Saturday, July 5, 2003
First let me explain that I will always refer to Mrs. Vook as such and not Julia. As a young piano student Mrs. Vook is how I always addressed her. As I got older she told me I could call her Julia. But I just couldn't do that. I tried it once or twice but it just didn't fel right. It really got to be kind of a joke between us. Anyone who knows Mrs. Vook knows she has a wonderful sense of humor.That said, I would like to share some of my thoughts. When I visited Mrs. Vook at the hospital there were several of us in her room. During our visit, when everyone was talking I stepped up to Mrs. Vook's bed, we held hands for a moment and we were just looking into each other's eyes for a moment and she said to me, "Stacy, "The Lord Giveth and The Lord Taketh Away." Later that evening I was thinking about that statement and how true it is. When the Lord gave us Mrs. Vook, He sure was GENEROUS. Mrs. Vook gave me piano lessons as a young girl, crochet lessons as a young mother (of which all three of my children now have blankets), and lessons of life. ie: The importance of learning your family history and learning new things, never giving up on yourself, encouraging our young to be the best they can be, to be a strong woman, keep a sense of humor, and even to use the pinchy kind of clothes pins to keep crackers, chips, and bread fresh. She taught me these lessons by her example. The greatest gift she gave to me is her daughter Liz. Liz and I have become very close over the past few years and I admire Liz's strength and courage through Mrs. Vook's illness. Liz was always going to her mom's doctor appoinments and going with her to receive her treatments and spending time together. It has been a roller coaster ride and Liz has been riding in the front seat with her mom for the entire ride. Liz always stayed strong for her mom. As I think of Mrs. Vook I am inspired to "Giveth" to others what I may have to share and hope that we can all learn the greatest lesson Mrs. Vook taught to me which is to be giving of yourself. Love, Stacy
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