Monday, May 10, 2010

Hi and Welcome!

You are invited to get yourself a cup of coffee, borrow Janie's purple pen, and share your stories about Janie Booth. Relax and have fun. Bless others with your memories of Janie just as she blessed others with her amazing life.

Click 'comments' below to leave your story...sign in if you want or comment as a 'Guest.' And please give your name near the beginning so anyone reading can know who's writing.

God bless you and thanks for stopping by.

79 comments:

  1. Hi it's Chris. One nice thing about starting a new blog is that you get to comment first!

    Please post as much as you want and as often as you want....I'm really looking forward to the many ways that Janie touched your lives.

    Love, Chris

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  2. Chris,

    Donna and I are thinking of Janie with fond memories and praying for His comfort for you and all the family.

    We do rejoice that she is with The Lord at last and thankful for the way He gently took her home.

    W & D

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  3. I wish I could remember the first time I met Janie. It was probably at a music-related "thing". Either way I am certainly one of the many to have been blessed to know her (and those closest to her). I will post again but I wanted to read what others are saying and now I can subscribe to the comments via email. And in case you didn't know...Chris is an outstanding testament of Christ's love and exceptionally talented to boot, so I highly recommend his blog.
    God bless you Chris, Becca, Daniel, and Carly.

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  4. I remember how we always used to have bread & butter with our spaghetti. One night, as Mom took a slice of bread, she thought it would be nice to offer it to us, too. So she held it out and swept it around saying, "Bread anyone?" After that we always teased her every time we had bread. :)

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  5. And the dream I had that as she tucked me into bed when I was 5 or 6 she prayed about crayons. Of all the strange dreams?

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  6. I remember last year after Mill River prom a bunch of us came back to the Booths house to hang out. Anxious to get out of all of our fancy attire the girls started to take the millions of bobby pins out of their hair. As part of my up do I had orchids pinned in my hair. As soon as I took them out Janie thoughtfully placed them in a bowl of water to keep them alive. This was so nice of her but wouldn’t do much good because the flowers were silk.
    This is just one of the many memories I have with Janie. She has truly taught me so much from piano lessons to bible studies. Plus as a little kid she was the only adult I was allowed to call by their first name. And in the fourth grade that is a big deal! So thank you God for giving us Janie and for the many ways she touched lives in a way only she could. And thank you Janie (and Chris too) for naming Beek, “Becca” so we could have the same name :)

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  7. haha I remember that silk flower Becca! -Chris

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  8. Early on when you guys moved here, Janie gave Morgan piano lessons! I could not have asked for someone more talented or kind. Morgan went on to clarinet but her early lessons paid off. Just recently she was hired to play piano at one her San Fran venues! Janie never pushed, just inspired with her sweet nature. She was a blessing to many musically.

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  9. I met Janie and her family years ago when we were teenagers. They came to The Wallingford Baptist Church. (I'm Tad & Annice's oldest daughter) I remember thinking how cool it was to know someone from the Cape! (It seemed like such a far away place back then)

    I hadn't seen Janie in many years, but was lucky to run into her last fall. She was exactly how I remembered her .. always smiling and just a super sweet person. I am so glad we had that chance meeting last November. It brought up all the wonderful memories.

    Patti Plew

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  10. Jane ShortsleevesMay 11, 2010 at 8:15 AM

    I don't have any one specific memory of Janie just a bunch of them from many years of knowing her. In every picture, in every memory, she is smiling. Janie and Chris have had a huge impact on so many young people in the Rutland area through RACS and the Rutland Area youth group. We all have been so blessed to have known her.

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  11. I LOVE purple! What a lovely color for such a lovely woman! I met Janie when we were all mourning Chrissy B, I was so warmed by her "mom-ness" to all the teenagers, the way she and Chris stepped in and just loved on those kids, and made everything a little warmer, I never saw her without a smile, I never saw her family without a smile, you would NEVER know they had a "sick mom". I can tell from the love of her family, and the way she was with people that she lived out the Prov. 31 woman, and I know that when she was able to lay aside her tired human body, she embraced her dear Saviour and heard "WELL DONE DAUGHTER!" Thank you for sharing her with us! I know how it feels to one minute be relived for your loved one to be pain-free at last, and then to ache for them the next. God IS GOOD. Praise the Lord for the HOPE of Salvation!

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  12. Heather Wells HeimMay 11, 2010 at 11:52 AM

    What a wonderful way to honor the spirit of Janie. As a younger cousin, I always looked up to Janie and wanted to be just like her. I remember getting some of her hand-me-downs (after they went to Heidi) and following her around wherever she went. Once when I was visiting Na (Stutzie to Janie) - we were looking at pictures and when we came to one of Janie-Lynn she said, "Janie is the kind of Mother who always has something baking in the oven and is always ready to hold her children in her lap." What a lovely way for Stutzie to remember her grand daughter! I also have a memory of the double handed mittens she made for Chris and Janie (maybe when they were in high school?) so they could hold hands - even when it was cold. Chris - is this true or has my mind made it up?

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  13. It seems as though every time I bumped into Janie it was at a music event at school or in the community. I remember attending a jazz combo event at the Rutland library a couple of years ago and not really knowing anyone there. That is,until I spotted Janie across the room. She greeted me with a big smile as she always did. It was an experience that repeated itself at music events at the hospital, nursing homes, school and elsewhere. She always had a smile and kind word for others. Janie has left us all with special memories and it is these memories that will carry you through the difficult days ahead.

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  14. Haha! The double handed mittens absolutely existed and got much use!

    Your other comments Heather are also 100% accurate: she always had something in the oven (I can smell those chocolate chip cookies right now) and was first to bounce anyone's baby on her knee.

