ML and I thought this would be this purrfect place for all of us to share our "Judi" stories. How did you first "meet" Judi and her cats? What is your favorite "Judi" recollection? Do you have a special message for her? Judi will be reading this blog and we thought that she would enjoy reading your words. Just use your fingers, paws, hoofs, tails and any other phalanges capable of typing! Prose, anecdotes, poetry, tall tales, yarns, favorite quotes and prayers -- any and all are welcome.

JUST LEAVE A COMMENT AND WE WILL TURN IT INTO A POST.

THANKS!!!



1.6.12

JUDI - I LOVE YOU SO

"Hey Gal!"  That is the greeting I get every day when I call Judi.  I have been so very lucky to have her in my life.  We met via the Cat Blogosphere (insert gasp of surprise).  We CB'ers are so very fortunate.  We share a unique connection because of the CB.  Judi and I shared blog posts and then went on to share emails.  Emails led to telephone calls and telephone calls led to meeting in person.

I am from Houston, Texas.  I go back as much as I can to visit with ML -- the amazing woman who "is" the Cat Blogosphere.  On one visit a few years ago, I went to meet Judi in San Antonio.  Judi was not born in Texas, however,we know that she got to Texas as quickly as she could.     

After one hug, she and I became very close friends.  I visited with her and her daughter, Traci.  I met Lauryn and Korinna (Judi's beautiful granddaughters).  I also got to meet Sammy and Andy - at that time, they were the only cats in residence.  What a wonderful visit I had with them all.

Every morning, Sassy (my very talkative kitty) comes to me and starts fussing at me:  "MEOW MEOW MEOOOOOWWWWW!"  Translation:  "CALL MY AUNTIE JUDI-BUG RIGHT THIS MINUTE!"  So, of course I comply with Sassy's wishes and call Judi.  I don't get to talk as much as I would like, Sassy dominates the conversation.  She and Judi share many secret conversations.  I am not privy to them.  After Sassy has finished talking, I have my turn to talk to Judi.

Judi and I have shared many conversations.  She always listens to me and offers advice, humor, prayers and love.  When we lost our beloved Seaborne last November, I called Judi.  She knew the exact words to say and helped me get through that very difficult time. 

I went to Texas about a week ago.  ML and I set out on a road trip to San Antonio to see Judi.  It was a race between us to see who got to hug Judi first.  We ended up sharing a wonderful group hug!  The kind of hug that you never want to end.

ML and I got to meet Sammy, Andy and Sierra.  Shelly finally ran through the room and we got to see a little blur!  It is obvious that these fur babies are deeply loved!

Judi loves all of the beautiful cards that you have sent to her.  She asked ML and me to hang them in her bedroom.  Little did she know that she asked two crazy people --well okay....I was actually the crazy one, although I did have support from ML -- to attempt this feat!  It is well known throughout the CB that I am not exactly  graceful.  ML is very graceful....although, when you combine us together with Judi and her daughter, Traci, zany antics abound!

Picture this:  Cards, Ribbon, Thumbtacks & A Hot Glue Gun

Now, I have used a hot glue gun before, but ML has not and she finds it very fascinating!  What a useful tool!  Wow, this glue gun is fun!  WOW....THIS GLUE GUN IS HOT!!!

Now, picture me confiscating said Hot Glue Gun from a certain person who shall remain nameless (ML)!  Really, it was for her own good!  Of course, after I got the glue gun, I promptly glued my fingers together!  Hey, did you know that a hot glue gun gets VERY hot???  Be warned my friends.....IT DOES!

Judi, Traci, ML and Me!  Our antics had us all laughing. At one point in the decorating process, I could not reach high enough to hang a card.  Now, I am 5'7".  Traci is about 5'3".  She promptly took said card and reached up to hang it perfectly.  "How did you do that?"  I asked.  "I used my arms" Traci replied!  Gales of laughter followed.  Of course I was mocked incessantly for the remainder of the evening.  Telling me to "Use your arms" was a guaranteed response to any of my questions.

Judi and I relaxed on her bed and shared some private words.  ML had her private time with Judi as well.  We shared may prayers, hugs and kisses.  We surrounded her with as much love as we possibly could.

