Janie Sullivan - You Will Be Missed

I met my Aunt Janie at a picnic when I was thirty years old. Kind of odd to meet your father's sister for the first time when you are both adults with families of your own. But not so odd when you are adopted and your birth father's family plans a Welcome to the Clan Picnic by the lake. I met them all that day...Aunt Janie, Aunt Ginger, Uncle Leo, Uncle Tommy and my little brother Casey. They welcomed me in the only way the Leonard's know how..with lots of food and lots of hugs.

Janie stayed by my side all afternoon. She stroked my back and touched my hair, almost as she were convincing herself that I was real. It's understandable since a few months before none of them knew I existed. I was a secret carried inside their big brother's heart.

My Aunt always took time out of her life to call me just to say hello. I got used to her perpetual excitement and quick way of talking. She could say more in five minutes than most people could cram into fifteen. (I'm alot like her) I loved her wit and the instant way she'd dissolve into laughter.

I saw her this past summer when I went to Georgia after my brother Casey's horrible accident. We spent time together at the hospital, clinging to the hope that Casey would soon be better. I went to her home and shared a glass of "oh so sugary sweet tea". We dreamed of her hopping a plane to come see me and "doing the town up right, girl!"

I wish I'd had an inkling that this would be the last time I'd see her. I would have taken more pictures, hugged her a little tighter, and made sure I said "I love you" one more time before we ducked out the door in the rain. And even so, I'm happy she got to hold Ethan, she met my husband Todd (of whom I'm incredibly proud), and I got a few snapshots that will last a lifetime.

Janie died suddenly yesterday. My family is in shock at her passing. "Not my baby sister," my father said, but it's true. My thoughts are with my father and my Augusta, GA family. I wish I could be there with you. I'm there in my heart. I love you Aunt Janie..until we meet again.