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  15. I have so many great memories of Janie! One of my first was when I was four. Janie gave me my first "real" haircut. I had long, luscious, golden locks and I wanted a bob. I probably didn't know what a bob was at the time, but that's what I got. I remember sitting in my kitchen, watching the inches of curls fall around my face. When she was finished, I ran outside to feel the wind in my hair. Later that day, my dad came home from work and practically cried because my hair was gone. To this day, he still hates it when I get a haircut. :) Janie had so many gifts. There wasn't anything she couldn't do!

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  16. Hi everyone! I’m Jill – Chris’ ‘little’ cousin :) :)

    Speaking of the oven, that has to do with one of my favorite memories of Janie too! My parents and I came to visit when I was young...it might have been to meet Becca for the first time after she was born, but I’m not exactly sure. Janie had made this beautiful pie and my mom (Aunt Mary to everyone else) kept oohh’ing and aahh’ing over this thing. Janie had used this glass pie plate and painstakingly put little cutouts all around the edge and the top of the crust. My mom had an appreciation of anyone who would channel their “inner Martha Stewart” so she was quite impressed! So Janie bakes the pie and when it was done (with more admiration from my mom over her shoulder) puts it on top of the stove to cool.

    A few minutes later there’s a loud POP and a shattering noise, followed by hysterical laughing coming from Janie and my mom...yep, the pie had been placed on a burner that was still on and it exploded! There was pie and glass EVERYWHERE and my mom just kept saying ‘the beautiful pie...all of that work!’

    Janie’s beautiful laugh and smile is the first thing I see when I think of her and it always warms my heart, as I know that it does for everyone else. My love and prayers are with you and the kids, Chris. :)

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  17. Hello everyone my name is Amberly:
    One of my memories is when I went to Becca's house before a rehearsal for Curtain's pit band. Janie insisted that I have something to eat, even though I told her that I was not okay and wished not have anything,but she packed me a little something anyway. I appreciated everything that she ever has done. Janie and Chris raised a strong loving family and I am truly blessed that I have met them.

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  18. Remember our attempts at movie making back when jeremy, becca and susannah were little? "Barney, the Legacy of the Lizard" was an all time family classic. Chris, you shot the video and janie, tom and i did the voices for the characters. boy we laughed a lot in those days

    cousin jenny

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  19. I remember how she use to encourage me to sing even tho I got picked on about it. She taught me to love music and to enjoy the art of it.

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  20. Once when she called a Chinese restaurant (#1 Takeout? I don't remember)she put in her order. The guy on the other end told her to come at 4:30. But he didn't give her a choice. "You come four thirty, okay?" *click* bzzzzz.

    I know that isn't exactly how it happened (Anna was just criticizing me) but it's close enough.

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  21. When I was little, when I finished brushing my teeth, I would go to the top of the stairs and call for Mom. She would come and I would display to her my teeth, showing off how clean they were. She would pretend like they would blinding, they were so shiny. She would cover her face with her hands. It made me feel so good, like I was doing a good job.

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  22. Nancy Booth--I'm Chris's mom. We have been so very blest to have Janie as part of our family. I couldn't have ordered a more perfect wife for my son. Janie & her sparkle will be missed desperately; her smile, her giggle, her charm, her willingness to work & to help; her musical talents; her love for her family & her most noticeable wondrous love for her husband, my son. I loved you,Janie & felt privileged that I could call you "daughter-in-law".

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  23. The very first time we met Janie and Chris was at the 2004 Wallingford Memorial Day parade with Dia and Peter. Janie and Orla were talking about Orla's house being for sale. They both talked and laughed and talked and laughed and I could not understand a word Orla said. I wondered about Janie, "How does she know what she is laughing at?" Well, I understand Orla perfectly now so it was obviously just me at the time. (I hope you are not offended Orla.)

    Many other memories were to come. Sunday evening services are my favorite. Those services were more like a family devotion time. I loved them! Janie played the piano and would look around from the piano bench when Sandy Eddy would come up with one of her hymn requests from the archives. Janie would give her this funny look and just go to it. Many times we would be laughing and unable to sing the song until the second verse. After service in the summer we would go to Doreen's for some ice cream. We always wanted Chris to preach quickly so we could get there before Doreen closed up. It did not matter if it was cold out. We would eat our ice cream with blankets wrapped around us and teeth chattering. We had our priorities straight. I don't know why we never thought of moving the service to the picnic tables at Doreen's. That would have been cool, pun intended.

    Most fondly I remember Janie as "Chris & Janie". Their dedication in ministry together has blessed so many. We are praying for your family as we have since we met and thank our precious Lord for you.

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  24. Comments from Jay & Stacey Smith:

    Our fondest memory of Janie is what Tim said as a small boy years ago. We believe the quote was, "Janie Panie in the neck 'cause she has a hecky heck!" We often say that to each other when we are thinking of her. We don't remember why he said that, but it sure sounds like he was frustrated with her about something!

    We also have very fond memories of spending time with you at the cabin when you first moved to Vermont. And then, after you moved to Killington Ave., we did our weekly Bible study. That was before we had kids. Unfortunately, life got busy with kids and our weekly visits disappeared. We always had good intentions of getting together again to catch up. We sure missed spending time with you.

    Janie was an amazing person. Always upbeat and happy. She was a role model for many. It sure would be easy to feel like "woe is me", but not Janie. She knew that God had a plan. We hope to leave such a lasting impression on people as Janie did!

    Chris, Rebecca, Daniel, and Carly -- you were privileged to have been blessed with such an amazing wife and mother. We love you all!

