TO OUR DAUGHTER JUDY ABOUT HER LIFE 

To our daughter Judy, our love to you.

You were a happy child and a loving one. You helped Mom when she needed help with her job of being a caring mother to a bunch of kids. You were never demanding, and possibly lost out on some things because you didn’t speak up (like fishing). When you were a teenager, like most kids, you thought your parents were less generous than you felt you deserved. At one time you thought that we didn’t love you because we were too restrictive. We did not make it easy for you to get through college, but you did it.

I guess we didn’t show our concern when you decided to marry John, but it is always a sad occasion to lose a daughter. We hoped we were gaining a son, but that didn’t turn out. For a few years you seemed to be having a good life and doing well in business. You complemented each other in skills. The rest of the story is not as pleasant. It is hard to believe that the draw of Manhattan was so great that John wanted to abandon a profitable business, although you did express some concern that ‘1928 Jewelry’ might be headed downhill. I am sure that there could be other products to augment, but it wasn’t given a chance.

When your daughter Alicia was born, she became a great joy, and you poured much affection and time onto her. Perhaps the relationship with her took the place of what you had hoped for in marriage. Perhaps John resented not being the center of your life as much, we don’t really know. Then you got crippling arthritis, and that really changed your life. You coped with it, even to having to crawl upstairs, but John was not supportive.

While you stayed in Long Island, your condition seemed to be getting progressively worse. Finally you decided to come to Florida and Phyllis and Lars were great friends to take you in. After you stopped the gold and other treatments, and with the warmer climate, your arthritis went into remission. Of course it stayed with you and continues to bring you pain. We never heard you complain although you had reason to do so. Instead you carried on your role as a loving mother, and great daughter to us. Life didn’t deal you a good hand, but you did a marvelous job of living as though it were not a problem. Now put your trust in Jesus. He may or may not cure all your earthly problems but will give you life everlasting!

We were delighted when you moved to Florida and even more so when you came to Sarasota. You really became our daughter again, although you never ceased to be. It was and is so great being able to see you often.

You are a wonderful person and without the pain and suffering could have accomplished anything you decided on. You still accomplished all that a mother could hope for in raising Alicia to be a clean person and excelling in scholastic abilities. You have provided a great start for her future. With her talents and hard work she should do well. Although she did it herself, she has much to thank you for. Few mothers would spend the time and loving care that you lavished on your daughter. This shows complete unselfishness. If she isn’t already deeply grateful, she will be some day when she fully takes into account all you have done for her.

We are so glad that you have found some new happiness with a fine man. You are different personalities but you seem to enjoy many things in common. May you continue to find happiness.

We have been so blessed to have a daughter like you and the relationship that we have enjoyed over the years. On this Mother’s Day, we wish for you a great life with better health and real happiness.  Mom and Dad   May 8, 2005