It breaks my heart to watch Grandpa standing over Judah, stroking his forehead. Judah's eyes have swelled open, giving the illusion that he is watching.
Still, there is something in Judah's face which is new, something blank and flat. Someone used the phrase, "indignity of dying." There is no indignity here. Judah's last hours are spent in the arms of his loved ones.
The time for hoping for a miraculous recovery is over. Now we hope for an easy exit for Judah. It will never be easy for the rest of us.
posted by The Whites @ 11:26 AM
25 comments
25 Comments:
It is such a blessing that you are all able to be together, helping your beloved Judah lovingly through his proces. You are a remarkable family, and thus, it is so easy to see why Judah is the remarkable human being that he is. We are sending you all our prayers and love.
Michelle, David and Hillary
It's so hard for me to find the words to express what I'm thinking and feeling--others have expressed themselves so beautifully--but I just wanted to post something, anything, so that you know that I am thinking about you every second.
Love, Abby C
Though Judah's body may fail, his soul will remain with us and in us forever. God bless you and your family Judah, and be in peace.
- Ben
Hi Judah,
Go in peace. Be proud and confident.
You chose the hard way because you believed in life and because you felt that one should try his utmost to preserve and cherish what God has given him as a gift. You may feel that you have not accomplished all you wanted in life, but you should know that what counts is not only what you did but what you left behind. Judah, you left a legacy of dedication to life, perseverance, conviction, friendship, and love.
We may be loosing you soon but your legacy will remain with us for ever.
Must love
Eli
Even as Judah's body slowly shuts down, his spirit shines and his soul lives strong.
Judah-
Know that you are, and forever will be, alive within me and within all of the many people whose lives you have touched. You remain with us and we remain with you.
Martha, Issy, Benji, Abe and Josh:
My head screams; my heart is confounded; my tears come unbeckoned. I am with you.
Love, Zehava
Judah, rest well. Many of us out here have learned countless lessons from you...from the strength of your incredible family and friends. Your next journey will leave such a hole. I pray for your peace and the ability of your entire family to continue forward in their journies as they move away from their long-term around-the-clock care for you.
To the White extended Family (Including Dr. Mom, Benji, Iss, Grandpa, Pixie, Uncle Robby, Aunt Marsha and to all other family members and friends who are vital members of the support system): I know none of you, but pray for all of you. As a relatively silent Blogoholic (checking several times a day), your love and care for Judah is natural to you. You've done what any good strong family should do...sticking with Judah all the way, holding his hand, and helping him fight a heroic battle. For those of us who haven't been down similar paths, you have (perhaps unknowingly) tought lessons and set a wonderful example of love, family, care, devotion, etc. Your experience should be a reminder for all of us. Thank you for sharing your journey through this Blog.
Doug Finer
To my older cousin Judah,
You were the first of our generation to arrive, and you are the first to leave. I don't know what we will do without you.
Tzetcha l'shalom,
Erika
There are no words that adequately express our saddness. It seems an unjust world that would take such a strong, loving young man from his family and friends. Judah has so clearly been loved by so many,
Our heart aches for each of you, and our prayer are with you and follow Judah where ever he may go.
Much love, Lisa and Gary Lainer
Dr. White, honey. Judah, dear, dear Judah,
Is it really time for me to bow my head and accept the unacceptable inevitable? Is it time now to hope that you have an easy, peaceful time as you face the greatest unknown? I shout at G-d that no, now You have gone too far. I protest. We did not have enough of Judah. I will not let you go quietly. Love, Mrs. C.
I am at work but want to be with you physically and not just in spirit. Work is very difficult, and concentration at its lowest. my eyes tear and I think of you with every word I type about other children, and the confusion and questions abound. May you Judah Daniel White have an easy exit, go in peace and know that your physical self may be gone, but you will continue to live within each of us, for you have given us a lifetime of beauty, strength and dignity. Know that when Pesach will be around, your last delivery of the most spiritual seder I have had will always be there with me. So many gifts to carry from you and I have given you nothing to take with you. You humble me greatly. Thank you.