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  25. When i think of janie i always remember the times when i was little and would go over to play with erin and carly. I would have to say the best memory i have from then is when carly erin and i were extremely bored and asked janie to give us a suprise, so janie being her amazingly creative self made a scavenger hunt for us and hid little sticky notes all over their yard with clues leading to our treasure, (which ended up being a very large bag of jellybeans and other great things.) The entire time she was hiding them carly erin and i sat at the top of the stairs asking her every five minutes if she was ready yet and every time she wouldn't answer because she was outside and we didnt know it. Every time we wouldnt get an answer we'd look at eachother and say in extremely loud voices "APPARENTLY NOT" and just sit there and laugh. Thats what Janie was all about i dont remember a single time at the booths house where we didnt laugh histerically about something. My prayers are with all of your family Chris, Becca, Daniel and Carly
    - Emily :)

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  26. Hi. I am Janie's uncle. In I guess about 1979 or 1980, I was looking for some adventuresome companions for a whitewater rafting trip to northern Maine. Two candidates volunteered. I'll call them "W" and "J". (Older sister "D" and younger brother "T" were occupied - or too old or young, respectfully ... I forget.) So, W and J and I made the eight hour trip, had dinner and stayed at a place with a pineapple theme - pineapples everywhere. The next day we hit Class 3 and 4 waves until we were exhausted. We laughed and splashed and laughed some more. On the way home, for reasons known only to herself, W decided to test the cigarette lighter in my car - remember cigarette lighters? - on her index finger! To my and J's wonder and long laughter, W learned that it worked! Many days have passed since that long ago trip, but I remember it frequently. It was precious. So were my companions.

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  27. Hey its Justin Martelle-
    Janie was one of very few people at RACS that didn't kick me or Bart out of class and i don't know why cause we talked all the time. People don't realize it but she performed a miracle when she was at RACS........she somehow made me enjoy all those performances that we had to do. It probably was because of her passion for glorifying God through music, man it spread like wild fire!!

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  28. My name is Jessica Weber and I teach music at Rutland Intermediate School. For two years I was fortunate to work with Janie, teaching 7th and 8th Grade Chorus. The class was at 8:00 AM!

    Janie was our accompanist, and each morning she would come in full of smiles and good cheer and support our singing with her beautiful playing.

    Janie's music radar was sharply tuned. She picked up on every nuance, smoothed over and hid our imperfections with skill and humility. She always made us sound better than we were.

    Personally, I will miss Janie's good humor, positive outlook. The students at school who knew her will miss her as well. May her memory always be for blessing and may she rest in peace.

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  29. Hi...it's Bonny Grupe, I met you back in 1998 while working at Vermont National Bank in the Ames plaza! I always looked forward to seeing you at the bank. It was such a pleasure to wait on you...always smiling, always patient & always friendly. You made my day! When I left the bank and went to work at RRMC, It was my turn to be your smiling, concerned & patient friend when you came to the DI Dept for your tests. Such an inspiration....such courage in the face of this awful sickness. I am so saddend that you have left us Janie, but so privileged to have known you. I will never forget you. God Bless your family.

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  30. There are so many things I want to post here - but for tonight - the one that comes to mind first is a time when Janie truly helped me move forward in the area of hope. Our families were getting ready to go out to a movie together, and my kids were starting to get really excited, and I did something I used to do all the time (until Janie helped to break me of it). I said: "Now, the movie might be sold out, or it might not even be that good of a movie - so don't be too excited about it." And Janie was like... "Don't do that." And I remember looking at her, and realizing she was serious (but as kind as ever of course), and I was like: "Don't do what?" and she lovingly but firmly said: "Don't Pre-disappoint them!" And she was exactly right. I realized for the first time what I was doing and that it was not exactly healthy - that I was trying to avoid disappointment by making it happen ahead of time! (and I did this all the time!) Janie helped me so much. As I realized what I was doing, I was shocked at myself, but not in the least offended - even something like this was such a safe experience with someone like Janie. We even laughed about it all that night, and yet I really moved forward in not doing that anymore. I know it sounds strange, but this was a serious turning point for me (and my kids were so happy she helped break me of this habit!) It was not until that night that I realized I had a serious fear of disappointment! Later on Janie helped me take a look at that and turn that over to the Lord. She also modeled for me the type of mom who is not afraid of disappointment - her faith was bigger than the things that threaten to disappoint or do disappoint - and this was such good news for me (still is!). I wanted faith like that (still do!), and so I pressed on from that night forward to find it! I am eternally grateful for Janie - for the big and small ways she mentored me and so many others to press on to love and trust Christ more. Thanks for letting me share. Love Kim

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  31. Hello, It's Lee, There is one memory of Janie that I keep remembering, Way back when I was living on the Cape, I was over at the Brown's house and Janie and I were singing around the piano. I asked her to play "blessed assurance" but I wanted her to play it like they did at the Billy Graham crusades. She did it to perfection, with a little bit of hamming it up. This is still my favorite song and to this day I still try to have it played the way she did it. I am going to miss you Janie. When we meet in Heaven I hope we can do the song again. Chris, Deb and I are praying for you and your family.
    In Christ, Lee

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  32. I’m Carol, Chris’s sister and, like Kim, there is so much I could say here but I’ll limit it best I can! Sorry in advance for being a space hog, but here goes...

    Chris and Janie put everyone at ease. That was something that never changed their whole lives and marriage together. Even last week, as Chris gave me the news, he ended with, “If there’s anything anyone an do for me, it’s just to be real.” That’s what they were. They always made you feel comfortable just to be with. I guess that’s true hospitality, isn’t it. Not showy, or self-aggrandizing. Mostly just fun! And how are you doing? And she’d remember that last thing you’d been talking about and want to know what was up. And with such excitement and vigor her questions would just make you want to talk and visit! It’s a rare person who makes you feel so at ease, comfortable like an old shoe. I’d have to force myself to remember to ask her questions too.


