Joe's mom, Janet, passed away on February 23, at the age of 86.
She was the most godly woman I've ever known, and had a profound influence on my life.
When Joe and I got married in 1989, Janet had previously moved to North Carolina
after a messy divorce. She had been a teacher in her early years and was the Assistant
Dean of the Law College at UNL. In Summerfield, North Carolina, she became head
of the counseling department at Guilford College, where she worked until
retirement. So when we got married, I had never met Janet, and was very
worried about meeting this brilliant woman!
However, she made me feel so loved and accepted from the very first meeting! She was
so comfortable to be around and I loved her dearly........from the start! Her Christian faith was
so strong, and filled her conversation with all that she met. She was a natural grandmother
and loved all six of her grandchildren. Even though she lived on the east coast, Janet made
several trips a year to visit and have fun with us all!
Spending time with baby Courtney - 1991
When Rachel came along in 1993, "Mary Poppins" was quick to make her appearance to help!
Adding Jonathan to the bunch in 1994 only added more fun to the mix!
When Jonathan turned one, and absolutely demolished his cupcake, Janet was
there to clean up his mess, both on his hands and on the floor. It was so funny!
We always had so much fun when Janet visited. She always brought "surprises", and
usually had a Bible play written that the kids would act out.
I was very into scrapbooking during those years, so I always took lots of pictures.
I am so thankful I have all of these!!!
Janet was so excited to follow our adoption of David and loved him right from the start!
Janet, and her husband, Doyle had become very involved with American Revolution
re-enactments. Janet was a wonderful seamstress and sewed all of their costumes.
She made the girls and Jonathan and David period correct outfits which they wore when
we visited North Carolina to attend some of their events.
One of my most favorite pictures ever...............
We didn't have as many visits from Janet once we moved to Arizona. She was getting
older, and flying was not as easy for her as it once was. But we still treasured
those times together.
Grandma and Courtney rocking the hats!
Even though this picture was taken on our tractor on our farm in Arizona, it
symbolizes, to me, Janet's joyous entrance into Heaven to finally be in the
presence of her Saviour, whom she loved so much!
VICTORY!
I will always love you, Janet, and am so thankful you were my "mother-in-love"!
Can't wait to see you again! And I will!
