We have just sent an e-mail to our many friends and acquaintances, letting them know about Wednesday's diagnosis. Jürgen and I are using this strange electronic tool that seems so impersonal because we know that in the weeks and months to come we will not be able to answer every e-mail and phone call immediately or with all the information that we'd like to include.
All this is new to us. Right now we are trying to adjust to the new reality. Nothing has really changed. I will go for a light bike ride with my friends Emily and Susan in a little while, and that will be fun.
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Judy and super-volunteer Barb at Vineman 70.3--after 12 years, Barb's oncologist just told her that she no longer has to come in and see her every few months. Here's what Barb wrote after hearing of Judy's death: "She always talked about what an inspiration I was but I have to say I truly admired her strength and courage through her cancer journey. She was definitely an inspiration to me."
Judy and Emily getting ready to be dazzled by the Independence Day fireworks display
Judy is up to some "monkey business," making Allie's Monkey B'day Cake
The team in St. Croix, June 2008
This blog will stay alive!
Dear Friends,
I plan to keep this blog open, even after Judy left us on September 29, 2010. Maybe it can be an inspiration to those who face a similar diagnosis, who are going through the same battle: We lived two full and fulfilling years after being told the bad news, and if you go back through time, looking at the different posts and photos, the smiles and the happiness, but also the worries and the fear, then you will see that Judy and I did not let this damn cancer get to our souls. We were courageous and faced the long odds with hope and zest, and those of you who were fortunate enough to be touched by Judy (and there are so many of you!) know that she continued to give until the very end. She was only 4'10", but she was monumental!
Jürgen
I plan to keep this blog open, even after Judy left us on September 29, 2010. Maybe it can be an inspiration to those who face a similar diagnosis, who are going through the same battle: We lived two full and fulfilling years after being told the bad news, and if you go back through time, looking at the different posts and photos, the smiles and the happiness, but also the worries and the fear, then you will see that Judy and I did not let this damn cancer get to our souls. We were courageous and faced the long odds with hope and zest, and those of you who were fortunate enough to be touched by Judy (and there are so many of you!) know that she continued to give until the very end. She was only 4'10", but she was monumental!
Jürgen
Judy and super-volunteer Barb at Vineman 70.3--after 12 years, Barb's oncologist just told her that she no longer has to come in and see her every few months. Here's what Barb wrote after hearing of Judy's death: "She always talked about what an inspiration I was but I have to say I truly admired her strength and courage through her cancer journey. She was definitely an inspiration to me."
Jürgen's Eulogy of Judy
Dear Friends,
If our beloved Judy were in this beautiful hall, she would be uncomfortable and embarrassed. Look over there: She’s the focus of our attention, the sole reason for our being here. She hated being in the limelight, she avoided being at the center, she always preferred the background. Judy was gregarious but not a public person, and she was, as you just heard, most happy when she could be of service to others.
That was the side that most of you saw: the caregiver, the helper, the social worker. But there was that other part of her life, the one I was so fortunate to share with her for more than 23 years. We were partners of a rare kind, I want to believe, two individuals who over time melded into a unit that was much greater than its parts. She was my best friend at the same time that she was my lover; she was my buddy while she was my spouse. She was “Judy,” and very, very few of you ever heard me refer to her as “my wife.” Her individuality was quite apparent in our relationship, and she did not stay in the background, at least not in our private life. She was a wonderfully emancipated woman who was keenly proud of her equality.
Judy had a strong mind of her own, and she fiercely maintained her individuality within the bond that we had chosen to enter on that April Fool’s Day in 1989. We maintained separate checking accounts, but we both paid our equal share of the bills; she loved to refer to the place we lived in as “my” house, just to rib me, even though we paid it off together; she of course continued to worship her god while I did not. Two strong individuals who came together and made it all work together.
