In Memoriam

Julia Marvel Judge

May 8, 1960–

February 11, 1978

Newtown High School Class of 1978

In honor of our sister who we love and miss everyday.

Leslie Judge Trudell and Laura Judge

The Gift

I discovered myself through you,

One day in the early spring

Not symbolically walking in the woods

Not meditating on wonders God could bring

No, I was not alone

In fact, I was with quite a few

Friends and strangers passing in the hall

Who smiled and shared what they knew.

True, it was a learning institution

But the secret we shared

Was not learned in a class

One cannot learn to love or to care.

The lesson was so simple

But as complex as life

You showed us how to live

To eliminate strife.

True, you were taken from us

It seemed the tears would not end

The world seemed dark and lonely

In each we lost an inspiration, a friend

But the sun arose one day in the spring

And I realized I am not without you

I am within you.

You are the warmth on my shoulders

And the sunlight in my hair

And you are a part of me.

I will never be alone again

Because you speak to me

In so many ways

And I will keep the gift of you within me

For the rest of my days.