Who is Judy?
Does that date say January 1, 2026? I wasn’t sure that was even possible. I checked my calendar, and yes—it’s correct. Time seems to be moving at warp speed these days.
I moved back to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, in 2014. It has now been twelve years since we returned home. My husband passed away in 2023, so three years have passed since that life-altering moment. This is the sixth “Who Am I?” writing I have done and the final entry in our fifth book featuring Sidetracked Stories.
My life has been a combination of major changes and steady constants. I am still living in Beaver Dam, in the same house, and I enjoy being on the same city block as two of my Sidetracked Sisters. My greatest challenge continues to be adapting to life as a widow. I think about Michael every day and deeply miss our relationship.
I returned to the banking business for most of 2024 and part of 2025. I enjoyed the people I worked with—both my fellow employees and the customers. However, I found that working full-time at my age was simply too much. The rapidly changing technology was also challenging, and I knew it would take significant time and energy to get fully up to speed.
After my brother-in-law passed away in December of 2024, I felt a strong desire to spend more time at home and with my family. At the ripe old age of seventy-six, I’m still not sure what I want to do when I grow up—if I grow up. Statistics say I have reached the average life expectancy, and that feels very strange.
With time to reflect, I realize I still have unfulfilled dreams. I have always wanted to do public speaking—to deliver a message of value and to make a difference. When I worked for Wisconsin Main Street, I had a taste of that experience and loved it.
I also have enough ideas and thoughts to write several more books. One gift of growing older is gaining wisdom about what to do—and what not to do. I would love to record audio versions of these books as well.
I have long dreamed of developing a legacy business that could be passed on to our son, Matt. This business would allow Matt, his family, and me to live debt-free and enjoy lives we truly love. I would also like to see Sidetracked Sisters continue to grow a strong reputation and following, helping the remaining sisters flourish.
Working with words has always been a skill I’ve enjoyed, both personally and professionally. It’s time to take action. The only thing standing in my way is me.
I have truly enjoyed contributing to our Sidetracked Stories books and leaving a legacy for our families. I am grateful to all of you who have followed us, and we look forward to sharing our next chapter with you.
Sidetracked Sisters
Sidetracked Sisters are two sets of sisters, one generation apart. The older sisters are as alike—and as different—as two sisters can be. One brunette and one blonde, one green-eyed and one brown-eyed. One stayed rooted in Beaver Dam, while the other traveled a bit. Sandy had two daughters, forming the second set of Sidetracked Sisters. Again, one brunette and one blonde, both with brown eyes, and as similar—and as different—as sisters can be. The name “Sidetracked Sisters” originated from the craft shows we hosted in our homes each year, especially during “Widow’s Weekend.” Professionally, our group consists of a retired paralegal, a retired banker, a retired teacher, and a hardworking computer software engineer. Sidetracked Sisters gives our creative sides permission to come out and play. It provides one more outlet to joke, criticize, tease, gently insult, and—sometimes—truly support one another. We have also learned that if you ask for an opinion, you are guaranteed to receive four different ones.