A couple of years after Jeff and I were married, Jeff’s dad, long divorced, befriended a widow. They were both in their early 40s. They started hanging out together. Then dating. A few days after our daughter’s first Christmas, they tied the knot.
Back then, we only knew Jane was quiet. We hadn’t been around her much since we lived in Texas and they lived in Pennsylvania. But from the very beginning, she loved our babies. And Jeff’s dad. And that told us all we needed to know about her.
Together, they talked to our kids often on the phone. They visited regularly, attending the kids’ activities and just playing with them. As the kids grew, they kept coming, never missing a graduation, a wedding, or an opportunity to meet their new great-granddaughters!
Jane and Pappy (Jeff’s dad) were always together, whether attending a sporting event, serving their community, or shopping at garage sales.
Over the years, we all grew more comfortable together. We discovered Jane laughed a lot. She could talk Pappy down if he got worked up. She was a loving, stabilizing force in all of our lives.
But on the day we left for our France/Scotland trip, something happened. What, we didn’t know. Pappy and our brother-in-law only knew something was wrong. They got her to the hospital, where the doctors discovered a brain bleed. An agonizing week followed, a week of unconsciousness, seizures, blood clots, and hard decisions.
Jane breathed her last on May 9.
We are all heartbroken, for she had been a huge part of our lives for 35 years.
And yet we are all trying to balance joy and grief as we celebrate our niece’s high school graduation and our nephew’s college graduation. Jane was so proud of them both.
But so many moments of God’s grace have come shining through this hard time.
First, we were so grateful that Pappy and Jane were visiting Jeff’s sister’s family when it happened. From there, Jane had better medical care in a larger city, and Pappy had the support of his daughter, son-in-law, and two of his grandkids.
Second, there was the grace of Jane’s last breath, which happened while Pappy and Jeff’s sister were there in the room with her, and Jeff was on the phone with them.
Third, we already had a trip planned to Pennsylvania this week in order to be at the graduations. This alleviated a lot of stress that would have been there coming off our other trip if we hadn’t already had the details arranged for that travel.
And finally, because of all the travel we do for Jeff’s work, we had an abundance of airline miles to get our kids up here at the last minute.
We are so thankful for Jane’s life, and especially the portion of it we got to spend with her. We loved her so much. She will be greatly missed here, but we know she is with Jesus, and we will see her again in eternity.
I am so sorry for your loss. I’m also thankful you enjoyed her for 35 years and you have such wonderful memories to hold onto. However, most of all you know that once again you will be reunited with her and how joyous that will be.
Thank you, Carol! And yes, that knowledge is a great comfort.
From Huntingdon, PA: Jane and Bernie were good friends as well as family. They were a matched pair. God put them together. We will miss her also.
Thanks, Polly. So many will miss her!
I can think of no sweeter eulogy than that, D’Ann: she loved, she was loved, and now she is in the presence of the One who has always loved her best. Grief is a challenging journey; please let Pappy know there are people he doesn’t even know who are praying him, and all of you, through the valley of the shadow. When those shadows creep in, know that you are in our prayers, as well.
Thank you, sweet friend! Your prayers mean so much!
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman and I’m so happy you all had many years with her.
Thank you, Rebecca. She was such a blessing to us all.
God bless you for your friendship through the years. Jane will be greatly missed, and I am praying for her, Pappy, and the entire family.
Thank you, Drew!
I thank God for Jane and for Pappy in our children lives growing up! She truly was a stabilizing woman! I’m also so thankful to hear that everyone was able to get there for Pappy! I love you all so much! May the Perpetual Light shine upon her and may she rest in peace for all eternity! Thanks be to Our Mighty God!
Bless you! Your prayers have been so appreciated. I know Pappy and Jane loved y’all’s kids, too.
I wish I had been able to meet this kind woman. From what I’ve read about her here, I hope to be like her…loving, generous, selfless, someone who is greatly missed when they’re gone.
Our prayers are certainly with you all, Jeff and D’Ann!! We love you.
Thank you, Nicole. Even though you never met them, they often asked about you and John and your family.
Our prayers are with you all. Jane was always incredibly kind to us as children. I know you will miss her deeply.
Love,
John Mureiko
They still often asked after all of y’all. Thank you for your prayers!
I’m so sorry to hear this D’Ann! She was a sweet woman… We’re praying for you all and we’re so sorry for your loss. We love you so much!
Thank you! Love y’all, too!
What a meaningful legacy she has! I am originally from the Pittsburgh, PA area. I prayed for your husband’s Dad and your family. Thankful that God is the God of All Comfort.
Thank you, Adriane! We have definitely felt His comfort.