I am a 59 year old widow.  Becoming a widow has been the greatest unrequested change of my life. On the day my husband died my world stopped. I loved him like no other.  We were true companions.  I’m now 2 years into this life called widowhood.  As much as I dislike this life, I am determined to learn what I can from this experience.  I am choosing to become better, not bitter.  I am purposing to be transparent in my journey.  I am resolving to grow thru my grief.  It would be a travesty to become a victim of my circumstance.

I grew up as a Mennonite grass seed farmer’s daughter near Salem, Oregon.  Life was good.  I trained and rode my horses, picked strawberries and blackberries to earn money for school clothing, also did multiple chores such as helping my father burn fields during field burning season. Not every kid can say they grew up on a 1,000 plus acre farm. During the summer months our family, THE GINGERICH FAMILY SINGERS, also toured many cities and states while singing and ministering in local churches.

After 2 years of college I realized I was not sure what direction I wanted to take.  That is, until I met this tall good-looking guy at one of our GINGERICH FAMILY SINGER’S concerts. He was a logger / preacher’s son.  We clicked.  Sparks ignited.  Both families agreed we were a good match for each other.  We married in the summer of 1978.

Loren & I were married for 37 years. We drove our dump trucks and log trucks, together.  We raced hotrods at the Woodburn Dragstrip, together.   We taught NRA Gun Safety Classes, together.  We loved building our home on our ranch, together.

We have 4 lovely children together. One son and three daughters.  Before Loren passed away, we adored our 2 granddaughters.  Since he has passed, I have gained 4 more grandchildren–one by birth, 3 by marriage.

I am an employee at Willamina Elementary School.  I also own and operate Julia Wasson Music Studios where I teach private piano lessons and private voice lessons.

Unfortunately, Loren and my story on earth has ended.  I’m 100% confident my love & I will reunite in Heaven but for this time and season he is there and I am here.

“So Lord, give me strength and wisdom to make wise decisions for the balance of my life here on earth.  Amen.”  ~ Julia Gingerich Wasson