    I think I first met Janie at Pioneer Girls’ Club at Osterville Baptist Church. I was new, probably 9, and she about 11. I remember getting my little blue sash, like Miss America, that we all had, with just the club patch on it. And then when we all lined up with our grade for the opening pledges. Glancing over at the “big girls”, there was this curly dark haired girl, with her sash ENCRUSTED with patches! WOW! We didn’t speak at that point, but thus began my saga of admiration for Janie Brown.

    I grew up feeling like, and wishing I really was, a little sister to Janie. Our paths crossed once in awhile when we were younger as our churches did things together. But I gradually knew her more as she started hanging out with my brother, Chris. Chris had never had a girlfriend before. He didn’t even “like” girls before! He was only 16. So this was an interesting development...

    She was an accomplished musician. She played piano, she played violin, she sang. I sang and played flute, too. I can remember before a concert we both had at BHS she was hanging out with everyone in the choir room with the orchestra, and Chris was there, too. He was holding her violin bow, and I don’t know what happened, but he dropped it, and broke it right in half! We were all horrified, but she was especially because it was the orchestra teacher, Mrs. Lajoi’s! Janie was 1st chair and had a solo that night!!

    She was always nothing but kind to me. I was secretly so envious of her, and also looked up to her in so many ways, like the sister I never had. I wished I had her curls, I wished I had her many talents, I was even jealous that her glasses prescription was stronger than mine...! I missed the time she spent with my brother, and of the sweet relationship they had. Chris and I had been buddies when we were little, and now she was calling him “Pal”. And I knew I shouldn’t feel so covetous, because they were so cool with me. They were such good friends, and with their personal rule of “No PDA”, it was sometimes almost like they weren’t even girlfriend/boyfriend! I so respected that.

    And after being out together somewhere, and I tagged along with them far too much, it was the best to go back to the Brown’s for hot fudge brownie treats. Wow. What a creation. And watch out for Shane, he bites. And all I wanted to do was pet him. I never stopped trying.

    (to be continued - the blog limits lengths! The nerve! :p)

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  33. This is Carol (cont.)I have memories of my own working a summer job with her at Cape Cod Candies. She, and all her sisters, had worked there, with Mr. DeBenedictus, for years before I came. She was my trainer that first day or week or so. There was side work to be done when we weren’t helping customers, one job which was restocking the chocolate trays in the display case. She was an expert at putting those hand-dipped chocolates into the little paper cups. She was friendly and FAST, and could tie a bow around a chocolates box with lightning speed I only hoped I could learn to duplicate. We’d be scheduled together a lot, and on slow evenings, we’d be boxing up candies, waiting for customers, kinda hoping someone cute would come in, for my benefit, of course. She was already with Chris, I think, but just barely. We’d love to work on Saturday nights, when Mr. D would let us switch the radio to WGBH for John Williams and The Boston Pops concert. She would get so excited for that, and watch the clock for it! It’s 6:00!!

    Of course they got married, that was a given everyone expected. So I finally did get to be her (little)sister-in law. Yay! And Chris and Janie were probably the first to really be excited and glad to meet Jonathan, this guy from CA that I was excited about. After meeting him for the first time, I remember them saying, when Jonathan had already gone upstairs to bed, at the Bolton house, so when’s the wedding? You are going to marry him, aren’t you? What encouragement and acceptance!

    I loved that house. I loved that they made it homey, even with limited means. Janie decorated with herbs tied with little silk ribbons, hand-sewn curtains, metal folding chairs at the dining room table. Chris’s photos on lots of the walls. Plants, pictures. Lots of pictures. Aside from long-distance phone calls, most of my adult memories with them are in that Bolton house. First they lived in that little attached apartment upstairs, so tiny with the huge vaulted ceiling attic above it. But she made it homey and bright. Did she paint everything?? And was there anything in her kitchen that she didn’t sew? place mats, curtains, napkins... And of course the gifts she gave, if not quilts themselves, then quilted wall-hangings, pillows, draw-string bags for holding things in. That’s just a few of the things I have!! That house was so cool, when they moved to the main part, though. I remember they would put plastic over the inside of the windows to try to keep out the cold in winter. And as the wind would blow, it would move slowly in, and out, like they were breathing. So freaky. Of course there was a fire in the fireplace. And we’d listen to good music on the amazing sound system Chris set up. Really loud. Good stuff like Pat Methany and Phil Keaggy and wild choral stuff like “Tomorrow Shall be My Dancing Day” and all. Jonathan just about knew he would marry me the evening we listened and Janie and I danced around to that song in uninhibited spontaneity in their living room. Again, really loud.

    She made most things look easy, yet if you mentioned she was good at anything, she’d always roll her eyes and make a goofy face, usually with bunny teeth; a true humility of spirit that was believable and rare, and put the complimenter at ease. I mostly remember her laughing. I picture her laughing in my mind. Or reading. Or making something.

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  34. (the rest of the story - Carol) Chris and Janie were so thrilled, and uniquely equipped, to serve. She with the energy and enthusiasm, the creativity and fun and hospitality, he with the doctrine and books and teaching and listening heart. From their kids’ schools, to homeschooling when they needed that, to preaching in church, to leading the youth group and being the “go-to” house where all the kids would land. They would all show up at their house whether just to hang out and eat and jam or to cling to one another in the tragic loss of a friend. They were present with you. They were intentional about their choices and activities.

    I never actually saw her these years that she was sick. I so wanted our girls to know her and love her and grow from knowing her. We wanted to visit, but it just couldn’t work it out on the few trips East we've had. I cannot picture her sick, except as I may imagine it. I have mostly talked on the phone with Chris these last few years. And these have been the years I have seen them come to maturity in their faith and love for Jesus and Truth. They have a conviction about the Lord like few I know. I miss her already and can’t wait to see her again!