There is really no secret to our success: We loved each other, and we cared for each other, and we respected each other. Our life was full of passion for life itself: Even as individuals, we had all those common goals and aspirations, and we worked hard to achieve and fulfill them. Like anyone, we had our spats, of course, but we always worked through them because we realized that we had a precious thing going. Judy introduced me to the deep meaning of family bonds and friendship, and I introduced her to traveling the world; she taught me how to appreciate truly extraordinary cooking, and I taught her about cultures and places. Together we hiked, and rafted, and biked. In almost 200 dives, we never knew a different dive buddy. At the dinner table, we always sat down together, raised our wine glasses, and wished each other “bon appétit” before sharing our evening meals.
Judy’s final two years in this world were very difficult, as we all know. They were difficult for her, and they were difficult for me. They were difficult for us even as a team. She tried to shoulder as much of the burden as possible, but she accepted and cherished my support. There were those dark moments, which most of the time she tried to hide from me. But I always knew, and I also knew that time was so precious but kept ticking relentlessly. She’d pat me and say, “Don’t cry, babe,” and she’d be strong. And then there were those other moments when she’d sob and I’d put my hand on her head, gently.
The last few weeks were the very hardest, but I think we came through intact. If anything, our bond grew stronger and our love nothing but deepened and intensified. And when the end finally came, we faced it the way we faced everything else in our united life: as a team composed of two strong individuals who temporarily have taken two separate paths but who continue to be joined by this extraordinary love that was and is ours. Thanks, JuJu, for making us whole. Ciao, babe!
Candice's Eulogy of Judy
Good morning . . . . and I say “good morning” because we are all here together to honor and acknowledge the good life of our dear Judy who is now resting in peace.
Where can I ever find the proper words that might be able to articulate her very being?
If you knew Judy at all....... there is no denying that she IS a child of God. Psalm 139:13 says “For you [Lord] created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”. When our Lord created Judy....... He created her for His purposes and gave her a wonderful spiritual gift.... the gift of service. As far back as I can remember, I clearly understood that she had a tender heart for those people who were in need. Her mother once told me of the time when she took Mike and Judy to look for their Christmas tree. Bett, as we call her, and Mike found a perfectly shaped, beautiful tree for the corner of the room, but Judy kept coming back to one particular scrawny looking, pitiful tree that she just knew no one was going to take home. Well guess what tree was in the corner of the Austins’ living room that Christmas?! Somehow Judy always seemed to look past a person’s outward appearance or beyond what seemed like daunting limitations to see someone’s potential worth and character. Time and time again over the years, all of us who knew her watched and marveled at her ability and willingness to reach out to those persons who needed help, encouragement, and tenderness.
Judy’s gift of service began in her heart. In Judy the Lord’s love was so strong that it was almost like a magnet drawing those who needed healing or comforting to her. She was not only a good listener, but she also took the time to counsel and console.
Her service to others also flowed out through her hands. I am not sure how many of you know this, but Judy struggled with dyslexia all of her life. However, she did not allow this limitation to get in the way of doing God’s work. I am sure many of you sitting here this morning have a story that you could recall about her gifted hands. Whether it was her wonderful cooking of gourmet dinners, her baking of thousand of hand-decorated, personalized cookies made for every possible occasion, or her sharing the delicious pleasure of her fun or beautiful cakes.......Judy’s hands made them all and gave them willingly and gladly to family, friends, and strangers alike.
Besides her gifts with food....... there was her knitting! Oh how she loved to knit for those she loved! I think, perhaps, it was her knitting that gave her the most pleasure. It truly took the work of her hands to produce her knitted gifts of love. She always gave careful thought to the colors and textures of the yarn, choosing what she hoped would best reflect the personality and needs of the person who was to receive her gift. Judy spent countless hours binding the strands of yarn together; forming her shawls, scarves, and hats just as she knit together her relationships of love. It says in Proverbs that “Lazy hands make a person poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Well, Judy’s wealth was NOT in the materialistic treasures of this life (for we all know she was the coupon queen), no, her wealth came from the love and blessings she received from all of us who have come here today and from the love she was able to pour out onto others.
