“Judge Judy” Sheindlin became a household name thanks to her swift verdicts and punchy one-liners during her long-running courtroom television show. In November Judy Justice premiered on IMDb TV, featuring Judy’s granddaughter Sarah Rose as law clerk. Here, Sarah Rose shares an intimate letter to the mentor she calls “the light of my life.”
Dear Nana,
From the moment I was born, I knew we would have something special. The photos of us from my early years show a connection most people have only after knowing and loving each other for years.
Throughout my life, your support and guidance have made me feel confident and secure in a way that’s allowed me to take risks and enjoy life in a way very few have the chance to experience. Throughout your life and your multiple successful careers, you have created a strong safety net for our entire family. This is one of the best gifts you could have given any of us. It has allowed us to go out in the world and venture down our respective paths knowing that you would always be there to support us or pick us up and dust us off if it didn’t go our way. That is one part of our life together that I wish the public got to see: the pure joy you get when the whole family comes together and shares life experiences and stories that have been made possible by your hard work and dedication.
Some of my most cherished memories are of when my parents would bring my siblings and me to the lake house to be with all the other cousins, aunts and uncles for a weekend. When the snow piled up in the winter, we would create a makeshift bunny hill in the backyard and ride down on saucers. The home videos of everyone laughing, all bundled up, just spending time together, show just how precious family is. You’ve always told me, “If you set the table, they will come.” You have set the family table for decades, and we all continue to gather there.
Family is so important, and I have seen firsthand how amazing it can be when there is a strong matriarch leading the way. You saw qualities in me that I eventually discovered but might not have without your nurturing and constant direction. You have had a significant impact on many young ladies’ lives, as evidenced by the fans who come up to you to share that you’re their inspiration for success.
You taught me that the way to build confidence is to be independent and do work in your life that is meaningful and impactful. I have taken that message to heart just as countless others have, and it has served me well.
I love you more and more each day and cannot wait for the future lessons we’ll get to share. You are the light of my life, and I love and respect you more than you know. With your advice and direction, I have all the tools I need to be a strong, independent woman. I am so lucky to have you as my biggest cheerleader and supporter — and very best friend.
xoxo,
Sarah Rose
This story originally appeared in the December 2021 issue of Good Housekeeping. Subscribe to Good Housekeeping.