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  35. My memories of Janie - she made the best chocolate chip cookies, cabin talk "but I didn't say breasts," Janie & Chris' support of the band - they took them on the road, her great sense of humor. If you didn't KNOW Janie had cancer you wouldn't have known. I remember when we had chicken eggs in an incubator at work & were all guessing which egg would hatch first - mine did! I was very excited & Janie got me a little basket with a toy chick & M & M's. I feel very blessed to have known Janie. She is the bravest person I have ever met.

    Maureen A

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  36. Everyone tried to make her cookies but nobody could...

    Carly

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  37. It's true Carly, no one can ever make cookies like your moms! But I have a funny memory of you. You were really little and had this infatuation with playing hide and go seek. One day I was at your house, making some sort of amazing craft creation with Becca, because Janie always showed us how to make the best things ever. Anyways, we were crafting away at the table, and then we discovered you were missing. Janie, Becca and I frantically searched the house, the yard, the basement, yelling your name. "CARLY! CAAAARLY! CARLYYYYYYY!" But alas, you were no where to be found. We convened in the kitchen, and Janie was JUST about to dial 911 when we heard this faint giggle. We all stood in silence and our eyes roamed the room. There it was a again, only louder. Janie ran into the living room, and there you were! Underneath the dining room table!! Were you quite the mischievous, adorable, funny little girl. :)

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  38. Hi Chris et al,

    This is Amari (Parker) Harrison, back from Trinity Church days. I have really wonderful memories of Janie as a youth group leader. I remember her fantastic laugh. And her warmth. And I will always remember her telling us stories about you guys as a young married couple -- of course it was so romantic and fun to hear those "how we got together" stories when I was in 6th-7th grade. But I love the one about how you were so young when you were married that it was really the first time you had every lived on your own and away from your parents' rules and schedules, and how sometimes you would eat ice cream and nothing else for dinner, just because you could. :)

    Chris, what a honor and special memory it was to have you and Janie attend and photograph my own wedding to my own best friend. Although your images don't appear in my album, I will always remember you in your beige suit and Janie in her black dress with red flowers. It was awesome to have you guys there and to reminisce about old youth group days.

    Thank you both!! You and your kids remain in our constant prayers. XOXO

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  39. Natalie Boyle here. I know this sounds really hokey, but as I have sat and considered Janie and who she was and who she still is to me, I think of James Taylor (and can we all just hear her laughing at that statement right
    now?!?)
    "You just call out my name, And you know wherever I am
    I'll come running to see you again.
    Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call
    And I'll be there... You've got a friend"

    She was always the smile, the laugh, the hand of friendship and support that I cherished, no matter if times were good or bad. Even in her illness, she never ceased to take the time to ask about the kids or Bruce or myself. I loved laughing with her--she had such a great sense of humor! Carly, I know a lot of that has rubbed off on you (btw--I have wrestled a giant squid, but I'm having trouble procuring an elephant...)

    I will always cherish the time we spent teaching music together at RACS. Orchestra, chorus, Christmas, Easter and Memorial Day programs. How about double booking the Christmas program and final exams? She was always the picture of composure!

    I will miss her dearly, but I see her love, her life, her joy and her beauty living on in her children, in Chris, in her family, and in the lives of all those she has touched. JB, you are amazing woman!

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  40. Yea, those famous cookies! They always started a scramble around here! We all fought to get to them while they were still warm. We will miss them, but not nearly as much as Janie's smiling face and positive attitude. Janie touched our lives deeply and it was a privilege to have known her. Over the years it was Janie who actually enriched our lives by her example of how she embraced life and everyone around her. We will miss her and think of her often, but know that she is at peace. Chris, we are thinking of you and your family. We admire your strength and faith.
    love,
    Shelley, Kimberly, and Laurie

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  41. Oh the good old days of Booth Group...I've learned so much from Janie and Chris over the years of Bible studies. One of my favorite things about Janie is that she knew how to make awkward situations, like waiting for someone to volunteer to close youth group in prayer, less awkward. Sometimes, if she was in a particularly preachy mood, she'd remind us that it's a privilege to be able to pray. Or, if she was in a silly mood, which was more often than not, she'd say "cue the crickets!" and burst out laughing to break the silence. She had a contagious laugh! :) Now, I find myself breaking the silence. Thanks for everything you guys have done to enrich my faith!

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  42. Ruth & Denny

    We will always think of Janie as one of the most courageous people we have ever know. We loved her long before she was struck with cancer, have since she was a child and moved to Wallingford with her folks. We always admired her wit and spunkiness. Who wouldn't love that smile! But the cancer showed what Janie was truly made of - a woman of God's own choosing who suffered for Him to reveal His grace under pressure to ALL THOSE WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HER. Janie fought a great fight and finished the course that was set before her. Cancer is not the victor here. God called her home after she finished all that was asked of her."Well done thou good and faithful servant." We will miss you sorely but know we will see you again someday. God bless ya.

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  43. From Wayne: I liked her cup of flour game. Fill thecup with flour and turn it unside down. People took turns cutting into the flour tower without making it fall. If you made it fall you lose. Another flour story is so unbelieveably messy I am pained to recall it for you here!

    I liked calling Janie to give her the hymns and order of service at Faith Community Church. If she wasn't busy, we would talk about things that seem like magic now. It's as if Janie was everybody's best friend.

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  44. From Donna: I loved it when Janie added light, sweet flourishes to hymns..especially Fairest Lord Jesus. It sounded like Heaven come to Earth.