I will so miss you.
Rachel
Judah,
May your journey be a peaceful one. You fought such a hard battle and did whatever you could to beat this. You have touched so many lives and your spirit will always be with us.
Martha, Issy, Benji and Abe, you are remarkable. Your love, dedication and loyalty have been unwavering. I am so sorry. I am there for you, whatever you need.
Love,
Janet
Judah -
You are a better friend and inspiration to all of us than you ever understood. Your camraderie, joy, honesty, laughter, cynical optimism, and 10 thousand other traits, all helped me understand myself better and appreciate life and the world more (but not law school). Despite the reality of the situation, I still can't imagine this playing out this way. I will miss you deeply and raise my glass in your memory. May it be peaceful, brother.
Packie
dear judah,
i stood by your bed side this morning and stroked your hand and your bald head- for i guess the last time. you didn't look like you. your family and friends stood around you. you are so loved. i will cherish my memories of you for the rest of my life. i love you and you will always be a part of me.
-tamar
Dear Martha - the strength and love of your family is an inspiration. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Betsy
Dear Mara - I never met Judah but through you I feel as if I know him. Your friendhip with Judah is forever -- my heart goes out to you.
Love,
Betsy
Martha, Allysa, Benji:
We are in awe of your courage and strength.
May all of us follow the example you've set for us.
Andrea, Gay and Marc
Words cannot express our feelings. All our love to you.
Bill,Rachel and Colin
Dear, dear Judah,
I think it's safe to say that everyone has a difficult time to imagine this world without you. That is why we will always take you with us, wherever we go, in our hearts. You are leaving us way too soon and we already miss you. It has been an honor, Dr. White. (Ce n'ai qu'un au revoir Judah. A plus tard!)
Martha, Issy and Benji,
Even when you know the end is near, you are never ready for such a loss. Altough I haven't had the chance to know you all better, I would have to blind not to see the love you have for one another. You are in my prayers and thoughts every day as Judah has been for the past few months.
Much love
Manon
To Judah and his family-
I've never met you, but am connected through a friend. You've been in the prayers of many known and unknown to you. You will continue to be in our prayers tonight, tomorrow, the next day and the day after.
Judah – I just read this on another blog and wanted to share it –
Breathe. Remove the idea that you have a "right" to live, and every instant becomes a precious gift. Every moment is a treasure, every touch exquisite, every smell is perfume, every sight a beautiful painting. Every breath a blessing. Breathe.
That my friend is how you lived your life and that is what you have taught us all.
- David
I've written and deleted, written and deleted, written and deleted. I just don't know what to say. Shabbos is in 10 minutes and I"m heading over to my parents for dinner. I wish you a shabbat of shalom and menucha.
Love, Abby C
Dearest Judah-
Your are always with us in our hearts, no matter where you physically.You have so so many who love you and we are still continuing to pray for you and your family---
Shabbat Shalom Judah-We love you-
Adina Lipson and family
judah, i cant say that i knew you well.
but reading this blog has told me one thing, that you have made a difference in this world.
"May the four winds blow you safely home"-Robert Hunter
-richard beres
Tears are the silent language of grief.
Judah,
You've lived to your name. Your strength and courage are emblematic of the lion. I constantly think of the MGM lion, roaring to show his stength. It could have been you.
Go in peace.
Love, Suzette and Bert
Judah-
The strength and courage you have shown is amazing. You have touched so many people in your 39 years and have been such an inspiration. I wish you full and everlasting peace. You will be missed by so many.
To the entire White Family, including extended family-
I know that this loss will never be easy for you, but may all of your wonderful memories together give you strength. I wish for you all peace and comfort in knowing how truly loved Judah always will be, and how much love and support there is for the entire family. Your love and dedication to each other and to Judah and has been inspirational.
I hope that this Shabbat brings peace to you all.
B'Shalom v'ahava,
Judy Feldman
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