Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Stacey's Memory
My friendship with Judy deepened as I spent time with her during her illness. We talked about EVERYTHING (the thing I know hahaha) often laughing so hard that Joe wold have to get after us. Before the ramps were built and Judy was stronger we would go for walks. One Sunday afternoon Joe and Joe Michael decided to join us...they escorted Judy and I followed behind. The men had a 'purpose' for our walk...exercise, using correct form (balance), they wanted Judy to focus on each step, etc. etc. Judy on the other had wanted to enjoy herself, we were scolded two or three times before the men gave up on us and headed back into the house. I realized early on that Judy's positive, hopeful, happy attitude needed to be nurtured and protected. It was such a blessing to enjoy laughter, music, and even dancing (some therapy got pretty creative). Judy's therapists were included in our good natured teasing...they appreciated the positive environment in Judy's home. Judy had difficulty putting thoughts together at times...she had tried to tell me about a very special priesthood blessing that she had received in the hospital when she was first diagnosed with the cancers. I contacted one of the brethren and shared with him what Judy could remember, I then asked him to please add to it if he could. I typed out the response and took it over to Judy as a surprise. As I read it to her tears came to her eyes...it truly was a beautiful blessing. Those were the only tears I ever saw Judy shed...never in pain, never in despair...only in love. The Lord loved her and would help Joe...she responded by putting her faith and trust in him. I watched Judy give the Lord her best efforts. Tuesday July 14th we failed miserably at Judy's 'trial' passing. Judy's breathing changed and we called Joe home. Family members were called, Bishop and President Whitby gave Judy a blessing at Joe's request...we shed tears and waited (and waited). Judy's condition changed and she improved...I believe that it was in response to the blessing...and sheer disapproval of how we were handling ourselves at her passing (ha). By Saturday July 18th our fears had been comforted and Judy could leave us, it was time to go...peace and love prevailed. The time I spent with Judy strengthened my testimony...I have seen what it means to 'endure well', to have courage, and to trust. What a gift...What an inspiring lady!!!! -Stacey Taylor
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mom's "Stuff"
I was in WA a few weeks ago helping Heather and Dad set up for an open house. The open house was to give a gift of one of mom's creations to all of the wonderful people who have helped and sustained our family through this time. Most especially those who came into our home to take care of mom.
I never realized how much "stuff" can fit into such small places. Heather, Ketra and I went through one bedroom when we were home for Grandma's funeral. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Mom had more craft stuff in the four closets downstairs, a whole craft closet that takes up a small hallway, and a storage shed, about the size of a one car garage, outside! We set out all of the finished product and realized we had enough to satisfy an army of women. Good thing too, we had an army of women who came to care for mom when she needed it most.
I had a wonderful time seeing and talking with all of those incredible women. Some wonderful memories were shared, some tears were shed, and a lot of "stuff" went out the door! Mom had so much it covered the downstairs, the back bedroom, the kitchen and the living room. We had trails so my kids and I could make it into our bedrooms at night. It ended up being a wonderful way of sharing a little bit of mom one last time.
I only had one moment when I thought I couldn't take it. I walked into the living room on my last night there and realized that all of the finished product had been reduced to one table. I got that sinking feeling for just one second and thought, "It's all gone. Mom is all gone." Then immediately I was so happy that where it all went was right and that mom would want it right where it was. All of you will cherish her passion, and it truly was a passion, and because you have a bit of what she loved, she will never be forgotten.
Again, our family thanks you for all of your love. And we pray you will love her things and see her in them as much as we do.
p.s. The family is doing fine.
I never realized how much "stuff" can fit into such small places. Heather, Ketra and I went through one bedroom when we were home for Grandma's funeral. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Mom had more craft stuff in the four closets downstairs, a whole craft closet that takes up a small hallway, and a storage shed, about the size of a one car garage, outside! We set out all of the finished product and realized we had enough to satisfy an army of women. Good thing too, we had an army of women who came to care for mom when she needed it most.
I had a wonderful time seeing and talking with all of those incredible women. Some wonderful memories were shared, some tears were shed, and a lot of "stuff" went out the door! Mom had so much it covered the downstairs, the back bedroom, the kitchen and the living room. We had trails so my kids and I could make it into our bedrooms at night. It ended up being a wonderful way of sharing a little bit of mom one last time.