    We recall a few missed notes over the years and her rolling her eyes and grinning as only she could. Everyone loved it!

    Not sure Chris and Kids, but Janie's favorite Bible verse seemed to be: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
    "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I never got around to asking her why she picked--JUST ABOUT THE HARDEST VERSE IN THE WHOLE BIBLE to aspire to, to pray with longing for, and to encourage others with. It doesn't really matter I guess, cause I think that verse chose her.

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  45. I have just loved reading these comments and stories. Especially loved the reminder of the "bread anyone?" story Carly! I remember hearing someone tell that story when we were over for dinner once, and I believe there was even a reenactment as I recall! I loved the "cue the crickets" story! (that made me laugh out loud - so easy to hear her saying that). Also the story about Janie and Chris eating ice cream for dinner and nothing else just because they could. Thanks so much for each of these stories and all the other stories/comments as well. They are such a blessing to me. Love Kim

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  46. Chris here. Janie came up with these names for ice cream in place of proper meals:

    Bovine Breakfast
    Lactose Lunch
    Dairy Dinner

    We had a lot of Dairy Dinners...not just as newlyweds but even recently with the family! Are we terrible parents? Hey, calcium is an important part of a balanced diet.

    Thank you all so much for your stories...I've been enjoying them very much and they are helping me get through this week. I feels good to laugh!

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  47. Tim
    Hi, for those who don't know me, I am Janie's brother. The girls, and especially Janie were terribly excited that night, almost thirty six years ago, to know that when their parents arrived home, they would bring with them a puppy!
    However, they brought me, and any look of dissapointment from my three sisters was immediately gone. I was pampered from day one, with the closest bond with Janie.
    She being closer to my age made growing up with her awesome. I used to be the bratty little brother, but her and her inginuity found ways to poke some humor at me. I distinctly remember one time when she poured ketchup on her arm and ran screaming through the house that she had cut herself by accident, I was completely freaked out, until she gave me that smile, you know, the one where she would stick her front teeth over her lip?
    I can't be positive, but I believe she might have had something to do with me attempting to fly like Mary Poppins off the roof with an umbrella. That was unsuccesfull.
    She was the person who sheltered me the most, as the other girls grew up and moved out, Janie stayed just a bit longer, I wanted her to stay forever. She would be the one when our parents would be upstairs, to sneak me out of bed to watch the muppet show with me. She would always appreciated my jokes, no matter how bad. She was everything you would look for in a big sister. All I have are good memories. Janie, I love you.
    Tim

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  48. Roger and Karen NielsenMay 14, 2010 at 12:33 PM

    Although we have not seen Janie and Chris since they moved from Bolton, we have often thought and prayed for them over the past few years when we heard of Janie's illness.
    Chris and Janie were in our Bible Study and we enjoyed them tremendously. I remember her kind acts and thoughfulness and her wonderful chocolate chip cookies, unmatched by anyone! I also remember Chris and Janie and some others surprising us one evening by helping us move from one house to another, needless to say a huge task. Her smile and positive attitude were contagious. We will continue to keep Chris and the family in our prayers.

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  49. Donna, again!

    Couldn't turn my mind off last night after praying with Wayne.

    One of Chris' Sunday sermons was about taking pleasure in God--knowing He takes pleasure in us-a really encouraging message! He began by talking about Janie...he said yes, he was in relationship with Janie but how would it be if he just "did his duty"i.e showed up with flowers on their anniverary with a so-so attitude, etc...
    Then he said "I love Janie...I like being married to Janie...I'm happy to bring her flowers...to see her face! He talked about the pleasure of being with her and how it could be like that with the Lord if we could understand His great love for us--and His other characteristics. Chris looked like a love-struck kid when he was talking about Janie...and his Lord.

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  50. Donna, last one--

    This one's for Daniel and Becca--I am hesitant to put this in because of your deep sadness now as your Mom has gone to Heaven. It is a wondrous gift to be dearly loved by your Mother all her life. I hope this makes you laugh a bit and embarasses you just a bit too!

    When Carly was just a twinkle in her Daddy's eye-Becca and Daniel started pre-K Sunday School. I had mostly taught older kids so I was pretty confident I could probably fast-talk my way with these little guys if I got in trouble.

    Becca was a beautifiul little lady in exquisite little dresses and almost co-taught the class! She was too old for the level, but was a pure pleasure.

    With curly dark hair, Daniel was the spitting image of his Mom. He was hesitant to leave her, so I had been told by C & J.

    After initial hesitation, Daniel gave us a try and things went along pretty well. The lesson was "God Gives Us Good Things" The first "thing" was Mommies and Daddies. All agreed they loved their M & D as we moved along. Katie Lincoln and Kilian Dundas offered something embarassing about her Mommies but agreed they loved them very much. Seriously, small things. :)

    Becca stated her affection for her parents with the mature language of her age. Daniel listened carefully. By the time it was his turn, his lower lip quivered and he said I love my Mommie so much..I miss her when she's not here. He openly let his sadness flow as he pronounced: "I miss her right now!"

    I was useless for comfort as the sobs got louder! I was able to tell him we could get her if he needed us to. Becca patted him and offered words of comfort that I don't recall,
    afterwhich Daniel heaved a big sigh of relief and wiped his face with his sleeve. He did pretty well after that first hard Sunday always racing to Janie's side to show her what he made.


    As you guys grieve and miss your Mom terribly right now, I hope you will be comforted by this memory of a time and place when there was no sickness, suffering or pain--just a little boy growing up with the help of his dear big sister.

