#2 BIG SISTER and then FIRST SON
You had Dalton and Edith (Mom and Dad) all to yourself for SIX whole years. THEN Rachel Sue (ME) came into your world kicking and screaming with her blond hair, cute grin and giggles. Your perfect life of sweetness, prim and proper cuteness was harder for you to maintain, but somehow you did. Dad did his best to keep me out of your way so you wouldn't be embarassed. But I defended you to the death (almost) when those tacky boys picked on you on the school bus.
THREE YEARS after me, we both had to adjust because FIRST SON, John Wesley arrived. John's first years were difficult for the family because he had several sickly years. You, Janie Mae, were the perfect momma's helper including learning to cook because mother always worked in their businesses. You took piano lessons, got your first high heeled shoes and fancy formal, was crowned Queen of Choctaw High School, sang a solo in the choir, made all of the honor roles, taught a children's Sunday School Class. You also spent a semester confined to bed with "Romantic Fever," as it was called then, but kept up with all "A" class work. John got well and we became buddies to protect you, Janie! Neither one of us could begin to match your grade, middle, and high school achievement records!
When you were 16, MOM announced that we were getting an unplanned surprise package: A little baby brother, SECOND SON, that they named Terry Don. Oh, NO! Not another one. He has his own story to tell, including matching your achievement records and adding some of his own in college.
John and I suffered through Bill Kutej's courtship of you and your marriage as best we could. Bill was taken from all of us one morning on his way to work. Then two weeks later, Vicki Joe, your first girl, magically arrived.
About one year later your life started over with Wayne Witt, so you left for Louisana. You left Dalton, Edith, Rachel, John and Terry standing next to SE 29th Street waving and crying .... and finally a few shouts of "Be Happy! We Love You!" I had never missed any one like I missed you and Vicki. (My horse, DUZ, missed Vicki sitting in the saddle with me as he ever so gently walked and pranced in the yard and driveway. Vicki would laugh, wave at you and giggle.)
Footnote: First Son, John died of lung cancer at age 58. He had retired from SW Bell/AT&T and lived in Tulsa with his high school sweetheart who became his wife, Gatha Tucker Attebery.