These is so much more to be said , but I have chosen to close with a message Jurgen received from one of their THOUSANDS of friends. I would like to share it with you all now.
“She was an incredibly gracious person who possessed a giving soul. Her care for the sick and destitute was a window and glimpse into her gregarious heart. I can think of few people with kinder eyes; she owned the wit of a person fully alive. G.K. Chesterson once said “that angels can fly because they can take themselves lightly”. I never looked, but I now believe Judy’s feet hovered a few inches above the ground: it was perfect practice because she is soaring magnificently now.”
May you, here today, go in peace knowing that our dear Judy has been joyfully reunited with those loved ones and friends who have gone on before her and abides in peace with her almighty and loving Father.
Dear co-workers, friends, and family, please know that Judy would not want any of us to leave here today feeling that the light that she shared with so many has been extinguished. Rather.....as Judy has taught by the example of her life.......let each of us carry at least a spark of her great gift for caring for others out into the world.
Judy and Emily getting ready to be dazzled by the Independence Day fireworks display
Judy is up to some "monkey business," making Allie's Monkey B'day Cake
Blog Archive
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2008
(63)
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September
(22)
- No more tubes!
- A quiet Sunday evening at the hospital
- Settled in to room 527
- Saturday Midday: I.C.U LATER!!!
- Saturday morning
- A little bit more ICU, after all ...
- Judy to leave ICU today
- Judy is out of surgery; things look positive--UPDATED
- Still waiting
- Surgery started at 3:45 p.m.
- Surgery delayed until 4 p.m.
- Update at 1:45 p.m.
- Morning of surgery
- Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow
- Game is on, I am ready
- Counting down to surgery
- Off to OKC
- Happy Birthday!
- We have a game plan
- Tuesday Evening
- One match-point goes to Judy!
- A different Sunday
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September
(22)
Thanks to all of Judy's hospital visitors!
- Alan H.
- Alana C.
- Andy O.
- Andy Y.
- Ann G.
- Anna E.
- Anna W.
- Anne E.
- Annette G.
- Barbara L.
- Becky K.
- Becky O.
- Bobby S.
- Candace A.
- Carol C.
- Cheryl W.
- Cindy L.
- Darla C.
- Darla C.
- Debbie M.
- Debbie S.
- Don S.
- Donna S.
- Elizabeth D.
- Emily H.
- Father Jim
- Fred W.
- Gwynn W.
- James N.
- Jewell D.
- Jody J.
- John O.
- John S.
- Joni C.
- Kathi G.
- Kathy O.
- Kenneth B.
- Laura F.
- Laura W.
- Leonard G.
- Liza. M.
- Lorane R.
- Lori L.
- Lynniece H.
- Mark G.
- Mark W.
- Mary G.
- Michael G.
- Mike A.
- Ms.Eddie
- Natalie B.
- Natalie's mom
- Nicole C.
- Patricia S.
- Rachel M.
- Roger N.
- Shannon H.
- Sharon C.
- Sharon W.
- Shirah V.
- Stacy Y.
- Susan E.
- Toni C.
- Walt. O.
- Wayne W.
- Wes "Keebler" E.
- Will S.
- xxx ... and I'm sorry if I missed someone!
The team in St. Croix, June 2008
Posts
23 comments:
Thinking of you and praying for you, Judy. ~Miles and Ann
Judy and Jurgen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is ANYTHING that you need, please call anytime.
Judy and Jurgen - our prayers. Thanks for taking the time to keep us informed. Tim, Dolores, Andrea, & Becca, ABQ NM
Judyaustin, you are the best
Cap
Judy & Jurgen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you both. You are beginning a long, tough journey. But together you will prevail. Strong wills and good doctors will help. Keep a positive attitude and be strong. Let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you both. Ester & Jack
Judy,
We were so shocked to hear the news. You are a special person, know that you both are on our minds and in our prayers at this time.
