A Tribute

It's been a year now since my Aunt Julie passed away. It's hard to believe. It's still weird not being able to just pick up the phone and talk to her, or no longer receive little goodies in the mailbox. She enjoyed buying my kids their Easter outfits. I suppose I favor her more than anyone else in our family. She always wore a smile, and as one of her closest friends said, she gave the best hugs in the whole world. Have you ever heard that description about someone? It was true. She was a gentle soul. In those ways I can say I wish I was more like her.

Just the other day Laci said, "Aunt Julie is in heaven right now celebrating with God. And I know who else she's celebrating with - your grandma."

Don't you like the way a six-year-old thinks [sometimes]?


God hath not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through. God hath not promised sun without rain, joy without tears, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.


Celebrating the Life of Julia Zumstein
February 10, 1050 - June 5, 2009



I will be thinking of you today, mama, for I know today will not be easy for you.