The Last Entry....
To all of Julia's family, friends, peers and students,
It is with great sadness that I write in Julia's journal today to inform you that she passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 27th, 2008. I have put off making this entry because I have to face the reality that she is gone.
Julia was my step-daughter in-law, but that is never how I thought of her. Julia was my friend. She wasn't the kind of friend that you spoke to everyday...she was the friend who was always there.
I was blessed to know Julia, but only for a short time. When we met it was like seeing an old friend. She had passion for so many things that she could talk to anyone and they would instantly feel comfortable. Her interests ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other and her range of knowledge fascinated me. We could talk about anything and she would always have an opinion or advice that made you see things differently. I remember her talking about Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and looking at her to determine if she was really serious. I had never watched the show and could't fathom that there was actually a conference for Buffy and people actually attended!!??!!
Now, if we were talking about Bones, or America's Next Top Model, I totally got it!! But Buffy????
Julia touched so many hearts while she was here. The one who knew her best was her husband and soul-mate, Brent. Words cannot describe what they have been through over the years, but they loved each other unconditionally and both grew from their relationship.
Julia also inspired and motivated so many children during her years of teaching. When I had the opportunity to go to her classroom I saw the most dedicated and compassionate teacher. She made school fun and connected with the kids in a way that they could learn. Going to school everyday while she was battling cancer gave her a reason to live. Her short term goal was to finish out the school year and prepare her kids for finals and attend graduation. She was attempting to grade papers while she was in the hospital, but didn't have quite enough time (I think she said EVERYONE gets an A+, but I think she was under the influence of Morphine!!). God had other plans, but I know she will be in her classroom and at graduation in spirit.
Julia lived a full life in her 35 years. We will always wonder why she had to go through this and why we had to lose her, but we will never know. We just have to believe that God needed her and has a new path for her to follow.
I wish, as many of you do, that I had called her or emailed her more often, but today that's not so important. Julia had her own special relationship with all of us and she knew we loved her. We will keep her alive in our hearts and in our memories and continue to grow from what we learned from her.
Julia, I will miss you forever, but I know you won't be far away. I love you and I hope they are playing reruns of Buffy in heaven and have the most fantastic shoe store filled with your size!!! We will see you in eternity...save a spot for us all.
With hugs and kisses and tears,
Julianne
It is with great sadness that I write in Julia's journal today to inform you that she passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 27th, 2008. I have put off making this entry because I have to face the reality that she is gone.
Julia was my step-daughter in-law, but that is never how I thought of her. Julia was my friend. She wasn't the kind of friend that you spoke to everyday...she was the friend who was always there.
I was blessed to know Julia, but only for a short time. When we met it was like seeing an old friend. She had passion for so many things that she could talk to anyone and they would instantly feel comfortable. Her interests ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other and her range of knowledge fascinated me. We could talk about anything and she would always have an opinion or advice that made you see things differently. I remember her talking about Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and looking at her to determine if she was really serious. I had never watched the show and could't fathom that there was actually a conference for Buffy and people actually attended!!??!!
Now, if we were talking about Bones, or America's Next Top Model, I totally got it!! But Buffy????
Julia touched so many hearts while she was here. The one who knew her best was her husband and soul-mate, Brent. Words cannot describe what they have been through over the years, but they loved each other unconditionally and both grew from their relationship.
Julia also inspired and motivated so many children during her years of teaching. When I had the opportunity to go to her classroom I saw the most dedicated and compassionate teacher. She made school fun and connected with the kids in a way that they could learn. Going to school everyday while she was battling cancer gave her a reason to live. Her short term goal was to finish out the school year and prepare her kids for finals and attend graduation. She was attempting to grade papers while she was in the hospital, but didn't have quite enough time (I think she said EVERYONE gets an A+, but I think she was under the influence of Morphine!!). God had other plans, but I know she will be in her classroom and at graduation in spirit.
Julia lived a full life in her 35 years. We will always wonder why she had to go through this and why we had to lose her, but we will never know. We just have to believe that God needed her and has a new path for her to follow.
I wish, as many of you do, that I had called her or emailed her more often, but today that's not so important. Julia had her own special relationship with all of us and she knew we loved her. We will keep her alive in our hearts and in our memories and continue to grow from what we learned from her.
Julia, I will miss you forever, but I know you won't be far away. I love you and I hope they are playing reruns of Buffy in heaven and have the most fantastic shoe store filled with your size!!! We will see you in eternity...save a spot for us all.
With hugs and kisses and tears,
Julianne