We passed along to Judi all the love that everyone had asked us to give to her. She is getting so much comfort from all of that love and light that you are all sending to her. She is enjoying all the cards and other sweet gifts that you have sent to her.

The hardest thing ML and I had to do was leave her.  We love her so very much!  How fortunate we are that we have her in our lives!

Judi, I don't know how much longer we will be privileged to have you here on earth, but I do know that heaven will receive an amazing soul and will be more glorious because of you, my beloved friend.  Thank you for enriching my life.  I will keep you to your promise to visit me.  Every time I see a Ladybug, I will know it is you.

I'll LOVE YOU FOREVER!

DEB

10.5.12

Mariodacat

Mario's Mom here:
 
 We haven't known each other but only a few months, but I instantly liked you and am so happy have had a chance to get to know you a little before you got so sick. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Mario said he's still purring like crazy (and I can vouch for him there).
 
Love to you Judi.

Rene & The Gang

Hello from It's All About the Cats. We just found this journal and think it's a great idea! We're not sure if Judi ever saw the post our cats dedicated to her in early March. Here is the link: http://aboutthecats.blogspot.com/2012/03/we-dedicate-this-post-to-auntie-judi.html We hope it gives her a smile.

We think of you often and pray for you too. In the past year, we've lost two family members and one long-time family friend to cancer, so it hurts us deeply to know another friend is suffering too. Please know how much you've touched us--and many others--with your love of cats and concern for others. Big hugs and kitty purrs are coming your way!

Rene and the gang

7.5.12

The Monkeys May 6, 2012 08:06 AM

I can't remember the exact first time I met you, Judi, but I do remember noticing how very sweet you are. The special posts and beautiful graphics for me and my kitties birthdays, the encouraging comments and the adorable nicknames (Sweepy haha) are uniquely you. Your blog was always one of the first ones I visited. There is no one like you in this world and I love you very much. Please know that I am thinking about you daily and sending you positive thoughts and love.

Karen xoxo

P.S. I wanted to add that I've been in denial about losing you and have not been able to face it until very recently. Even though we have never met face to face, you're very important to me and I love you like family. Fortunately (and unfortunately sometimes) it seems that I am a lightening rod for visits from souls on their way to other places, and, if you have time on your journey, I would love it if you could stop by. I'd love to feel one of your famous hugs.

Milo and Alfie Marshall May 6, 2012 07:42 AM

What a beautiful loving and heartfelt post. I am weeping with joy and sadness. Joy because you were lucky enough to meet Judi ~ and sadness as we must ALL eventually let her go ~ even though we don't want to. Sending love to Judi, and all her family , and all her friends.

I only know Judi from the CB ~ but I know what a very special person she is. Hoping you have quality life for as long as possible Judi.

Love Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom). x

ZOOLATRY May 6, 2012 07:10 AM

Hi Judi ~ and a warm hug from Ann and from Vic.

I know it was a long time ago that you and Vic met through blogging ~ even before SASS came along! Then through him, I had the pleasure to meet you. We both have treasured our friendship with you, we both keep you close in thoughts and in prayer with each new day. I want to thank you for being a friend to us. I certainly recall our sharing of "artistic" information as we each learned to work with online graphics! I remember the help you gave me on finding new type fonts, and of course, our joint project: the wordy wednesday challenge. It was fun to have a talented partner! I've appreciated it all!

As the days ahead come and go, I hope with the rising sun you will be blessed with comfort and joy, the love of family and friends. God bless you, and yours.

Ann and Vic, and the Zoolatry Girls, Maggy and Zoey

Pierro May 6, 2012 07:36 PM

I loved reading this tribute.
well, we love all of you and Judibuggie is in our prayers every day.

She is a gem.

Cat Chat With Caren And Cody May 6, 2012 07:40 AM

I really have never met Judi and barely know her but my heart goes out to her and I am sending her healing prayers.
xoxoxo

Milo and Alfie Marshall May 6, 2012 08:07 AM

Dear Judi,

I feel such a deep sadness at the thought of us all losing you. We may only known each other via the CB ~ but I recognize what a special person you are. I am grieving for the loss of your long term future ~ a future that you should have been part of. I feel angry too that you may not be here for much longer amongst us all.

