I was 7 years and 6 days old when Jane was born. She's number four out of the nine. And although I was thrilled to have a new baby in the house, we joke about how I tried to kill her. Actually, I wasn't trying to kill her, but I did press on her stomach to see if she would cry.
She didn't cry then...but she sure did later in life. Puberty hit her hard and then hit her again and again and again. I don't think I ever have met anyone who whined as proficiently as she did (well, maybe her own kids...). She was a royal pain!
But other than the whining, which she grew out of, she's been a delightful sister. She took care of Grandpa after Grandma died, and after Mom died she moved back home to take care of Dad. Definitely a giver. Jane went to nursing school and was the nurse manager of the Emergency Department for nearly 20 years. She got her bachelor's and then her master's degree, and ultimately became a nurse practitioner. She is the "doctor" for nearly everyone in the family I think. I once gave her a picture of a doctor-looking female. And the caption I had put on it said, "I told you I AM NOT A DOCTOR." She always has to remind people of that.
One of my male friends said, "I don't care what you say. Anyone that does to me what you do had damn well better be my doctor."
Her patients absolutely love her. How do I know? Because every time I visit Quincy and am with Jane, people stop us everywhere we go to talk to her. And she is invariably kind to all of them.
She's also kind to us--in a smart-ass, Bozarth kind of way. (That's our family name.) Our funniest memory is when she and Joe were drinking in the back yard and they got in an arguement. She was so angry she threw a lawn chair at him. We always joke that it should be an Olympic event. And even though this was many years ago, we think she could still win the gold.
When my son, Rob, ran away from home senior year (17 years ago), he ran to Jane's house, six blocks away from where we lived at the time. It was comforting for me as a mother to know that Jane and Pete took him in, but made him live by my rules.
She and Pete have been married 21 years--and that's after dating for 10 years. They have two kids, Jordan (16) and Sarah (14). I'm close to both kids since I've stayed in their home so many times. Kind of a grandma substitute I think.
Anyway, I'm going on and on and need to get back to work. Happy birthday, sis. I love you.
5 comments:
Jer,
That was a beautiful posting. Although I am only a sister-in-law, I love you, too, Jane and wish you a very happy birthday. Enjoy your special day.
Karen
There's nothing "only" about you, Karen. :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE....You've been lots of things for me, my friend, a confidant, my sister-in-law, my boss (twice), and my NP (and a better healthcare provider than ANY dr.I've ever seen) You are truly the most generous and loving person anyone could meet, and I am glad that you are in my life. I hope your day is as amazing as you are.
Aw, thanks Jer! That is one of the nicest things you have ever said to me!
Our darling Aunt Jane, Happy Birthday!!!! You have made such a big impression on me from the very first time we met. I just love you. You are such strong woman, a true leader, and also an amazingly good hearted person. I am definitely one of your many fans! :-)
Post a Comment