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  51. Tim & Rosemary EnglerMay 14, 2010 at 8:28 PM

    I, Rosemary, will Always be thankful that I had the Honor of Assisting Janie with music/chorus class @ Rutland Area Christian School for 8 or 9 Years!! We had such kindred hearts which made our class a Lot of Fun(and maybe a bit unruly at times),but Music Has to be Fun! Besides our Love for Music, we shared often about God's Word and His ways-which we Candidly Agreed were Much "Higher" than Our Own!! Our Weekly Ladies Prayer Mtng was Also a Highlight for me. Janie was Always ready to share, listen and Pray together! Although We'll miss Janie, We'll be Praying Continually for you, her family!! May Jesus Wrap You in His Loving, Comforting Arms and Give You His Peace! Love, Tim And Rosemary Engler

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  52. Hi! My name is Melissa Durkee, For those who may not know me, I am Donna and Wayne Durkee's daughter. I did not know Janie very well but after reading all of these posts and attending the lovely service yesterday with my family, I wish that I had known her more during her life. I do remember her chocolate chip cookies:) I remember her incredible talent as a musician. As a young adult(I am still young at heart....lol) I would sometimes sing at my parents' church(usually during christmas) and Janie would play the piano and accompany my vocals. She would sync right into my vocals and we would perform as if we had been giging together for years. Janie had a way of making you feel like you had known her for years when you first met. She was an amazing woman, talented, beautiful(inside and out), funny and fun. I think that Janie acurately represented the Christian faith and what its all about and what God(and Jesus) wants us to be like towards people, caring, kind and non-judgmental. She touched so many lives and although our interactions were brief and not extensive, I knew intuitively that she was a special person when we met and that has in turn touched my life and has made me want to be more connected to God. Peace and blessings to Janie's family as you are in my thoughts and prayers
    Love
    Melissa

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  53. Hi Booths. It's Bob. Just wanted to let you know I already feel the void of having Janie's 'inquiring mind' and 'twenty questions' a phone call or visit away. Even her fully blushed face rebukes were dearly loved and will be missed. I regret that our migration south has distanced our families, and still long for reunion this side of glory or the next.

    God's peace be with you.
    Zechariah 2:5

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  54. I had to continue the legacy of my sister's humor. I talked with Chris Booth yesterday, and we both agreed that I had either punched, or kicked him down below when I first met him.
    You have to understand, though, he was taking my last friend in crime, and ally. I was so jealous of Chris, of him being able to spend so much time with my sister, but as years progressed, I realized that it wasn't so much of a jealousy, but a respect, simply because of my sister's happiness. He made her happy, he made her laugh, he was her true life soul mate, and although my big sister would no longer be able to convince me to jump from the roof, or launch myself out of a homemade rocket, she would have Chris to make her happy.

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  55. Valerie, friend of the family.
    Working with Chris at Beltrami's two years ago gave me an opportunity to get to know Janie. We would chat every time she visited Chris. I was young and single so she took the time for me as she had such a passion for encouraging me in my singleness and telling me never to settle. She wanted the update on the latest and was so funny about interjecting comments too! Besides relationships, we talked about life and how God was working but never about how difficult things were for her, even though I'd ask how she was (even though I knew from Chris that things were very difficult at times). After a few months there, it came time for me to move out of the area. When my last day came, she delivered Starbucks Coffee (she came to know this as my favorite), and a HUGE home-made chocolate chip cookie and LOVELY card.

    In the card she wrote,
    "It is strange to be both sad and excited at the same time. We wish you were staying- but we're happy you're going."

    Notably, I feel the same way about her "going" to be with the Lord and leaving US.
    She shared this verse:
    1 Thessalonians 5:11
    "Encourage one another and build each other up."

    What a Christ-like example for me and many others. I pray that God uses this for His glory.

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  56. The summer before I went to RACS, I knew everyone that was going to be in my class except for that Blake girl moving from Oklahoma, and the Becca Booth girl I had heard about for years. I got to know Janie through going to school with her daughter. I remember getting to know Janie most intimately through a Bible study she started for us teenage girls. I enjoyed going to her house weekly, and have great memories of those times we girls shared together. We had many laughs and I learned to look up to her as a godly woman romodel. She was so creative, as I still have some of the fun handouts she would give us—lamanated and everything.

    Janie was so creative. I still have several cards/postcards she had made and written a special note with. She made me this one thing that was in the shape of a tag and had several pages held together with silver flower brackets. On each page was a tiny envelope that had something special in it, whether it was a small devotional, quote, or Bible verse. Still to this day, I have that. Another time I saw her creativity was when I went to TLC with Beek (Becca). Beek opened up her suitcase to find this lovely little ‘package’ of creativity. As many have mentioned, she had a way of making people feel special, and one of those ways was through the time she spent making something special for you, with that handwritten note.

    Throughout Janie’s time with cancer, I was able to watch how the family handled this hardship and it has had a huge impact on me. You (the family) have been a great example to me and I thank you for the testimony you have. Prayers with you all. Thanks for using this situation to draw people’s attention to the Lord.

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  57. Cindy Besaw here. Today I found a note from Janie tucked into the front cover of the book, The Red Sea Rules, she had given us. Surprisingly, the note is written in teal ink! I just wanted to share with you a little of her encouragement to us nearly two years ago. She wrote, "There are no words to say -- just know that we rejoice in knowing God has a plan and weep when it is all too much to bear. Sometimes the line between the two is very blurry." She concluded with Romans 15:13. I hope her words will also be a comfort to you. Your family has been such a blessing to us.

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  58. Carol, Chris's sister again.
    Just one more thought - ok, maybe I'll have more later, too...
    Janie (and Chris and the whole family, too) had found the secret to being able to do things with excellence without being perfectionistic. From all the cute little things she made, like Rebekah said, to the fabulous music she made, to her great cooking, the things she made and did were beautiful and tasty! However, if she messed up, though she'd be bummed, she wasn't defeated. She'd make it work, or try again. Her house was clean and tidy, but she expected it to get messy, too, as it had people living in it! I don't know if it is coming across correctly, but I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I appreciated her hardworking spirit which was also lighthearted and humble.

