One of the things that has been on my mind a lot lately is what would everyone say about me if I died tomorrow? Who would I die mad at, who would I die with, who is the last person I would see?
This especially has hit me hard after hearing of the loss of an amazing agility friend. Judy Shinogle and her GSP’s were traveling in Baltimore (to an agility trial, actually) at 6:30am Sunday morning when a vehicle crossed the median and killed Judy and one of her dogs, Bruni, instantly.
Judy was one of those people who always made you feel comfortable and at home. She never lost her smile or encouragement no matter how her day was going. I had the honor to crate next to her and get to know her on a few occasions. I can honestly say because of people like Judy, I love the agility game. She was always there helping keep me calm and helping me out when we had similar conflicts at a few shows.
It’s a shock when you expect to see someone again and thank them for that. Only to find out you never can do that. Life can be over in a split second. So how are you living your life? Will people remember the last time they saw you with a smile or a frown? I am trying to change my outlook on things. Take more risks, smile more, find the good in things, change people’s lives, help others, and simply love more deeply. I don’t want to be thought of as a boring or same old person. I want to make a difference. I don’t want to wait anymore either, Because I have seen just how quickly life can change.
Thank you, Judy, for all you did for me and for the everyone else. You will never ever be forgotten.
Judy with Bruni at the 2011 AKC Agility Invitationals.
Oh my gosh. I read about this in the Washington Post, on the local crime page. I remember reading it on Sunday, and wondering, what kind of life did this woman have, did she have kids? Surely she had a family waiting for her, not knowing that when she left that morning, she would never come back.
I remember wondering, where was she going so early on a Sunday? And it crossed my mind that the only reason I’d be out that early is for Batman, completely unaware that she, too, was the kind of person who got up at the crack of dawn for her dogs.
Something about that one local news item stuck with me — maybe I recognized her name from the blog, or maybe I read the description of a woman driving an SUV at 6:30am on a Sunday and thought, “She could be anyone. She could be me.”
I am so sorry for your loss, Monica, and for the loss of everyone who had the good fortune of knowing her. You’re right, her death is a tragic reminder of how short and precious life is. You can’t control the van crossing the median, or the myriad other cruel twists of fate, you can only control the manner in which you choose to live your own life, every moment of every day you’re blessed with.
The best you can do is live a life that you’re proud of, make choices that reflect who you are and who you want to be, so that when your number is called, you can stand up and be proud of who you are, down to your final moment. It sounds like Judy lived that kind of life. May she rest forever in peace.
Posted at 10:12 PM ET, 05/20/2012
Fatal crash closes Baltimore-Washington Parkway
By Del Quentin Wilber
Update, 10:12 p.m.: Police identified the two persons killed as Mohammed Hossain, 22, of West Lawn, Pa., and Judith Shinogle, 49, of Southeast Washington. Sgt. Paul Brooks said Hossain was driving the minivan and Shinogle the SUV.
Orginal Post: A fatal crash forced authorities to close the Baltimore-Washington Parkway for three hours Sunday morning, U.S. Park Police said.
The wreck occurred about 6:30 a.m., when a minivan traveling south crossed the median and slammed into a northbound sport utility vehicle near the exit for Maryland Route 193 in Greenbelt, Park Police Sgt.Paul Brooks said. The driver of the sport utility vehicle was killed, and the driver of the minivan was critically injured. That driver was rushed to a nearby hospital, Brooks said. No one else was injured.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/crime-scene/post/fatal-crash-closes-baltimore-washington-parkway/2012/05/20/gIQAXvx8cU_blog.html
Jennie, perfectly spoken.
Judy looks like she was a very warm and kind person. Life is very precious and delicate.
What an awful thing to happen. How sad for her and her dog, and for all those she left behind.
Monica and Jennie—true words of wisdom.
Dear Monica:
I am so sorry to read of the death of your friend. Your tribute to her was beautifully written and, I think, a testament to the loving person you are, May she and her beloved dog rest in peace.