Judi

“The End of an Era”

The world lost a good one with the passing of Dr. Judith Hartwick Washburn. Ali lost her Mom and I lost my best friend. Some people in our lives make us better, telling us what we need to hear and serving as the perfect sounding board. Judi was all those things to me, and then some.

She battled cancer with strength and with a dignity that is difficult in this dehumanizing disease. She shared the most intimate details of her condition with me. We spoke often for hours on end, about everything under the sun. We laughed, cried, joked and shared our deepest insecurities. I will miss our talks and the light hearted banter that true friendship allows.

Judi was one of the smartest people I knew, and she made those around her smarter too. She related to her students with a kindness and compassion that is rare in academia. Yet, she was no pushover. She was a “badass” – as bad as they come. As a colleague so eloquently  said, “Judi was more than an excellent colleague. She was a mentor who you could count on for solid advice. She stood up for what was right, and she embodied everything that is right about us”. 

We were never bored of being together and the conversation flowed as easily as the wine – abundantly! Judi, Becka and I were quite the team, travelling the world to help companies develop brands. She was the “intellectual conscience” of the gang and Becka the “make it happen” girl. I was often just along for the ride, opening the wine and ensuring everyone was fed!

Judi had an innate kindness and humility, and Rohini thought she had a beautiful smile.  She often told me that Rohini was the best thing that happened to me and that she never quite understood what Rohini saw in me. I think Judi saw me as a mess that needed salvaging. Such was our friendship. Such was our love.

Not sure how, or when, I will stop grieving the passing of one of the closest people in my life. Right now, the sadness comes in waves. The hole in my heart will remain and the void in my life will never be filled. Who do I call, when the chips are down? Who do I vent to, when my world falls apart? Who will be my anchor and my rock?

I spoke to Judi a few days ago, as Ali held the phone to her ear. Her last words to me were, “I love you” and those words will have to suffice for the rest of my life. I love you too, Judi girl, I love you too. Rest in Peace, till we meet again. Keep the wine chilled, and make sure we never run out…