In Honor of PJ – IOTW Report

In Honor of PJ

 Plain Jane was faith-filled, hysterically funny, staunchly loyal to those for whom she cared, and was the best of friends (and that was only what I experienced--others experienced far more). She was also a mentor to me as I began my pro-life activism years ago; and she graciously read all of my stories when I began writing. Her encouragement, insights, and constructive criticism were invaluable.

 When her many vague illnesses turned out to be something deadly serious, the thousands of miles separating us prevented me from helping in any concrete way. Other than being a listening ear and a cheering section for her never-failing positiveness, there was not much else that I could do. It was then that I decided to dedicate my next collection of stories to her.

 Two of the stories have already appeared on iOTWr, and she posted comments. She received a draft of the third story when I sent her the manuscript of the book I was dedicating to her. There were no comments from her on that story--she received it during the final stages of her illness--but she thanked me for sending it. She knew that it was going to be "her" book. 

 I'm so glad she knew that.

 "The White Bird" is the third and final story in her book. She read a much earlier draft years ago, after it had first been written. I hope she was able to read it in its final form.

 Mary M. Isaacs

20 Comments on In Honor of PJ

  1. I find myself diminished. Those whom I enjoy the journey down the days continue to leave. Lament the passing, celebrate her attendance among us. We hold her now in ourselves.

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  2. May the road rise up to meet you.
    May the wind be always at your back.
    May the sun shine warm upon your face;
    May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

    20
  3. I recall a brief exchange I shared with her;
    “There was nothing plain about Plain Jane.”

    God Blessed her and she shared that blessing with others.
    Thank you Lord for allowing our paths to intersect.

    13
  4. I will be setting up another IOTW virtual meeting for tomorrow (April 24, 6:00 PM Mountain time. You can do the math to figure out your time zone. for those that can attend. Not just because of PJ, though that is as good a reason as any, for us to celebrate life. I did not know Plain Jane personally, but I do think that she would want us to celebrate.

    https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83759481767?pwd=cUo1c0JCZjBiRlVMK2xSbUtucVhidz09

    Meeting ID: 837 5948 1767
    Passcode: H4qBMx

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  5. I was a phone buddy with Plain Jane and we swapped the stuff we women folk swap. She was definitely salt and light on the earth. She showed me how to meet death. That’s a truly precious gift.

    God bless you, Mary, for your dedication and friendship to Plain Jane.

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  6. There is no reason to be afraid of death, but lots of reason to mourn our friends who have passed on.

    Seems like she kept posting till a short time ago. I didn’t realize she was in ill health.

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  7. I lost a brother in Christ this past week, too.

    Time seems to be very short lately. Looking over my long-ago past seems like just a day ago, but also forever ago.

    Enjoy what you have, but come to Jesus before it’s too late, if you haven’t already. It’s a mighty dark future if you’re spending eternity alone without His creation. I look forward to seeing PJ.

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