Whenever I see an email from Mary Stewart with Sad News in the subject line, I know to prepare myself to find a name once familiar from high school days, one who has passed away.
Each name brings a sadness, and bittersweet remembrance - like looking through a scrap book of photo's from a youthful long ago time and place. There seems to be so many names of late. Barbara, Brad and Sharlene; Ed and Dennis. Margaret's brother, Bill, and my brother, Walt - only to name a few. And now, added to the list, Nancy's sister, Janet Smith.
Is it because we're the class of the 1960's and 70's , and growing older with each passing year ? Is that why so many Sad News names appear? I recall each one, and see them through memory's eye, remembering their place in my life, grateful for the times we shared. I ponder, and wonder, "Where did time go?" How quickly it slipped by.
I didn't know Janet well, I knew her younger sister better. What I do remember is Janet was a Bell High cheerleader, Homecoming princess and all around popular gal, someone my sophomore girlfriends and I looked up to, admired, and wanted to emulate. In a funny sort of way, Janet, without her knowing it , was one who made our early high school days seem hopeful and exciting, full of possibility and fun. She always seemed to be smiling, and whenever she passed us in the hall, she always took a moment to nod, and say hello. Janet was an example of how good high school life could be.
Whether the best of friends, or only an acquaintance for a period of time, let us who know the name on Mary's Sad News emails remember, and appreciate they are part of our story, of who we were, and who we've become.
Janet Smith Collier RIP +
Each name brings a sadness, and bittersweet remembrance - like looking through a scrap book of photo's from a youthful long ago time and place. There seems to be so many names of late. Barbara, Brad and Sharlene; Ed and Dennis. Margaret's brother, Bill, and my brother, Walt - only to name a few. And now, added to the list, Nancy's sister, Janet Smith.
Is it because we're the class of the 1960's and 70's , and growing older with each passing year ? Is that why so many Sad News names appear? I recall each one, and see them through memory's eye, remembering their place in my life, grateful for the times we shared. I ponder, and wonder, "Where did time go?" How quickly it slipped by.
I didn't know Janet well, I knew her younger sister better. What I do remember is Janet was a Bell High cheerleader, Homecoming princess and all around popular gal, someone my sophomore girlfriends and I looked up to, admired, and wanted to emulate. In a funny sort of way, Janet, without her knowing it , was one who made our early high school days seem hopeful and exciting, full of possibility and fun. She always seemed to be smiling, and whenever she passed us in the hall, she always took a moment to nod, and say hello. Janet was an example of how good high school life could be.
Whether the best of friends, or only an acquaintance for a period of time, let us who know the name on Mary's Sad News emails remember, and appreciate they are part of our story, of who we were, and who we've become.
Janet Smith Collier RIP +
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