everyday for 3 1/2 years. He was given 6 mo when we moved him from Fla…and we’ve given him 3 more years with our diligence and prayer. In Dec. last year my husband went into congestive heart failure when I was putting a turkey on the table…a week after his 64th birthday…yes they lost him in the ambulance but brought him back and is doing well. So each day I’m surrounded by the reminder to be grateful for each new day. It never occurred to me that bloggers would miss their friend they make in cyberspace….but you got me thinking ..what would I do if Judy wasn’t there to blog about her day or her projects anymore. I would surely feel the loss. I’m so grateful for all you’ve taught me, inspired me to do, help with canning, recipies and overall entertainment…Vinces smile, the critters, the garden, the chickens…your children. You’ve been a part of my everyday life for all these years that I feel your my friend. I refer to you as my friend Judy and I’m grateful for every day your here and everyday that I can have coffee with you. Thank You for being you.
Patricia says
Thank you!
Janet O. says
Nice tribute, Judy. She was a treasure.
Erin says
What a nice post! You make me realize “Life is too short”. She wrote such a touching heart warming yet also gut wrenching email to you..her spirit lives on. That was one special lady! As are you too!! Thanks for sharing!
tina marie says
Thanks for sharing the message. We seem to just plod along some days and not take into consideration that life does not give us a “take 2”. I also enjoy your blog and the events that unfold, sometimes hearing the echo’s of my own life being at a transition stage, should we stay or go and risk the unknown.
Jan O says
So sorry for the loss of your blog-reader friend.
I, too, am a long-time follower and I want to echo what your friend said: I enjoy your posts and can’t wait to check in and see what you’re up to. I love your stories (even the snakes!) and your entertaining story-telling style. But more than that, you are just so genuine and down to earth and you share your life as it really is. Thank you.
Terri S. says
I’ve been reading your blog since Chad was in high school. I share your posts with my husband. He calls you the “Earth Mother” because you grind your own wheat, bake your own bread, raise chickens, grown and preserve your own food. If I don’t mention you for a day or two, he asks about you. I am disabled, and pretty much housebound. But I can still knit, and crochet and quilt, and I have loved reading about that on your blog. My husband was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer a year and a half ago, that at the time, they told us was not survivable. Well, he not only survived, the doctors tell us now that he may very well be cured! Since that time, we’ve learned that every day is a to be cherished and lived to its fullest. I no longer complain about the things I can’t do, but try to make the most of the things I can. I no longer mourn the life I wish I had and live the life I have. You don’t realize how your posts about your life expand the horizons of those whose worlds have become small because of illness or disability. To you they are just silly musings about your daily life. But they are much, much more to your readers.
I so understand the sentiments your friend expressed in her email. I’m glad you shared it. It’s a reminder to us all that nothing is guaranteed. Every day is a gift.
swooze says
Thank you for sharing. I am continually trying to downsize things so that I leave less of a burden upon my passing, hopefully waaaay down the road. I hope you know how much you mean to me. I learn from you and love to laugh with and, yes, sometimes at you. I tell Ray what you are up to all the time. I think he finally knows who Judy in Brownwood is. You know, the one with the garden and the chickens!
I wonder if this lady was herself a blogger and if she is someone I may have crossed paths with. It is a big world out there made much smaller by the internet!
Maggie says
That was so awesome that she took the time to let you know how much your writing meant to her. I found out yesterday that my first best friend from back when I was a child has passed away, plus we spent the weekend sitting with my elderly father in law in intensive care. Your perspective about paying attention to the important things has truly helped me this morning.
Ps- I’m another reader who tells my husband stuff about you and Vince as if I know you in real life! (Plus sometimes we have something for supper because you and Vince had it and it looked good!)
Theresa says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your long time reader and Boots fan. It’s funny how important people can become to us even if we never meet in person. Like your other readers, I learn so much from you trying out new things and sharing your life with us.
Dottie N. says
Thanks for sharing her note to you – she sounds like she was a remarkable woman.
Myrna sossner says
After reading thru all you other friends comments, all I can say is “Rest in peace”.
Joyce says
So sorry for the loss of your blog friend. It’s amazing the number of people who are connected by a computer and a blog! We live in amazing times.
Teresa in Music City says
Such a lovely tribute Judy! I was blessed to be one of this amazing lady’s blog friends as well. She first contacted me several years ago because my cat Gypsy looked like a double for her beloved Rudy, and a sweet cyber friendship grew from that. It’s hard to believe such zest for life and joy could be taken away so quickly and with such finality. The world has lost a beautiful spirit and those of us who were privileged to call her friend will always remember her as a gift.
Debbie Clarke says
Same here, Judy. I was shocked at the short time, but do treasure the last couple of notes I got from her. This post was a beautiful tribute and I thank you. At least we know she is in glory and covered with grace, and our task to is live as full and well as she did.