And yet, I hope I'm not speaking out of turn here, but I DO think you will be present. It won't be in the way you had wanted. It won't be in a physical sense, but I do believe you will be present in a spiritual sense. Regardless of people's religious beliefs I don't believe that when we die our soul / life energy just disappears. You have tenacity, will power, determination and above all a love life. So it is my belief that you will be present but in a different way. And I suspect that in the future, if we allow ourselves a quiet moment, and focus very hard ~ we will feel your presence. We will know you are there with us in spirit, and also willing your family and beloved cats to go on, and sharing those glorious moments in life that are their major stepping stones.

I have lost several people I truly loved to cancer ~ and once the grief had subsided enough to allow me to be calm and feel again, to be aware, to listen to my internal tappings ~ I knew they were there for me. I also know what they would answer if I asked them a question - so they can still give me advice. Whether my knowing the answer is because I knew them so well that I would know what they would answer, or whether they are communicating with me in some deeper way is not clear. But I would know the answer just the same ~ that's for sure. I am sure if your family ask you for advice in the future, and then listen to their own tapping, I suspect they too will know what you would advise.

Once we love someone ~ they never disappear from us save in the physical sense. They are part of us, sometimes genetically, sometimes in our heart, or soul. They are there for ever. You never forget someone you love because they are such an important part of your life, they never fade from your memory, or get banished into history - they do find a still quiet part of your mind and your heart to inhabit. A place where you can think of them often, but with less pain and more joy. A place where you can recall the wonderful happy times and enjoy them - and yet not forget the sad, missing them times either - and yet be able to handle it.

We won't lose memories of you either Judi. They are scorched into our minds, our heart and our souls. (It has been over 20 years since I lost one of the people I loved most in the world - and the memories are still fresh. They still make me cry some days - and make me smile or laugh or feel warm on others. I can still recall our shared memories in full eidetic colour. And sometimes, like a precious gift from beyond the grave, a newly recalled memory will emerge from the mists of time, something long forgotten, triggered by an event, or something someone said or did. And I will carry the newly remembered memory around in my heart all day like a precious trophy. And folk will keep asking me why I am smiling - and privately think I’m a little crazy. And maybe I am).

There is no time frame for grief. Each is different. As different as those that we love and lose, as different as each of us are. We cannot rush this process, we cannot make it happen, we cannot stop it happening either.

So time will heal - but that does not mean forgetting, or repressing, or denying, or no longer missing, or no longer feeling pain. It means remembering just as much - but from a place of calm - even if at times a calm despair.

So although the future is not the way you'd thought and hoped it would be, you will not be gone, you will just not be physically present.

Be happy dear Judi. My sincere condolences to you. I'll always remember you and you will have a part of my heart all to yourself.

Love Jan (Milo and Alfie's mom). xx

Katie Isabella May 6, 2012 08:31 AM

What a wonderful love letter Jan made here in the comment just above mine. It brought tears to my eyes and it is just how I feel as well.

I met Judi through seeing her blogs on the CB, but after a while, she was kind and offered to hat Admiral for the Senior kitties club. Then, she was hatted a little while later. A treasure in a flowered feminine chapeau that stays on Admiral's pafe. Then, she kindly uodated my pitiful page to something to be proud of. And updated it yet again later on. Certainly I was grateful as was the Admiral but mostly I was in awe of her generous spirit and love for us all. And Judi, we DO and have returned that love.

Much love and soft hugs from me, the late Admiral and Katie Isabella. A day doesn't go by that we don't remember and think of you dear friend.

Love,

Carole and Katie

Cat May 6, 2012 09:43 AM

Judy, I don't know you...I just know of you. Especially your smiling face in the picture...with ladybug wings. So sweet. I always thought to myself whenever I saw (or still see) that you look like someone that would be a wonderful friend. I'm sure it is true. I regret that you are going through all of this, but I hope you know that you are not alone and that many people out there are thinking of you and holding you in their prayers. I know I am
.
Take care and keep smiling!

Cat
(of WeezDaBadCats and DaMeenDawgs - Tiny, Ellwood, Ginger and Angel Lautrec)

Ginger Jasper May 6, 2012 09:52 AM

We first met Judi when she visited my blog. Judi has hatted me and I display my picture with pride. I have been a visitor to Judi and her family and kitties since the beginning of my blog and am purring up a storm for her and her family. I send many purrs and many prayers her way in the hope they help a little..