I only had one moment when I thought I couldn't take it. I walked into the living room on my last night there and realized that all of the finished product had been reduced to one table. I got that sinking feeling for just one second and thought, "It's all gone. Mom is all gone." Then immediately I was so happy that where it all went was right and that mom would want it right where it was. All of you will cherish her passion, and it truly was a passion, and because you have a bit of what she loved, she will never be forgotten.
Again, our family thanks you for all of your love. And we pray you will love her things and see her in them as much as we do.
p.s. The family is doing fine.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Some Memories from Judy's Church Sisters
Dear Sisters,
Since Judy passed on, I have thought about when Rebecca called me a couple weeks before Judy had gall bladder surgery and asked if I knew Judy wasn't feeling well. She said for a few weeks Judy had not looked well and had been coming just to teach her primary lesson and then leave. I have reflected on the dedication and love this showed since Judy had no idea how sick she was. She was simply being valiant in her testimony and doing what Judy always did; she gave her all in whatever her assignment might be. I had the opportunity of decorating with her for different events over the years and thinking, "Wow, this is so beautiful. I would never have been able to do this." When I visit taught her, her living room would be covered with adorable crafts which she would work on between bus runs. One of her Christ-like characteristics was she was a creator. She shared her talents freely and wanted everyone to enjoy them too. Heaven is definitely more beautiful since Judy arrived. Joe and Judy's home was a sacred place and I felt blessed every time I visited. I was strengthened by the devotion the Pauly family shared with one another. I am grateful for the effort that was made so that I could have the personal experience I did and as a group was allowed to participate in. Judy blessed us all one more time by letting us serve her.
-Rhonda Jenks, Basin City 1st Ward Relief Society President
Judy was such a great example, and she never had to say a word! -Sandy B
I got to sell crafts with Judy at a bazaar at Christmastime. This can be quite competitive because everyone is wanting customers to buy their crafts but Judy was so great to give me advice and even share her booth with me. Most of all I loved Judy's special cookies. I still need to get that recipe! Every Christmas I will remember Judy as I pull out her Santa she made me and put it on the shelf. She is the spirit of Christmas. Hope and Joy and Love. I miss her.
- Janae Riner
Since Judy passed on, I have thought about when Rebecca called me a couple weeks before Judy had gall bladder surgery and asked if I knew Judy wasn't feeling well. She said for a few weeks Judy had not looked well and had been coming just to teach her primary lesson and then leave. I have reflected on the dedication and love this showed since Judy had no idea how sick she was. She was simply being valiant in her testimony and doing what Judy always did; she gave her all in whatever her assignment might be. I had the opportunity of decorating with her for different events over the years and thinking, "Wow, this is so beautiful. I would never have been able to do this." When I visit taught her, her living room would be covered with adorable crafts which she would work on between bus runs. One of her Christ-like characteristics was she was a creator. She shared her talents freely and wanted everyone to enjoy them too. Heaven is definitely more beautiful since Judy arrived. Joe and Judy's home was a sacred place and I felt blessed every time I visited. I was strengthened by the devotion the Pauly family shared with one another. I am grateful for the effort that was made so that I could have the personal experience I did and as a group was allowed to participate in. Judy blessed us all one more time by letting us serve her.
-Rhonda Jenks, Basin City 1st Ward Relief Society President
Judy was such a great example, and she never had to say a word! -Sandy B
I got to sell crafts with Judy at a bazaar at Christmastime. This can be quite competitive because everyone is wanting customers to buy their crafts but Judy was so great to give me advice and even share her booth with me. Most of all I loved Judy's special cookies. I still need to get that recipe! Every Christmas I will remember Judy as I pull out her Santa she made me and put it on the shelf. She is the spirit of Christmas. Hope and Joy and Love. I miss her.
- Janae Riner
JUDY, I MISS YOU
I am I cried, and I know why,
I knew an Angel, in dignity she died.
I cry a bit, my heart is full.
I am I cried, I must I will.
I am I cried, I am lonely still.
- Jerri Gammon
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Daughter in Law Memory
There are so many memories that I will cherish with Judy.She always had a way of making you feel like a part of the family. When Derrick first took me to Washington to meet the family we had only been dating a few months but as soon as Judy came home she greeted Derrick and I with a big hug. I think some how she knew even at that time that we would be family. After Derrick and I were married she always was very excited to introduce me as her new daughter and I was happy to be considered so.
