Eulogy: Sister-In-Law

Eulogy For Julia Edrich
© A. Edrich
All materials copyrighted

Eulogy: A formal expression of praise for someone who recently died.

Today we honor a woman who was the epitome of Southern Hospitality—a woman who knew how to show unconditional love and bring out the good in everyone. Today, we remember Julia Edrich—a woman of strong character and conviction. A woman who will truly be missed.

I wish I could be here in person to pay tribute to Julia’s memory, but circumstances made it impossible. And yet, I couldn’t let today go by without sharing my memories of this wonderful woman—my friend and my sister.

The day she welcomed me into her life was the day that I became her sister by marriage and her friend by choice. It was the day I learned what unconditional love truly was. It was the day that she accepted me into her life without reservations. I didn’t have to prove myself. I didn’t have to earn her trust. I didn’t have to apologize for my mistakes in life. I simply had to be me—flaws and all.

The first time we met in person, she was everything I envisioned her to be—loving, kind, generous, compassionate, caring, and simply remarkable! She had a beauty that shined from the inside out. And I remember feeling very welcome and wanted.

My son was six months old at the time and the minute we arrived, she took him from my arms and spoiled him rotten. When we left, we had a suitcase full of goodies and a wealth of wisdom to ponder.

Nearly five years later, we returned with our second child—her God-daughter, who was also six months old at the time. Once again, Julia spoiled my children with love and goodies. And once again, we left with a suitcase full of toys and lots of advice.

That was Julia. Always giving both of herself and her resources and never expecting anything in return.

But of all her advice and lessons learned, there is one that sticks out the most. Not because it was brilliant, but because it came completely from her heart.

It was at a time in my life when I regretted not accepting a full scholarship to law school because it would mean balancing a full work load at college, plus a full time career, and my family.

Julia looked me in the eyes and said, “You will always have time to build a career. But your children are only young once. You made the right decision.”

Then she took a deep breath and said, “If you can, don’t return to work until your children are completely grown and out of high school. People think their children only need them when they are young, but children need their parents even more when they are in high school. There’s so much peer pressure and so many life changing moments. You need to stay on top of that. I regret not being there more for my kids during those formidable years.”

Of course, I eventually returned to work, but I kept her advice to heart and only work from home—working a schedule that allows me the flexibility to keep one eye on my kids, and one eye on their peers.

When Julia came for a visit this summer, I learned a different type of hospitality. I learned what it meant to be a gracious guest and a wonderful God-mother, Auntie, and friend. And when she told us that she was considering a move to South Dakota in the next four years, I couldn’t help but feel giddy—who wouldn’t want such a remarkable woman living next door?!

While I will never get the opportunity to live next door to Julia, I feel honored and blessed to have gotten the opportunity to know her and learn from her.

Take care of my baby girl, Julia. We love you!

About The Author:
Alyice Edrich believes that eulogies, written from the heart, pay respect to the deceased, and give honor to his/her memory. Hire Alyice to help you write your eulogy, tribute, or funeral speech. Learn More

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