I miss Janet.  It was comforting to know that she was one minute away from me.  She was my neighbor for 27 years. If I needed a cup of sugar, foil wrap, first aid, a shoulder to cry on, advice, she was there.  

Janet loved animals.  One day as she was walking down the street, she caught me exiting my car.  Tears were rolling down my face, as I clutched a big paper bag.She was all concerned and asked me why I was crying.I held up my bag and said, “My cat, they could not save her, and now I must bury her in my backyard.”Janet held me while I cried.  I felt foolish crying over a cat, when she had just lost her son, Mike.

Another time when Janet was there for me.  I fell against a window sill while waxing the kitchen floor.  My head was bleeding profusely.  Blood everywhere.Who did I call?  911?  NO, I called Janet.  Things were blurry, and I was passing out.  She laid beside me and held my hand.  I thought I was going to die before her. This was strange because she was the one with cancer.  Janet was calm.  We looked into each other’s eyes and I said , “At least, I don’t have to die alone.”A few months later, I held Janet’s hand as she died more slowly.

Janet and I shared the love of gardening.  She grew Summer flowers, and I grew Spring flowers.  We exchanged flowers almost year round.  We brought the outside inside.

Hiking Mtn. LeConte, the third highest mountain in Tennessee, was a yearly tradition.  We experienced many  Sunrises and Sunsets.  They were Magical times where everything stops for a moment.

 We were in the same book club.  On our way up Signal mountain we discussed the book, as well as the welfare of the members.There were many happy memories, and I am so thankful that Janet lived next to me.  I miss Janet, but she still lives next to me in spirit.
Sue Knight