Kaholly says
Wow! There’s more than one message there. Thanks for sharing.
Verna A. says
I, too, want to tell you how much enjoyment I get from your blog! Although we’ve never met, I feel like I know you. My family often hears about the adventures of ‘Judy in Texas’. Although I started following you for the quilting UFO posts, I’ve gotten many great tips from you (just yesterday I made my own yogurt in my Cuisinart and made another batch of homemade laundry detergent). I just want to tell you how much you’re appreciated!
Sorry about the loss of your blog friend. Sounds like she was a real gem.
Susan says
She sounds like a wonderful friend. How lovely that she took the time to write you and leave you something of her to treasure. I’m so sorry for her passing. We all need the good people in our lives to keep us going.
Penny in So CA says
Sorry for your loss of blog friend! When I discovered through reading her post to you that she had the ending stages of cancer then your statement that she passed in just two more weeks & your thoughts of that I’m reminded of my husband & what I learned about life. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer it was already stage 4. Sadly within 3 months he passed away ~really not enough time for our family to accept or prepare for his passing. But at that time I did learn one very important lesson of life that continues with me even now. I learned what is truly important in life especially the daily or little stuff I encountered that aggravated & sometimes even angered me but no longer does. I have become so much more accepting & patient of everyone & everything. My daughter & I recently discussed that we discovered the same lesson of life during my husband/her dad’s illness & passing. Both of us feel that we enjoy a better quality of life.
Diana says
Thx for sharing such a great story – I have come to this realization too. Long story short, not working outside home anymore, and started sewing/quilting again. DH may be in remission from bladder cancer fingers crossed reports are good. Enjoying this time together. Still have to work on cooking more
Dianne S. says
What a sweet and beautiful post. So sorry to hear about your friends passing. I agree I love reading your blogs and so does Darrell.
You, my friend are one awesome lady and I am so thankful our paths crossed when you lived in Ky. Love you and appreciate you!
Jackie says
So sorry to hear of your friends passing. I would miss you if you stopped blogging, I love reading about your escapades and talk about you and Vince to my husband. I tell my friends Judy and Vince said this today or that and thank God for my discovering your blog, it’s been a light shining in my life when sometimes life gets in the way. I don’t live near any family and moving to a new city has made meeting friends difficult at this point of our lives but have felt a kinship with you even though we’ve never met. We have all been blessed having you in our lives. Take care “my Friend”.
Jackie says
So sorry to hear of your friends passing. She sounds like she was a remarkable woman.
I’ve been reading your blog for years and enjoy it. We don’t always have the same views but I love reading your perspective. What I love most about your blog is that it is real life and it’s positive. I appreciate that!
Rebecca in SoCal says
Thank you for the reminder of life’s shortness. I have a friend who has outlived her cancer timeline. I have trouble knowing what to say…”how are you?” is not a good question. After reading this, I texted “Thinking of you” which she appreciated, and we chatted a little.
You/your blog has spread beyond just me, here, too. Not only my DH, but friends know who “JudyL” is (which is kind of funny, because we have a local friend who is a Judy L.) And though I don’t know most of your commenters outside…the comments, there are familiar names. It’s almost a (limited) community.
Sounds like you lost a nice person. I’m sorry.
Vicky says
What a touching reminder to us all. Most of us never get to know how we affect others with our thoughts, words etc. We sometimes forget how those little things can affect others. You were blessed that you were to be able to learn these things.
I, like the others, so enjoy your blog. I get to see and do things through someone else’s eyes plus learn a whole lot along the way. Judy we all laugh and cry right along with you. We all don’t know each other but in a way we are connected through you.
God Bless and keep on writing! 🙂
Bon says
Sorry to read about your blogger friend’s passing. Your post reminds me that life is uncertain. Enjoy it while you can and make the most of each day that God gives us.
I was just reminiscing about how long we’ve known each other. Back from Alex’s board and then we actually met the first time at VQF. Even got to meet the now famous Vince. The next time I believe was at RIM in 2005 I think. Then the last time in Shipshewana over a box of you know what.
My friend, I love reading about your escapades. And you even convinced me to get an electric pressure cooker, to try drying some fruit, to knit a pair of socks. And yes, I even made one of your quilt patterns.
((HUGS))
Maggie says
Thanks for sharing that with us. I, too, am a long time reader of your blog from when it was just about quilting. I love reading about your adventures and moves. Love reading about the animals and yours and Vinces shopping. You are a great writer and entertainer and I often wonder how you fit it all into your day sometimes. We don’t all comment but we are here all the time.
AmyM says
oh my. Thank you for sharing this … it does put things very much in perspective.