 Hugs and purrs...

GJ and Carol xx

Madi and Mom May 6, 2012 01:47 PM

Hey Mama J...Mom and I can hardly remember NOT knowing you. You were like an angel that landed on our shoulders..ready to help us with buttons and banners and just the best friend. I think maybe you might have been one of our first blogging friends from 2009 forward. You and Mom are both Capricorns...LOL too.

Things we remember most about you:

1.You selected the purrfect purple bonnet for Madi. We were so honored to be hatted by you.
2.Last year out of the goodness of your heart you made Madi a "Gotcha Day" button/banner. We will be using it every year on May 11.
3.Your positive attitude in the face of adversity
4.This is to your grandbeans...and we are sure they know it but
oh my goodness the love and pride that just poured out of every post about them. Their proms, graduations, special vacations with friends. They are loved to pieces by their grandma
5. Each time you left a comment on our blog you always ended it with "we love you Mads and Mom"!! And we know you love us as much as we love you.
6. Each of your post about the SASS crew proves you have endless love for all of God's creatures great and small.....

So Mama J Mads and Mom love you, send you hugs, thank you for your friendship and are honored to be your friend.

Mads and Mom

Max the Quilt Cat May 7, 2012 02:33 AM

Bugsy and Knuckles are sitting right here beside me as I type this. We just want to keep this short and simple. We love Judi. She is such a friend to us and stopped by our blog so often with an encouraging word. We feel so lucky to have her in our life.

Love to you Judi..... Love to you!!!

purrrrs from Max, Bugsy, Knuckles and HH (Lou)

Pierro May 6, 2012 11:06 AM

We love Judibuggie so much!

5.5.12

The Tower Hill Mob May 5, 2012 07:55 AM

What a lovely sentiment!

We first became familiar with Judy when she adopted Shelly. We have a larger soft spot for torties and calicoes, so it was natural that we'd stop in to visit.These days we check out the kitten updates.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Toby, Cupcake and Kate

Prancer Pie May 4, 2012 07:27 PM

We don't remember how we got to know you and the kittehz, but want you to know you are in our thoughts every day. Praying for your comfort and peace.

Hugs and kisses from all of us at Prancer Pie.

Pee Ess - seeing a ladybug will hold a special place in our hearts from now own.

Brian May 4, 2012 04:57 PM

Dear Judi,

 I do hope you know just how many of us truly love you and there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of you. I wouldn't be Brian without my hat that you so purrfectly place on my head. Every time we see it we say love ya Judi. Sascha, Gracie, Zoe, Dolly, Precious, Dad, Mom and I send our love to you.

Fuzzy Tales May 5, 2012 01:42 AM

Judi,
Everything I had to say I wrote to you in that short letter, but I want you to know you're in my thoughts and prayers every day, and I continue to send you universal Light and Love.
We humans have learned to fear death, but I read long ago that "death" is the opposite of "birth," not the opposite of "life."

Peace and Blessings,

Kim

Sweet Purrfections May 5, 2012 08:49 AM

Such wonderful thoughts and memories. Judi - I first got to know you through Sweet Praline. My little southern diva was hatted by you in the way she should be. I always looked forward to who would be hatted next and what type of hat they would wear and you always knew just the right hat to fit the personality of each woofie or kitty. Then, you began designing those amazing pages for the blogs. Even though we've never met on the phone or in person, I feel as though you'll always be my friend. Here are a few words from a song I love to sing:

All around us things are changing
Seasons come and seasons go
Very few things las forever
Deep inside our hearts we know

We're forever friends
Bound by love that time can't take away
Forever friends caring in a special kind of way
Heart to heart and hand in hand
We'll stand until the end
Love's forever when your forever friends

We're all children of the father
In his keeping and his care
And the spirit that he gives us
Is the love we're meant to share

We're forever friends
Bound by love that time can't take away
Forever friends caring in a special kind of way
Heart to heart and hand in hand
We'll stand until the end
Love's forever when your forever friends

And though we know it's time to say goodbye
We will always be together
And here's the reason why.

Bound by love that time can't take away
Forever friends caring in a special kind of way
Heart to heart and hand in hand
We'll stand until the end
Love's forever when your forever friends


Paula