Heartache Tonight

Her name was Julie, but she was also known as Gomar and GranJulie. She was Jim's wife; Jimmy, John, Chris, Jeanne, and Billy's mother; Annie and Margie's mother-in-law; Jameson, Taryn, Dustin, Samantha and Billy's grandmother; Brownie, Gina, Billy, Jimmy and Peggy's sister; and aunt to dozens of cousins in her family. She lived to be 86 years old and passed on into the welcoming arms of God and those of her already deceased siblings yesterday afternoon.


Julie was funny (and passed that sense of humor onto her perpetually pranking children). She was fashionable in her day, with an elegant sense of style, and was proud of her Irish heritage (maiden name: Carroll) She had a flair for writing, once penning a moving poem about American soldiers that she shared with her granddaughter Taryn. She loved acquiring kitschy, quirky items (the kitchen is filled with all kinds of cow curios and knickknacks) and enjoyed the unique personalities of each of her children, even when they were at their unruliest (who can forget the story of her pouring soup on young John's head when he complained about the meal he had been served?). One of the things that I loved best about her was that when she called, she always spent the exact right amount of time on the phone - not too short and not too long, which made me look forward to speaking with her. Right up until the very end, she demonstrated concern and compassion for others, worrying over me and my health issues even as she struggled to overcome her own.


This is by no means a comprehensive accounting of Julie's life and person - she was far more multi-layered than I can ever account for here. Consider this merely a small tribute from someone who loved her dearly, not only because her son gave me the most amazing gift I will ever have in Taryn; not only because the family she and Jim created are a blessing that Taryn will get to enjoy her whole life; but also because she made me smile and touched my heart. And although there is heartache tonight, I know that there will soon be laughter, and love, and living again, because Julie wouldn't have it any other way.


God keep you safe in his loving arms, Julie - "Twas heaven here with you."