Scott, Rachel, Harrison and Luke
ISAIAH 41:10 " Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
The outpouring of love has touched me so much. Thank each of you here on the Blog and all the emails.
I plan to win.
I am not used to being the center of attention and it is so humbling and touching.
Thanks to each of you.
Judy
Judy and Jurgen,
I also believe in the power of prayer and will be sending many for you both. I know this is a big challenge but Judy, you are the toughest woman I know and have always been an inspiration to me. Ken and I will do anything we can to help. I love you both, Michelle
Judy, Mom used Benny Phillips and we were very impressed with him. She had to wait a long time in his waiting room for each appointment, but the tradeoff was that he gave her all the time she needed when it was finally her turn to see him. I've been through this with her, so if I can offer any help based on that experience, I'm certainly ready to do that. My cell number is 773-4049. Quakers say that we "hold a person in the light," so I'll be doing that with both of you.
Dear Judy and Jurgen
We are all shocked to hear your news and wish we could be with you to give you a Reinbolt hug. You are a great team and will give each other mutual support. We will do all we can with positive thought from this side of the water. Much love Celia, Helene, Richard and Hugh x
Judy - this is sad news indeed. Kerrie and will keep you in our prayers. I know your a tough nut and expect a strong, quick and full recovery.
Paul & Kerrie
Judy and Jürgen — Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The two of you have chartered new territory many times before so we are confident that you can meet the challenges and joys of each stage of this race. Remember to wear helmets but don't be afraid to run the stop signs and take the lane when you need to. We will be here to cheer you on and run sag.
Kathy and Walt
Judy, just got the news, my thought and prayers our with you and I know you will beat this.
Right now Im in NC. but will let Kara, Tris and Diane know.
Paul
Judy - You will be in my prayers and I know that with your determination and your "plan to win" the only result can be that of yet another personal victory.
Always my best to you!
Judy and Jurgen,
Just read about this on TMBRA. Although a blog seems impersonal, you may find out that it can become a lifeline of support. Whenever you need a boost you can go back and read notes sent from friends and family and we have a central place where we can stay informed with what's going on.
I wish I was closer to be able to offer you help and support. Since I'm not, all I have to give you is my thoughts of a strong and speedy recovery.
Kathy (Alan & Kyle)
Judy, You're a great friend and spirit. We're thinkng about you in this uphill ride.
Love, Tommy, Laura, Murray John, John, and Emily.
Judy,
I had colon cancer 10 years ago and my brother had prostrate cancer 14 years ago, and we are both still around, fat and happy. You can beat this thing. Jan and I are with you.
Fred Kemp
I don't know Jurgen as well as I would like, but know that Katherine and I are praying for both of you. We need as many cyclists on the road as possible, so keep riding! :)
-Kevin
Judy and Jürgen,
You both were good to me during my difficult times, and know that I am here for you! Call on me if you need anything. Judy, you are a strong person and I have confidence that you will come out on top! Best wishes on a speedy recovery!
Chad
Dear Judy and Jürgen,
as we can only imagine, this must be a very hard time for both of you. We are sure that with the attitude of both of you you will fight this cancer so that it will leave Judy just as fast as it appeared. We wish you strength, persistence, patience and all the support that Judy has always spreaded to other people.
We send you all our love. We are thinking of you. All the best for your appointment tomorrow.
Paddy, Claudenice and Maurício
Judy and Jurgen - I am so sorry to hear you are having to deal with this. May you feel the peace and power of the Holy Spirit as you take on this challenge. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cindy Weisinger
Just wanted you to know that I am with you in thought and prayers for tomorrow. Fear of the unknown is the worse! Our prayers are with Dr. Phillips as well!
Love ya,
Jim and Sandi
Judy:
You are the best friend that I know. I love you and Jurgen dearly. You can fight this and win!!! I'll be praying for you both.
Becky
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