When I first moved into my house in 1992, unbeknownst to me, my father asked my neighbors, Jan and Larry to watch out for me.  Well, they took that request to heart, and I could absolutely count on them for anything.  They became my honorary "parents."  Many was the time they would let me know if something didn't seem right if I wasn't home.  Jan even called me when (much to my embarassment) she thought my garbage can had been  on the street too long, and she wanted to make sure I was okay!  We always had great chats when we both went out to get the mail, or when I would keep her company while she did her gardening.

Jan was such an angel and had the patience of a saint--bless her heart-- I don't know how may rounds of Uno and Crazy 8's she played with my son Cameron when he was very young.  He wanted so badly to be a big boy and cross the street on his own.  So I would call Jan and beg her to please, PLEASE let him come over before he drove me nuts!  She always would... I would take Cameron to the edge of our street, and Jan would be waiting on the other side to get him.  They would hang out for 20-30 minutes, and then we would make the exchange.  Whenever Cameron was in the neighborhood and was not doing what he should, Jan would always let me know.  She never forgot him on his birthday, nor at Christmas, and proudly displayed his little school pictures right along with her other grandchildren!

Jan was such a loving, kind person, and she reminded me of my own mom in so many ways.  I guess that's why we got along so well.  I am so honored to have known her, and to call her my friend.  She always had that "mother's touch," and if I didn't already have the best mother in whole world (in my opinion), she would be just the kind of mom I would want to have.

My heart is broken that she's gone, but that'sjust my selfishness talking.  She is right where she is supposed to be:  free from pain and illness, and in the arms of the angels, just  where she belongs.

I love you, Jan.  I thank you and Larry for loving us in return.  You will always be in our hearts.

Love,

Deidre (Enoch)

I remember all of the years when my son Cameron was small, that Jan and Larry played "Santa's Helpers," by letting me put his gifts from Santa in their house until Christmas Eve.  Then, really late in the evening, as soon as I could get Cameron to sleep, Larry and his son-in-law would sneak them over. 

Larry was the elf who helped put together all of the bikes and toys together,bless him, and Jan would always remember us with gifts at Christmas. 

We always made a tradition of coming over on Christmas Eve  to exchange presents with them and with their granddaughter Lauren, who is around Cameron's age.

How I miss those tall lighted candles that Larry put on his front porch every year!  Little did I know that Christmas Eve 2011 would be our last together.

Jan, thank you for all the wonderful times we shared.  I still miss you something awful.  I know that if you can't be here with us, at least I know you are with the angels, because you are one.  Please continue to put in a good word for us with the Big Man Upstairs--we could sure use the prayers, especially for my dad. 

I will always love you.  And Larry, if you are reading this, you better contact me pronto, you hear??? :)   

                                    With continuing love and affection,
                                     
                                    Deidre (Enoch)   

                                    e-mail:  timberwolfteacher@gmail.com