Groundwaters

A Goodbye Letter from Judy (Part 2)

June 22, 2008 on 5:46 am | In Judy's Goodbye Letter | No Comments

The Heart of the Matter
from Judy Hays-Eberts

Part 2

What does it feel like, to give this creative endeavor over to others, to step away while it all goes on without me? Freeing, flattering, and relieved, as well as successful and highly blessed. There’s a tiny twinge of regret that I cannot go on with it, but then there’s reality. The reality is that Groundwaters wouldn’t be happening anymore if left to me. I would have quit last year, except for the encouragement and persistence of those who have helped with it. My life changed dramatically and demanded adjustment. There’s a time to step aside, to allow for other experience. Service is very meaningful; however, one’s ego can get carried away with it. I’ve come full circle in many ways, which I appreciate and find appropriate for my age. I have been attached, but I am now free to go on. Please know, I still care.

I am deeply affected by so many individuals and so much of what was shared with me personally and for publication. I want to thank you and these other beautiful people. Some have passed on and are greatly missed. They include artist and writer Linda Hain, who contributed her work and counseled me along with her husband Earl; poet Carol McWilliams, who volunteered her help but died before she could proceed; Stephen Burton who was a main character in his wife Deborah’s Farming Escapades and who became a dear friend and beer-brewing buddy; writer Janet Romanek, who played many roles – organizational leader, mentor, strong supporter and friend; and my uncle Bob Hays, who embodied love of family and determination. Veterans of war shared stories that sobered us all. And, mothers wrote about the death of their children, which especially moved me.

I wanted to thank Pastor Phil Airhart who served at Valley United Methodist Church in Veneta, though he’s gone on to Twin Falls, Idaho. I wasn’t a member of the church, yet Pastor Phil gave permission for me to purchase use of the church’s copier for the production of Groundwaters before we obtained our own equipment. He felt it was something Jesus would do, and I was certainly impressed by that. It helped that my good friend Karen Vosika is the church’s secretary. Karen is one who doesn’t consider herself to be a writer, but she has contributed a recipe for each issue of the magazine since its inception. (And, hosted a yard sale fundraiser to help pay for the printer that has produced Groundwaters since Fall 2006).

I was originally inspired by the writer’s group with whom I met for many years, who included Sylvia Beltran, Sally Spaulding and Reneé Dodds. Aleta Miller truly helped flesh out the seed, too. Reneé volunteered as proofreader, along with Pat Broome, Lynn Fogus, and Shirley Overed. Sylvia and Sally took on some of the distribution. So, from birth, Groundwaters has been a group effort, mostly by women.

At first I didn’t accept advertisements. I had faith that Groundwaters would be supported and donations would be the bulk of that – as they have been. I didn’t want to be dependent on businesses or add to the load they’re expected to carry. However, several business owners kept asking me to consider ads. They really wanted to put their advertising dollars into such an offering. I am so thankful for all who patiently worked with us as we muddled through this process. Eventually, we developed guidelines and rates that were beneficial for all concerned, and advertising became another service we could offer. Non-profits have supported Groundwaters, too. We enjoyed being invited by the Rural Arts Center to Movie Nights at the Lorane Grange, which have been fundraisers for many community endeavors. The Lions of Alvadore treated us royally as vendors in their Holiday Bazaar last fall. And, Friends of Fern Ridge Library are certainly our friends, also.

Groundwaters’ subscribers are especially important as the magazine goes forward because they provide a firm base. Many have given “a little extra” as they’ve been able. They’re friends and neighbors, family, former teachers and co-workers, businesspeople, folks I met for the first time through Groundwaters, and even anonymous. Donations have ranged from a dollar to hundreds of dollars, and each one meant a lot to me and to the project. In addition, people donated and bought all sorts of useful things at the Groundwaters’ benefit yard sale in 2006. All are appreciated. There are too many names to list here; however, gratitude to you who have helped is expressed on page 2 of every issue.

I want to extend thanks to the faithful, who uplifted me often with cards, letters, and conversation. Stalwarts include Sylvia Beltran, Kathy Fox, Pat Gill – who would be president of our fan club if there ever was one, Millie Graves, Earl Hain, and Sally Spaulding. You and every person who showed interest kept me going. …And, I’ve been very fortunate to have the support of my husband.

Groundwaters is a beautiful dream come true. All these people and you have had a hand in it, yet it has a life of its own beyond me or any other individual. I like to describe it as a work of spirit, which means I see it as an expression of endless love. It continues to bear fruit of fine quality. And, it all seems to be coming together very nicely at this time. I am excited to see where it will go from here, with more and different perspectives. It will be of benefit without my influence; everything that brought it here is working perfectly. However, this is not the pinnacle of our lives; we still have plenty to do. And, I’m not going away; I continue to write and be highly creative. Who knows all the places we’ll flow?