Another one of my favorite memories was the first Christmas Derrick and I spent in Washington. On the first day we were there the boys were out working in the yard like usual and Judy and I were in the kitchen making carmel corn. We had a good time just talking and laughing together. We packaged up the heaps of caramel corn and picked out some of her favorite crafts. We then went around to the neighbors houses and gave them her gifts.I just loved seeing Judy's face light up as she gave her neighbors presents. She loved giving and it showed. The holiday as usual was filled with food, fun, and laughter.On Christmas eve we played the infamous bag game and of course we had to break out the coat hangers to see if the boys could still fit through it. We played her chimes and dear Grandma Bates sang along and attempted to play as well although she ended up being four beats late on her note. Judy loved every minuet of it and I was glad that I was there to share in the fun.
Catherine
Another one of my favorite memories was the first Christmas Derrick and I spent in Washington. On the first day we were there the boys were out working in the yard like usual and Judy and I were in the kitchen making carmel corn. We had a good time just talking and laughing together. We packaged up the heaps of caramel corn and picked out some of her favorite crafts. We then went around to the neighbors houses and gave them her gifts.I just loved seeing Judy's face light up as she gave her neighbors presents. She loved giving and it showed. The holiday as usual was filled with food, fun, and laughter.On Christmas eve we played the infamous bag game and of course we had to break out the coat hangers to see if the boys could still fit through it. We played her chimes and dear Grandma Bates sang along and attempted to play as well although she ended up being four beats late on her note. Judy loved every minuet of it and I was glad that I was there to share in the fun.
Catherine
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Note From Judy
On July 19 Stacey Taylor e-mailed this to all the care-givers who graced our home with their love. Just thought I would share it with you.
Yesterday my sister in law Brenda was involved in a very bad car accident, the driver of the other car was one of my daughter's best friends... the initial phone call giving us this information came at about 2 pm... 3 minutes later Heather called to tell me that the end was close for her mother. I hurried over and found that same peace within Judy's home that has been a comfort to so many over the past few months. I didn't stay long, I didn't want to intrude, but I told Judy how well she had done and that she needed to continue to be brave, that there might be others who needed her strength and that she could help them. I told her that I loved her and kissed her goodbye. I didn't want to leave (I never do) but all was well, it was time to go. About 5 pm Tim, Tyra, and I headed into the hospital to be with Brenda, I got the phone call from Joe that Judy had passed on just as we were walking into the hospital... he sounded calm and comforted, he is such a good, good man (Judy chose well!) Later in the evening Brenda was released, her son and daughter in law drove her home...we headed to a pharmacy to pick up her meds. We had a wait of 30 minutes so we walked over to a Panda Express and ate dinner. At the end of our meal I opened my fortune cookie and this is what it said:
"If given a penny for every kind act, You'd be a millionaire."
I smiled and tears welled up... I felt like Judy had sent that to me and to you. I wanted to share that with you...Thank you all for every kind act, for every encouraging word, for loving Judy and her family and helping Judy endure to the end. You are all so wonderful... I'm so glad I rub shoulders with you and live in such a wonderful community.
All my love,
Stacey
"If given a penny for every kind act, You'd be a millionaire."
I smiled and tears welled up... I felt like Judy had sent that to me and to you. I wanted to share that with you...Thank you all for every kind act, for every encouraging word, for loving Judy and her family and helping Judy endure to the end. You are all so wonderful... I'm so glad I rub shoulders with you and live in such a wonderful community.
All my love,
Stacey
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Some Memories of Judy
Here are some memories of mom. One is from Vickie DeMille, mom's sister; and one is from Nicole, one of mom's nieces. Both are amazing and truly a treasure. Thanks Vickie and Nicole for sharing.
The one memory of your mother I hold dearest and one that gives me peace and comfort is the experience I shared with her in going through the temple for her endowments. She is my only sibling who I have had the chance to sit next to in the temple. When she came through the veil into the Celestial Room for the first time, I gave her a hug and I couldn't let go because of the overwhelming feelings I had. She even said you can let go now and I told her no just give me one more second. It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders because I knew I now had an eternal sister. I will miss our talks about the gospel and hearing her testimony, but am so thankful that we were able to share that bond as sisters.
