Walt -

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Janie - I saw a post on Denny's forum.     I've read so often about all the good times that the two of you shared.   May the grace of God be with you and your family. 

Scott

Well, much has happened since I wrote that message. I have a notebook full of conversations and events that I have been part of over the past 25 days. I have spent many days with each of my grown children and my grandchildren and I have not stopped communicating either verbally or electronically to all who were involved in this. I have not shared much of this here, yet.

Mary Ann is in a nursing home at present and will be evaluated on Nov 1 for a possible third surgery on Nov 2. She is speaking and communicating with her family. I have not been able to talk with her. She faces a minimum of six months of treatment and rehab.

Diane, who was in the back seat, is close to me, about seven miles away. I have been in pretty constant communication with her family and have spoken to her twice on the phone, the latest was yesterday. I am hoping to see her today or tomorrow. She had back surgery and is now trying to find the right mix of drugs to relieve the constant pain. She still has broken bones in her neck which the doctors hope will heal themselves by her wearing a rigid neck brace for 12 weeks. She sounds good but goes into low periods at the drop of a hat.

My kids have "circled the wagons" around me as have my motorcycle friends who take great pains to nestle me between them on short rides. I am picked up at my house by at least two other riders and returned the same way.

Every day has been busy for me from the time I get up to the time I fall asleep. Every evening brings three phone calls from my kids to get my list of activities for the day and discuss anything going on in their lives.

I try to keep up with my Motorcycle Views work and my Polar Bear Grand Tour work -- I just recently updated that site for the coming winter riding season and I created a short tribute to Jane also.

Thanks to all who have expressed their condolences here.

I will also be issuing written thank-you notes to over 200 people as I have time.

You may be interested in the following link provided on the GWRRA Chapter NJ-F (F Troop) website. It has a story about how Jane and I got started in motorcycling. It was written by a couple we know in the chapter. She was in three organizations with Jane and he was the person who provided practical logistics to us both to learn how to ride and make a proper start. It also contains many pictures of us as taken by our chapter F friends over the years.

http://www.ftroop-nj.com/taps/jane_kern.htm

Walt

I did what I said I woud do Janie.  Debbie helped me obtain a pretty little rose and we placed it on a chair under the pavillion where you and Walt were often seen sitting over the years.  It remained there all week undisturbed and everyone saw it.  You were remembered Janie, you were missed.  You should have seen the glory of nature on the Blue Ridge.  It would have caused you to weep at the beauty.  The thousands of trees adorned in their fall splendor was poetry to the eye. 

Rest now Janie.

Scott 

Thank you Scott. Your gesture brought a tear to my eye.

Walt

Your're welcome Walt ...see you next Spring/Summer.  We'll get something organized and ride to NJ.  Some kind of memorial visit and ride to Jane's resting place.

Scott

"We'll get something organized and ride to NJ. "

This is a must.

Scott - be sure to keep us posted on whatever you plan... I would like to be part of it.