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  59. Her laugh and smile were simply addictive. You couldn't not help but to laugh with her at any given time.

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  60. Thinking about Janie today - I have started trying to remember to clap when Nate comes home now by the way. : ) Also - just being the type of mom that does not freak out - even when things go wrong. I will always remember that time when I had the bright idea of bringing a gigantic blow up dolphin for the kids to play on in a really small hotel pool. It was way too big and made things dangerous - but she was like - sure let's try it. Then when someone's tooth got knocked out Janie was like "Ahhh, well, it was likely to happen - but well worth it." (HA!) She was always so much fun, and never freaked out - even when fun went awry! She never condemned - truly lived out Romans 8:1 in all that she did - praise God!

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  61. I'll say to the world what you, Kim, are too polite to share: it was MY kid that knocked YOUR kid's tooth out. Haha I'd forgotten about that.

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  62. Paul and Laurie Ayres ~
    Just hearing Janie's name always bought a smile to our faces. It was contagious and we shared many smiles back in the Bolton Days. Chris, please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. It has been many years since we have seen you guys but lots of happy memories flood back when we think of the Booths on Forbush Mill.

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  63. Was going through some emails from Janie tonight. Here is how she signed off on one of them...

    "I shall be pining away till I hear back. Or most likely just sleeping on the couch while my mouth hangs open. Either way, I miss you! Love, Janie"

    I just love how she always wanted to make you laugh and help you find the joy - even in an email! Janie is one of the few people who could make me laugh out loud at her email comments. I know there are many others who feel the same and were blessed by her in the same way. Missing Janie tonight and praying for each one of you each day. Hope to see you soon. We think of you all the time.

    Love Kim, Nate and family

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  64. Once at dinner, we were talking about rappers (you can see where this is going) so she put up her sweatshirt hood and said in one of her many weird voices, "I'm really, really good and I live in the hood!"

    -Carly

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  65. That's a great memory, Carly and I can imagine her doing it...just for fun! Blessings everday,
    donna

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  66. I was listening to Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine" recently and thought of Janie. We can only imagine what it's like living with Jesus, but Janie's experiencing that. She's dancing for Jesus, standing in awe of Him, and forever worshipping Him! We can take comfort in that!

    Stacey Smith

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  67. Once when I was really little, Mom was holding me and I saw that she had the little hairs above her lip. Astounded, I said, "Mom! You're growing a beard!"

    -Carly

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  68. I feel like what little I have to say is absolutely not enough, though nothing could be. I had such little contact with her. I will, however, always remember her tireless, selfless, and consistently delicious contributions to my life. In "men's club" at RACS, there was never a day without a tasty treat baked with both talent and care. I still don't know how to thank someone properly for such kind, altruistic, considerate gifts. All I can say is that I do, sincerely and forever, appreciate the very tangible lessons I received from both Chris and Janie during those days. What a phenomenal person. What a blessing.

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  69. Tim here

    CB jackets were the rage when Chris and Janie started dating, and it kind of became a synonym for them. I was just thinking about CB today, and remembering how it was their trademark, (not the jacket, but Chris and Janie).

    She was the one who was the most down to earth, non judgemental person you could ever ask for. If you were a teen, and you knew her, you were truly blessed.

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  70. Tim here,

    I brought T.J. today to see Romona and Beesus. Dad had called earlier and said that Janie used to love those books. I remember my love for those books as well, and days spent at the beach, sometimes with Janie reading the adventures of Romona. The movie brought back memories of Janie, pure, sand in her toes, in her world as she was in mine, while I read.
    I could not read until first or second grade. I'm not sure if it was a refusal, or an actual deficit, but I remember the bribe. If I read a book for my mother, I could go and see Star Wars with Janie, that day I read, and have been actively ever since.

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  71. I fondly remember my Kermit the frog footsie pajamas. I also fondly remember the muppett show, and how Janie would watch it with me, it was comforting, even though it didn't have to be.

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  72. It's a piratey moon!!!!! ok, well, tonight it isn't, but a few of you will know what I'm talking about.

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  73. I was just thinking about Janie. I miss her. xo

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  74. Janie's birthday was a few days ago and it is Abby's 1/2 birthday! I miss Janie!

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  75. I miss her too Vickey. I hope Abby had a happy 1/2 birthday...I know Janie did! Ha!

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  76. Today is November 8th , six months since Janie went to meet Her Lord face to face. Our finite minds can't even begin to imagine what a glorious time she is having!! We all miss her so much. Many times I have wished I could reach for the phone and call her. Now I talk to the Lord and tell Him what's on my mind. His comfort, presence, peace, mercy, grace, combined with His Word are filling the void left by Janie. In light of eternity our reunion is only a breath away. Meantime we who are remaining on earth know our work is not finished. We are thankful for each day and the blessings God grants to us and the provisions He gives us to do His will. Keep us abiding in You, Father and sensitive to your leading. Love to you all, NaNa

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  77. I remember once she couldn't remember the name of a pizza place so she called it "Tony Pop Pop's." She also couldn't remember the name of my art teacher (who's name was Mr. Brooks) so she called him Mr. Blueberry. Not to his face, of course. But where did she get those things????

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  78. Oh my goodness. I am having a Janie day. I have been reading and re-reading all things Janie today. Carly - thank you so much for the Mr. Blueberry and Tony Pop Pop's story - it made me laugh out loud - just what I needed! Love you.
    Love Kim

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