In Loving Memory of Janice Stacy (1941-2009)
The Universe is fond of ambush. It really is.
My mother-in-law, Janice, has suffered from emphysema for several years. A couple of days ago she went into the local hospital with pneumonia. Her condition deteriorated and complications set in. Last night her heart failed and, in compliance with her wishes, the hospital staff refrained from applying heroic life support measures. She and her husband, Jim, shared 50 years together. Next month would have marked their half century anniversary.
Janice was a remarkable woman in countless ways. A farmer's daughter and a farmer's wife, she raised three daughters and a son in the hills of eastern KY during the 60s and 70s on an income that would have made a shoestring look like a suspension bridge cable.
She was strong of heart, strong of mind, strong of will, and strong of body. A tough, skinny little woman whose part Cherokee heritage stood out most sharply during the summer months. I often watched Janice spend all day in the tobacco patch working alongside her husband and the other field hands, then head for the house in the evening to make supper while we men collapsed in total exhaustion. She bequeathed the same drive and stamina to her daughters.She also indoctrinated them with the same stubborn independence and fierce pride.
Tradition almost demands that a man is supposed to have friction with his mother-in-law. Unfortunately, even for a reactionary like me that was one tradition that I was never able to uphold. From the moment I entered my wife's family I found myself blessed with a second mother. She treated me no differently than any of her other children. No better and no worse. Nor did she hesitate to apply the discipline of her scolding tongue when she decided I deserved it either.
I have to stop now. I can't see the screen clearly anymore. Rest well Janice. You have more than earned it. We miss you.
My mother-in-law, Janice, has suffered from emphysema for several years. A couple of days ago she went into the local hospital with pneumonia. Her condition deteriorated and complications set in. Last night her heart failed and, in compliance with her wishes, the hospital staff refrained from applying heroic life support measures. She and her husband, Jim, shared 50 years together. Next month would have marked their half century anniversary.
Janice was a remarkable woman in countless ways. A farmer's daughter and a farmer's wife, she raised three daughters and a son in the hills of eastern KY during the 60s and 70s on an income that would have made a shoestring look like a suspension bridge cable.
She was strong of heart, strong of mind, strong of will, and strong of body. A tough, skinny little woman whose part Cherokee heritage stood out most sharply during the summer months. I often watched Janice spend all day in the tobacco patch working alongside her husband and the other field hands, then head for the house in the evening to make supper while we men collapsed in total exhaustion. She bequeathed the same drive and stamina to her daughters.She also indoctrinated them with the same stubborn independence and fierce pride.
Tradition almost demands that a man is supposed to have friction with his mother-in-law. Unfortunately, even for a reactionary like me that was one tradition that I was never able to uphold. From the moment I entered my wife's family I found myself blessed with a second mother. She treated me no differently than any of her other children. No better and no worse. Nor did she hesitate to apply the discipline of her scolding tongue when she decided I deserved it either.
I have to stop now. I can't see the screen clearly anymore. Rest well Janice. You have more than earned it. We miss you.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
-Phil (aka Rigil)
Reply to this
Thanks Rigil. We just got back from KY. After the funeral we spent a week with my father-in-law, helping him re-organize and trying to make sure that he was going to be all right. fortunately, he still has custody of one of our nieces, so she will give him something to live for. It means more than I can tell you when somebody takes a minute to post. I really appreciate it.
Reply to this
May the Lord keep you and your family close in this time.
Reply to this
You and your family are in our prayers.
Burt (Nav)
Reply to this
Thank you. We just got back tonight. I appreciate the people who took the time to post.
Reply to this
You know that I, and my family, are close to you and to your family.
Reply to this
Thank you. I know you have recently suffered an equivalent loss. It means a lot when you take the time to post.
Reply to this
I'm so sorry for your loss. You wrote a beautiful tribute. I hope you and your wife and family are able to take comfort in memories like that.
Reply to this
Thanks. Time to move forward I guess. Ironically maybe, she was a Star Trek fan too
Reply to this
I am so very sorry for your loss. My sister's name is Janice and now that you have told us about such a wonderful woman who also has this name, I am proud that my sister has the same name. I wish blessings and comfort to you and yours.
Reply to this
Thanks. It's odd. We didn't visit my wife's parents as much as we should have, which really bothers us now. But the thing is, we always knew they were there. Now, it is like a gaping hole just knowing that she isn't there anymore. We wouldn't be going down this weekend anyway, even if she were there (and my wife's father still is). But knowing that we can't see here even if we wanted to is the worst part.
Reply to this