First of all, I recognize that the text message prayers, the long chats about my Bible study plans, the questions about the well-being of my kids and grandkids and just the general sister chit chat ceased. I find myself rereading last messages. The one in particular where she laughingly said she needed to "hop to it" to get her to do list done before she moved to her new home makes me smile and cry all at once. That was just days before things turned for the worse.
Second, I think about all of the ways she prayed for me. She cared so deeply for the needs of each member of my family and the friends that I had shared with her. I can remember when my friend, Beverly was going through her leg amputation - Judy called me frequently for updates so that she would know how best to pray. Or during COVID when she joined in the livestream for our church (as well as her own) and she would mention how she prayed for our pastors even though she never knew them. My kids, Geoff and Claire as well as Dave's kids and our grandkids were always in Judy's prayers. She wanted more than anything to know that they had put their faith and trust in Jesus. Because to Judy our eternal destination was of the upmost concern. I miss not being able to share those concerns with her because I knew she was genuine when she said she was praying.
Finally, I remember her last real words to me a week or so before she died. She asked me what I was teaching in my Bible study this fall. I told her I was teaching I Peter. Her words to me come to my mind each time I open my Bible and prepare for my next meeting. She said "Study hard." Always the student. Always the teacher.
Judy was special. There is no other real word to describe her. Her heart for others and her love for Jesus challenge me. She lived what she believed. She cared more for others than she did for herself. I pray that I can be more like her because she was so much like Jesus. I miss you already big sister. Enjoy what you have earned dear one! Well done good and faithful servant!
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