One of the things I briefly mentioned was that it was when I was 3 years old and my Uncle Dick married my Aunt Janet, that I became Janie to my family. We even have the same middle name. I tease her that I brought her into our lives. I set the table and said, a spoon for Dick, a fork for Dick and a WIFE for Dick. I told him on more than one occasion that he chose the best. My Aunt Janet helped me through more than one rough patch.

The only other things I remember before starting kindergarten at Franklin School are just running and playing all day everyday. Summer days lasted forever. I loved to run through the sprinklers. Play with my dolls under the shade trees. Sneak yellow cherries from Young’s tree 😉 Play with the neighborhood kids (especially Rhonda and Linda) and my cousins when they came.

I don’t have a lot of specific memories from kindergarten except for naps and milk for a snack. I do remember the day President John F Kennedy was shot. Our teacher went to the door and spoke with someone in the hall. She came in and had tears in her eyes. We went outside to the flag pole and they lowered it to half mass. My Grandma and I watched the funeral and I felt such a connection to John Jr. and Carolyn. I felt that long after, even as an adult. My heart was so sad for them when the clips would be on tv. I cried when John Jr. died. I named my oldest daughter Jacque. (spelled different because that was what her Dad wanted.)

When we were in second grade the tradition of standing up the first day of school and introducing ourselves began. I have asked friends from Franklin if they remember this and they don’t. Which says a lot about the effect it had on me. We had to say who our parents were. I always dreaded this so much. I remember putting my head down until it was my turn so no one would see the tears I fought. I know we did this most every year after second grade. I bring this up because I think it is important to show the effects the accident had on me. I have read a few articles and it is normal when you lose even one parent to feel different. No one around you knows how you feel but you feel it.

There was once when I was in 4th Grade, I shared my situation with a friend when we were playing. Her mother called me in the house and chewed me out and told me never to talk about it again. She did not ask if I was all right or try in any way to understand my situation. She did not call my Grandma and let her know what happened. (As a Mom and a Grandma I find that so unacceptable.) I went home and talked to my Grandma about it. In her wisdom she explained that not everyone understood what her and I did. She formed a bond with me over it and that only grew with time. Again she made sure I knew “God had a plan and we were left to take care of each other.

I am not sure of my age when my neighbor Rhonda’s dad passed away. Lower grade school. He was always very kind to my Grandma and me. He would check on us when the weather was bad. He worked for the gas company and always made sure our pilot lights were lit and working right. He took me with Rhonda to my first drive in movie. I was heartbroken. Rhonda and I bonded and talked a lot about it together. When we played dolls or house we would use our play telephone to call 7-11-heaven. She would talk to her Dad and I would talk to my Mom and Dad. I am so thankful we had each other. As we grew up, we grew apart because of our age difference. But our bond remained.

Other than these few things, I think I had a very normal time at school. (I am still friends with many of the kids I went to school with. They are some of the best people I know.) I still was very attached to my Grandma. I slept with her a lot of the time. However I did have my own room and slept in my own bed at times. I mention this because I feel like my Grandma did whatever made me feel the best about myself. I would think she would have loved some down time and her own bed but she always put me first.

I wrote most of this a while ago, but wanted to add to it. Our summer has been busy and full of family and friends. I have gotten to deliver hugs to many family members.

I am thinking I will continue my story when the snow flies this winter. For now I am loving life and have a few more mini trips planned. Please just love your people!! Life is so uncertain, but love makes the difference!!