Friday, December 14, 2007
Judith Meuli
This morning/last night was single handedly the best/worst time of my life. My mentor in life and the reason for who I am passed away. I was bedside and got to hold her hand as she made her way out. She was a remarkable woman. She was one of the founding members of NOW and of the Feminist Majority. She hid it from me well for quite some time, but as I was working along side her, I quickly caught on. I consider her one of my best friends. But she was so much more than that. She was a confidant and an ally. She was a supporter and made my life into something I never thought possible. The last couple of weeks, I could see her deteriorating, but was really trying to be optimistic. It only gets you so far. Cancer is a nasty disease and all the optimism in the world can’t fight it. Last week we went to the UCLA Medical center and I insisted she play Scrabble with me while she get her blood transfusion. While her partner was out of the room (and Jude was still kicking my ass) she told me that this was her absolute favorite time ever at UCLA because she was just having fun and actually forgot what we were there for. That made my life. She was surrounded by people who love her. We were all telling stories and laughing and having a great time with each other and with Judith. We knew it was only a matter of time; I’m just surprised it went so fast. As she released her last breath I can swear I saw a smile creep across her face. And if it’s only in my head, so be it. But that’s not what the history books will say. Not if I have anything to do with it. I only hope I can have such a beautiful departure.
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8 comments:
I am surprised and amazed that you were able to write this when you did, and I'm glad you did. It is a special time right now, when everything has sort of stopped and you get some precious time to reflect and see what it all means to you. This is when the lessons you have learned are solidified and become a part of you.
Good work Natasha :) I'm sure Judith was very lucky to have you with her as she left.
Natasha, Judith is my husband's aunt. We live in Minnesota. Allan found your blog entry today and I just want to tell you that it meant so much to him to read about her from someone who spent so much time with her. Thinking of you, Stephanie, and all those who love Judith as you grieve your significant loss.
Judith is aunt (my dads sister), and I will miss her. I thought we had more time.
Thank you,
Kelly (Meuli) Collins
Judith was indeed lucky to have you as a caring friend, as you were lucky to have her as your mentor. We should all be so lucky to have someone who loves us by our side as we depart this world. She will be waiting for us just around the next bend and she should have things the way she wants them by the time we catch up to her. Good job, Natasha. You're the best.
Natasha, I found a picture of you that Judith sent to us! Small world. Here is my blog entry about Judith. Thank you again.
http://pearlgirl.vox.com/library/photo/6a00d41443799a3c7f00e398c860400005.html
oops, that was a picture of the Fed Ex guy! Here's the entry I was referring to:
http://pearlgirl.vox.com/library/post/goodbye-for-now-judith.html
i actually love your own writing kind, very attractive.
don't give up and keep penning in all honesty , because it just simply good worth to follow it,
excited to browse through far more of your own posts, thanks ;)
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