By Jean Griffith

Mother knew how to say hello:  “Hello.  Come on in.  Sit down.  Have you eaten?  We’re glad to see you.”  Her family and friends always enjoyed her company.

She welcomes each of us five children—taught and guided us to the independence she valued so highly for herself.

I asked some of her grandchildren—in whose raising she had a strong hand—to describe Janet as she appeared to them.  They said:

She was honest and she expected all of us to be honest.

She was old fashioned with many of her values, but she was also very modern in other ways.

She was independent, not following the herd in her actions or thinking.

     One young grandson said in great admiration that “Grandmother is tough!”

Several commented that Grandmother was a “feisty lady.”

Raised with three brothers, she was naturally a tomboy, and she loved to be out doors working or walking.

She got along beautifully with the grandsons and could be frequently seen wading fearlessly into a pile of battling boys with her trusty little red broom.  The battle would usually dissolve in laughter.

Most importantly Mother knew how to say Goodby.  When it was time to leave she let you go with a smile and even a little push (if needed).  We knew it was right to go, but that we would be welcome to return.  She never CLUNG.

We should let her go as she did each of us.  And when we get to the other side she will be there to say:  “Hello, come on in.  We’re glad to see you.”