Aunt Vickie
When I think of your mom my first thought is her laughter. Erica and I were talking and remembering that no matter what room of the house you were in you could hear Aunt Judy's laughter some where and know where she was. Its hard to think of a time when she did not have a smile on her face. I also remember family holidays with an amazing spread of food that seemed effortlessly prepared. Your mom could make the most amazing dinner rolls and watching her make them was a thing in itself. Her hands would move with practiced precision and while she was talking away a pan full of perfectly prepared rolls would appear. YUM. Now that I have a young family of my own I marvel at how both of our moms used their creativity to create volumes of crafty things to sell and share with others during the holidays. Really, I know they lost some sleep during those busy months, but they somehow found the energy to do it all. Many of my other memories are of your family which your mom is such a pillar to, there was always an open door for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that needed food or shelter, and the family talent shows were entertaining and laughter filled.
We send our love from Bellingham,
Nicole and family
The one memory of your mother I hold dearest and one that gives me peace and comfort is the experience I shared with her in going through the temple for her endowments. She is my only sibling who I have had the chance to sit next to in the temple. When she came through the veil into the Celestial Room for the first time, I gave her a hug and I couldn't let go because of the overwhelming feelings I had. She even said you can let go now and I told her no just give me one more second. It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders because I knew I now had an eternal sister. I will miss our talks about the gospel and hearing her testimony, but am so thankful that we were able to share that bond as sisters.
Aunt Vickie
When I think of your mom my first thought is her laughter. Erica and I were talking and remembering that no matter what room of the house you were in you could hear Aunt Judy's laughter some where and know where she was. Its hard to think of a time when she did not have a smile on her face. I also remember family holidays with an amazing spread of food that seemed effortlessly prepared. Your mom could make the most amazing dinner rolls and watching her make them was a thing in itself. Her hands would move with practiced precision and while she was talking away a pan full of perfectly prepared rolls would appear. YUM. Now that I have a young family of my own I marvel at how both of our moms used their creativity to create volumes of crafty things to sell and share with others during the holidays. Really, I know they lost some sleep during those busy months, but they somehow found the energy to do it all. Many of my other memories are of your family which your mom is such a pillar to, there was always an open door for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats that needed food or shelter, and the family talent shows were entertaining and laughter filled.
We send our love from Bellingham,
Nicole and family
Thursday, August 20, 2009
So Many Cards
I wanted to update everyone on the family exactly one month from mom's passing. Unfortunately I was packing and getting my family ready for me to be gone to Washington again. My grandmother, mom's mom, passed away last Saturday August 15. So here I am at dad's computer once again.
This last month has been hard, but I feel like the family is coping well. Dad is in good spirits, although he still looks a little tired. He is easy to laugh and has a smile on his face a lot. It's also easy to talk about mom around him and for that I am grateful.
I have had the chance last night and this morning to go through the mountain of cards that were sent and received this last month. What a great blessing to me. Having a good cry now and then can be very healing. Although it does make your eyes puffy, your nose red and runny, and your nose stuffy later, it has been a joy to read all of the wonderful things said about my mom. I always knew she was a wonderful woman, I just never realized how many other people knew that.
I also wanted to say thank-you. After the funeral looking at the cards and reading them seemed like such a chore. Now it truly is a wonderful joy and a great tribute to my mom. So thank you for sending them and giving us such amazing treasures.
The family is fine. We seem to love that term. But we are. Thanks for reading our blog on mom and I will continue to update throughout this year and then we will end.
This last month has been hard, but I feel like the family is coping well. Dad is in good spirits, although he still looks a little tired. He is easy to laugh and has a smile on his face a lot. It's also easy to talk about mom around him and for that I am grateful.
I have had the chance last night and this morning to go through the mountain of cards that were sent and received this last month. What a great blessing to me. Having a good cry now and then can be very healing. Although it does make your eyes puffy, your nose red and runny, and your nose stuffy later, it has been a joy to read all of the wonderful things said about my mom. I always knew she was a wonderful woman, I just never realized how many other people knew that.
I also wanted to say thank-you. After the funeral looking at the cards and reading them seemed like such a chore. Now it truly is a wonderful joy and a great tribute to my mom. So thank you for sending them and giving us such amazing treasures.
The family is fine. We seem to love that term. But we are. Thanks for reading our blog on mom and I will continue to update throughout this year and then we will end.
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