Friday, July 3, 2026
I first met Judy through work many years ago. Her glass wasn’t just half full—it was overflowing at all times. She is one of the most genuinely kind, positive, and loving people I have ever known, and she was both liked and deeply respected by everyone who worked with her. While Judy has always been steady, thoughtful, and serious, I made it my personal mission to bring a little extra lightness and mischief into her world.
After I retired, we moved out of state to be closer to lifelong friends we’ve known for over 60 years. With friendships that long, harmless practical jokes naturally became part of the fabric of our time together.
Our friends take great pride in their beautiful backyard filled with colorful plants and carefully tended landscaping. At some point, a white stuffed parrot entered the picture and began making its rounds. Its first appearance was in an orange tree, tucked among their vibrant Talavera-painted parrots. About two weeks later, Roberta was doing dishes and happened to glance out the window. She called out to her husband, who was tending the hummingbird feeders, asking about a “white thing” right above him. It was quickly removed—but it was already a win for our side. Good fun all around.
The parrot made its next appearance at Thanksgiving, this time nestled in a foil turkey pan brought by our friends. It was set on the table while food was being prepared, and to everyone’s surprise, there it was again—this time arranged among a mix of plastic vegetables. The table erupted in laughter, and the joke carried the spirit of the evening long after dinner was over. It truly became a Thanksgiving to remember.
Later, Judy came to visit. I was thrilled to have her with me and made sure to take her to a variety of places, even convincing her—somewhat reluctantly—to go horseback riding on a friend’s horse. She stepped well outside her comfort zone, and everything went beautifully.
Our friends were eager to meet her, but anyone who knows Judy knows that practical jokes are not exactly her natural habitat—she is simply too kind-hearted for that. After considerable coaxing, she agreed to be part of one last “return of the parrot” plan. We arrived at our friends’ home with Judy carrying a beautifully wrapped hostess gift. Of course, when it was opened, voilà—the white stuffed parrot made its grand return once again.
Our friends were delighted, but poor Judy spent the rest of the visit apologizing. I still feel a bit guilty about that part, but it was the only way to complete the parrot’s journey back after Thanksgiving. Even now, nearly ten years later, we still laugh about the moment the “white parrot” arrived in a gift bag and how seriously Judy took her role in the prank.
Thank you, Judy, for being such a good sport and a wonderful friend. I hope you continue to find joy, courage, and a little bit of mischief along the way as you spread your wings. Rest in God's everlasting arms of peace, my dear beautiful friend.
