I miss you Janie. 

From the first time we met in those beautiful mountains until your last day you accepted me as I was and as I am.   When you spoke your voice reminded me of a songbird singing its morning coo.  When you laughed, everyone in your vicinity laughed, not because of something funny but because you made everyone happy.  You didn't have to try, it was just the way you were.  Your happiness was infectious.  You always reminded me of my own sweet wife and in that I am a fortunate man. 

You cried for me when I was injured and you lifted my spirit with your words of encouragement.  I was looking forward to seeing you again. 

When we gather again in those beautiful mountains, on the Blue Ridge ...we will keep a chair for you ...an empty chair, and while we are there we will adorn your chair with flowers and other things that any are moved to place on it in memory of you Janie.

We will never talk to one another again and I know you can't read these words but I still want to tell you that I will find something up on the ridge for you.  I will find something small and beautiful ...just like you were, and I will bring it back down to Maggie's Valley ...and place it on your chair.

Goodbye Janie, goodbye my good friend.  Goodbye.

 

Respectfully,

Scott

 

 

Thank you Scott. That was beautiful.

Walt

You are welcome Sir, I wish I could come up with something to say to you Walt with the depth of feeling that I have for you right now.  I can't fathom the the degree of loss you must be enduring at this time, I feel inadequate.  All I can say is that I will continue to be your friend.

 

Very respectfully,

Scott Benson 

 

Condolences Walt.  My prayers are with you.  I never met Jane, but I felt I knew her just a little in reading about her here and on the other site.

 

You have a beautiful gift with words.

A copy of an email I just sent to dear friends of Jane:

Waradmiral,

I agree with virtually every sentiment you express so well.

Every sentiment save one, "We will never talk to one another again and I know you can't read these words..."

I mean no disrespect to you, or to Janie or Walt.  But I do believe we shall see each other again beyond that curtain, in a "new heavens and new earth."  Nor is my belief a bit of wishful thinking (IMO).  That new age which is still to come in its fullness has already invaded this vale of tears.  Christ is risen!  Christ is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!
 

Walt, It's Lonnie and am so saddened since hearing about Jane and what you and your family must be going through with this terrible loss of a wonderful lady.  Just wanted you to know my love is sent.

 

 

Aloha e Walt,

I am crying as I type this. My heart goes out to you.

Leilehua

Walt, I Just read of Jane's passing and I wanted to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. We had enjoyed meeting you both, at the luncheon held for you at Bucks Bounty on the Delaware river in 2007. Our prayers remain with you.

Dave & Jane

Isaiah 41:10