Little Wife On the Prairie





When you are everything to everyone, well, you had better act like you have it all together.



Saturday, January 23, 2010

Janet Brown

This week the world suffered a most tragic loss. Janet Brown, my sweet Michelle's mama, died in surgery after unexpected heart trouble. I have to say, I did not get to spend enough time with Janet during the time I knew her. Our visits were a birthday party or a Discovery Center day here and there. But the times that I was able to share with her left a lasting warm feeling in my heart. She was the ultimate mama. I'm sure there were times when I held her hugs just a little too long because they felt cushy, soft and familiar. She made me feel as welcome as if I were her own. (I do kinda look like I fit with her girls!) She treated my babies with the patience and tenderness of a grandma. And she even bought me donuts a few times!

I think the most honorable thing about Janet is spoken most perfectly through her girls. They are beautiful, kind and caring people. They love to laugh, talk and reminisce. They love their babies and can be the protective mama bear or the silly mama clown. (or Aunt Rachel!) They hold fast to their convictions and live life to serve. That is truly "Janet style".

I know the family's pain is great. I am missing her so and I only got to spend a few years with her. I know this wound will never heal. She has left a void and always will be remembered. There will be the "I wish mom was here" times and the "I just need my mama now" times. I can't even imagine how hard this journey will be. But we who are in the faith know that Janet is telling us she will see us in a minute. She is not sad, she is dancing and worshiping and seeing the things the rest of us dream for. But for those of us left here on Earth to continue our journeys, she has left us better for knowing her and so sad to not have her with us.

Michelle, Carrie and Rachel, I love you girls and am praying God's peace for you. You girls are precious to me.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I couldn't have said this any better. Thank you for writing this.
Tammy Davis

Anonymous said...

Thank you Rachelle. Your kind words about my mother mean so much to me. Love You. Rachel

Emily Suzanne said...

This is so well written, it makes me feel like I knew her too... like I want a hug from her.

Carrie said...

Rachelle, I sit here reading this seven years later, and I am, once again, so very thankful for your words and your insight. Mama was a phenomenal woman, and we were so blessed to have her with us for the time that we did.
I miss her every.single.day. So thankful to be able to grieve with hope.