A LITTLE BREAK

I'm currently in Stckholm and a little under the weather so don't really feel like blogging about my travels  There is another reason also which I thought I'd blog about instead.

Last evening I learned that a dear friend of mine had pased away.  When I left in April I knew that not everything would be rosie all the time.   I knew that I would miss family ,friends, events and experiences.  I was just hoping that when I arrived back in the states my circle of friends would be in tact.  Not to be.

Judy Emerick passed away yesterday morning.  I first met Judy in Kansas City.  I really didn't know her all that well there but we played bridge together and when she and her husband,Bob, moved to NC I mentioned that I might get out that way as I had a nephew living there. We exchanged personal info so when I decided to move to NC I contacted her.  She immediately called me and told me about 

" New Friends" and proceeded to introduce me to people. We even started a little bridge foursome 

 in which Judy and I helped two of her neighbors  learn to play bridge.  I had no  business teaching anyone to play bridge but Judy  convinced me we should do it.  So we did.  As time went on Judy's husband passed away and she moved into my neighborhood.  When I think of Judy I think of bridge.  She organized more bridge groups and got more people together than anyone I know.  She was generous with her time and her talents.  

Over a year ago Judy had a colonoscopy that resulted in a perforation of her colon She had emergency surgery and her recovery was anything but easy.  She never complained, just kept right on trucking.  She continued playing bridge and for awhile because of complications with the incision we just played at Judy's house.  There were many complications that followed but Judy was determined to get everything done medically so she could get on with her life.  Unfortunately things did not go as planned and she died yesterday morning.

When something like this  happens you realize how important friends and family are.  They lift you up in times of sorrow.  So I'm feeling a little down.  I know Judy would tell me to go on , enjoy.  But I want to take just a little time to remember and embrace the memories that Judy Emerick gave to me.  

So I bid farewell to Judy.  I can't be there physically at your service but I will be there in spirit.  You were a true friend and I will miss you!