The sun may have set on Judi’s life, but I continue to celebrate her many contributions to the lives she touched. Today is her birthday and I miss my dearest friend, with this ache in my heart.
I miss our weekly Wednesday “catch up” calls. I miss her as the voice of reason in my life, I miss her wisdom and I miss her laughter. Most of all, I miss our endless conversations over a never ending stream of wine. I sometimes reach for the phone to call her and, when in a bind, often wonder how she might handle a dilemma.
Why do those that we love leave us, creating this endless void that becomes difficult to fill? Still, I am relieved her suffering has ended. She handled her cancer with a grace and poise that was a part of her. Cancer may have taken her life, but she ensured it did not break her spirit. She owned her condition with strength and fortitude.
Judi’s legacy lives on in Ali, her beautiful daughter and in the thousands of students she taught. Her memory stays with those of us who loved her so dearly. My birthday wish for you, dear Judi, is that you rest well, and in peace. Oh, how I miss you.
About Hemant Rustogi