Category Archives: Family

Judy.

February 8, 2018 – 9:18 am

I woke up this morning with news of the passing of Judy Reich. I’ve never posted a remembrance of anyone here, but I feel I needed to share my absolute grief at hearing the news today.

Judy Reich, Rhonda B, and me at the Diabetes UnConference Las Vegas (photo courtesy of Rhonda)


Judy was a one of a kind, lovely soul. Her enthusiasm for living a purposeful life with diabetes for over 50 years was matched only by her love for her husband Gary, and her enthusiasm for her beloved city of Las Vegas.

Judy had a long time career in broadcasting locally, which included election to the Nevada Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame eighteen years ago. She also loved her role providing descriptive audio services for the Smith Center in Las Vegas, helping sight impaired individuals enjoy the productions she loved herself. She was also a long time volunteer and previous chair of the JDRF Las Vegas chapter.

I can’t say that I knew Judy extremely well. But reading the many tributes to her on Facebook this morning tells me that for every unique and special thing she did for all of us living with diabetes, she also touched each soul she met in a very personal way.

For me, I can remember the very first Diabetes UnConference in Las Vegas, where she and I sat outside of the Flamingo at the end of a long Saturday. We were waiting for the valet to bring her signature red PT Cruiser. During the walk over, and the 20 minutes or so it took to get her car (sometimes, things take a looong time there), we talked about living with diabetes, and the perils of living with Type 1 diabetes, and she pointedly asked me about my relationship with my wife, and how we managed a life together when diabetes sometimes got in the middle.

She was very concerned about her relationship with Gary, and how much of a burden diabetes had been for him too. Anyone who knew Judy knew that she felt things very deeply, and I could see that this was something that concerned her very much.

I won’t share what I shared in our conversation, but I will tell you that we parted that evening knowing that while we had relationships we were still working on after many years, we were grateful for those relationships we were still working on after many years.

And after sharing that story, I have to admit, I don’t know how to finish this. I’m still in shock that she’s gone. Vegas won’t be Vegas without Judy. I, and many, many others, will miss her kindness, her smile, and so much more.

I just don’t know how to say goodbye.

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Happy-Medium Post-Sandy Halloween.

October 31, 2012 – 11:07 am

I was going to share some Halloween photos and a great recipe today, but that will have to wait.

It’s cool but dry here, and the clouds are starting to move away for the first time in days. We are all fine after Hurricane Sandy made a visit this week.

I was working from home Monday when the power went out a little before 2:00 p.m. The good news is that power was restored at around 11:30 Tuesday night. In my neighborhood (where we’ve had 16 storm-related power outages in 14 years), that breaks the previous record by a couple of days.

Damage in the neighborhood was very minimal too. Only one of our stately old trees blew over, and one medium-sized pine tree took out a fence. One car damaged. Some basements took on water. That’s about all. We received a LOT of rain. But the winds, while fierce, did less damage than the Derecho storm a few months back (click here for photos from that damage).

So all in all, it wasn’t as bad as we feared this time. We were very, very fortunate. Unlike some in New Jersey, New York, and all the way up the coast.

If you’re one of the many who were in the path of the storm North of me, please know that I’m thinking of you and donating to the Red Cross. If there’s something I can do for you specifically, please leave a comment and let me know. Be well, and stay warm.
 
 
 

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Family Day.

August 31, 2012 – 7:53 am

It’s Friday… and today, it’s a special Family Day edition of Happy-Medium.net.

– First, a little about my own family. Before The Live-In Niece there was The Live-In Nephew. One of my godsons. He grew up mostly in Indiana. In January 2003, he moved in with us at age 20. All his possessions in the world were in a duffel bag. No prospects. Three years later, he had a great job and moved in with his girlfriend. Two years after that, four years ago today, they were married. I was shocked and honored when he asked me to be his best man. I thought that was as good as it was going to get. Until they had the baby this spring… on my birthday.
Happy Anniversary Brian and Erin!

– Second, a more somber note. Meri of Our Diabetic Life is asking everyone to set aside Sunday as a day of prayer and fasting on behalf of her husband Ryan, who’s battling cancer. While my own relationship with God has had its ups and downs over the years, I still believe in the power of prayer. And I still believe in miracles. They really need everyone’s help on this one, so that includes me… and hopefully, you too. For more information, go to the Schuhmacher Family Miracle Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ShuhmacherFamily

– Finally, a couple of JDRF items for any of you who are reading or living in Maryland. One is about the application process starting for the JDRF Children’s Congress. And the other is about the JDRF Kids Walk program (this is a great idea).

Have a great weekend! I’ve gotta get out and shop for an anniversary gift (mine is next week)!


 
 
 

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