Author Archives: Judy
About Judy
I'm an illustrator by profession. At this juncture in my life, I am pursuing my dream of writing and composing music. Every day of my life is precious!TO FACE WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS
I had looked for this folder before, but never found it. I did have a few, old Compassionate Friends newsletters which I had scanned for earlier posts. I glanced quickly at the pages; some were folded and others were written in pencil and marked over. There were photocopies and poems I recognized from a long time ago.
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WHEN I REALIZED YOUR ABSENCE WAS REAL
Working through my grief allowed me to do something I never dreamed was possible. If I hadn’t experienced Jason’s death, my life would have been ordinary. I might never have written so many stories and songs as a result. With my own death, I would have left this earth without leaving a “mark.” Now I feel my life is truly meaningful. Jason definitely left his mark and will live on through my music and words. Continue reading →
WHAT IS LEFT SINCE YOU DIED
I feel like I always say the same things over and over in regards to grief. There are a few “truisms” for me, but generally those are not even my own ideas. They are truths that all the people grieving seem to know. It’s a “club” no one wants to belong to. And honestly, whoever buys the books will probably already know someone or be someone in it. Continue reading →
A DEEP, DARK EMPTINESS IS THERE
Does true empathy in grief exist? Empathy is a word that is very close to sympathy. I looked up the definition, and empathy means “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” So here is my truth (and my truth alone because grief is unique to every person): I have finally decided that my answer is a resounding no, since it was impossible for anyone to comprehend my level of pain after Jason died – even if they had also lost a child!
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