As I think back on the profound ways Judith has blessed my life, and that of all our children and grandchildren, it is remarkable how all this came about. I've been bugging Robin to tell me how they met, fell in love and all that. Actually it turns out to have been pretty normal. I had heard the story of their first meeting consisting of Judith dropping a tray of dishes on his foot where they both worked in the dining hall at SMU. Robin says that is not true. He dropped the dishes on his own foot. My version seems more romantic and I'll stick with it. However it started, it resulted in 30 wonderful years for everyone involved.
I want to share some thoughts about how I have been personally impacted by this remarkable person. When I read the note in our church bulletin last Sunday expressing sympathy to us for the death of our "daughter-in-law", I was suddenly struck with how sterile and impersonal that sounded. I did not consider our relationship a legal one. She was not an in-law or out-law, and it didn't take long for her to become like one of our own children. That was not always the case. Let me explain. Right from the first, when Robin introduced us to Judith, I knew this would be a different relationship. Her father was Jewish and her Mother was Spanish Catholic. There had not been anyone in our immediate family like that before. Everyone was just like us. I had to get out of my comfort zone and overcome a fear of the unknown. As we grew closer to Judith, we realized she was not to be feared, but someone to embrace and learn from. What wonderful things we learned or were reminded of. The importance of truth and beauty, of tolerance and integrity, belief in oneself, acceptance of others, do your best, expect the best. Her life reflected that, and we were better for it..
Listen to what a wise man, King Soloman*, said 3,000 years ago about a noble woman See how much of this you can apply to Judith in her work and family relationships:
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.She brought this to her marriage and to all our family. Our grandchildren are now rising up and calling her blessed. She was their favorite Aunt.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.