Beautiful and very fitting Gail.
I came upon this poem tonight, and I hesitated to post it, but thought it fit Jan and our thoughts for her perfectly. I apologize if it has been used before, but again, it is a fitting tribute.
"God looked around His garden
and He found an empty place.
He then looked down upon this earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering,
He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, 'Peace be thine'
.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home."
I love your idea. We do all need to focus on the information and research and vocalizing the needs of OVCA.
Karen
I am so very heartbroken to read this. We all knew that it was coming, but dang it, I am not ready to let Jan go. I am so thankful that she is out of pain and no longer suffering, but I am selfish, and I MISS HER ALREADY!!!!! I hate this damn disease!!!
Thank you God, that you have Jan in Your loving arms and are showing her her own special garden in Your kingdom. Lord, please give Cory, Lisa, Kelley, Katie, family, and friends the comfort and peace that only You can do. Give us all strength to get through this. We know Lord, that you have a purpose for all that you do, and we thank You that our dear friend Jan is no longer suffering, but in Your presence, walking on streets of gold. We love her so much Lord, but we know that nothing compares to the love that You have for her. Please tell her we love her and miss her lord. Thank you for giving us the chance to get to know such a wonderful woman. In Jesus' name, Amen
Lisa and Cory, please accept my deepest sympathies, and know that we are here for you anytime you need us. Please know how much we loved Jan. Kasie
I send my deepest condolences to Jan's family, she's at peace now and will suffer no more. Jane
In Jans name I ask for a pledge from you all, as Jan left us, somewhere a baby girl was born, let us all work hard to see that OVCA is not the future for that baby. Let us all educate and push for more research. I will tell you the truth dear friends, I cannot take many more of these deaths, each one takes its toll on my soul. I want to say thanks to Jan for being there for me when I needed a shoulder , Go in peace dear friend. Marty
Jan is in a better place for sure. She fought a long, hard battle.
Teresa
There are just no more words that I can add.. Jan did it "her way" even at the last minute. My mother did the same. .I felt very guilty for a long time because I wasn't there at the final moment, until I was told, this is indeed their gift to you.
Please know that she has left a very large empty spot on the forum as well as our hearts. My love and sympathy go out to all of you. I will think of her often.
Much love,
Sandy
To Cory and all of Jans family,
I did not know Jan well but had the pleasure of meeting her in Springfield last summer. I do know that she was a very good friend to Chris and all of the others that were there. I am so very sorry to learn of Jan's passing and send you all my deepest sympathy.
Janet Huffman
(Janet asked that I send this to you when I told her of Jan's passing. She went with me to Springfield last summer and thought the world of all of you.)
Chris
I am still numb over this...It seems so unreal! She was a true warrior in my eyes along in everyone elses...Lisa, Cory and girls you are continuously in my prayers....May God watch over u all.....Rest in peace Jan..I will miss you greatly....xoxo Gia
To Lisa and Cory and the rest of your family, my heart goes out to all of you. Jan has got her angel wings , may she be at peace now. She will be sadley missed but never forgotten.
Love to all, Terry
A true warrior, a true friend, and as always thought about others first, as said, she left when she was ready too, and made sure those she loved suffered no more than needed. Gone but never, every, will be forgotten. Say hi to all those waiting for you with open arms, from us left behind. Thanks Jan.
Cory, stay strong. Steve-Jordan
A fight well fought..........peace.
Heidi
I want to add my love and hugs for you all. Sounds like Jan handled things at the end as she did the rest of her life - independently. My Dad did the same thing, he waited till we were gone for a bit. I think you're right, that she didn't want you all to see her final moment but rather remember the talks and smiles you had together. That was her gift to you.
Love to you all, irene
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Also to all of her friends here. She will be missed greatly. The board will not be the same without her. I hope that she and Donna are together in a beautiful garden happy to see each other again.
Love,
Linda
So sad to hear this but trying to find comfort knowing that God is holding Jan now and saying "A job well done!". She will be so missed - my thoughts and prayers are with you Lisa and with Cory and the girls. Much love, Colleen
I am so deeply sorry and very sad. My prayers and sympathy are with you Cory, Lisa and girls, as well as the rest of Jan's family and friends. We are going to miss her so much. Love, Chris P
Rest in peace Jan....you suffered enough.
We will continue to fight this war.....hopefully, one day we will be able to win all the battles.
You fought harder than most and were an inspiration to many.
Lisa, Cory, and the rest of the family - it is never easy to lose a loved one, my heart is with you all.
Love,
Pam
I'm not sure what to say either. It isn't like we didn't expect this, but it's still one of the saddest days of my life. Rest in peace, dear Jan. You are missed, and you are loved. My sincerest condolences to you, Lisa, and to Cory, the girls, and all your family.
Love,
Gail
I guess I am too just angry to write anything comforting or of any value right now. When and if the time comes, I have kept Lisa's email address for that purpose. Just wanted to go on record for the moment to express my deep sorrow at this news.