A Message of Love

One of gram’s most loved hobbies was sitting down with a good book. Like a great story, there are always beginnings and ends.

Life’s greatest stories don’t always end with the last page, but instead offer lessons that live on forever in the minds and hearts of those that read them.

For a woman like my grandmother, her story will continue in the hearts and minds of her loved ones.

For my mother and aunts, gram Jan will always be the woman that they strive to be like – whether that means being known personally by the employees at Macy’s, being a great cook or simply by being the one everyone wants to be around.

For her husband and his children, she will forever be the woman that came into their lives with enough love to extend to each and every new family member. She will always be the heart of the wonderful joint family we have come to adore.

For all of her grandchildren, including myself, gram Jan will always be the smartest, cleverest and sassiest grandmother anyone could have the privilege to have. She taught us to be kind, generous and accepting of everyone around us.

For all of her family and friends, she will always be that one woman that could never be forgotten. She was the greatest friend, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. Her sharp wit, mixed with her loving and sometimes impatient nature made her one woman that will be impossible to ever forget.

My friend Jannie

Strange but as I was thinking of what I was going to write today, Jan's phone number from 40 years ago popped into my head 784-6003. Haven't thought of that number for MANY years. Made me think of a cute thing that we used to do when we would talk to each other on the phone. The actual story behind it originated with her sister ... I think. Anyway, when she would answer the phone, I would say "ALO Jan Reincke" and she would answer "ALO Kimmie Curtis." Made me smile just to think of it again!

Jan was such a good mother to all of her daughters, including this adopted one. My favorite memory is very personal. During my late teens, I had some struggling times. As much as I loved my parents, we were not in a good place. I will NEVER forget Jan sitting down with me and talking to me, not from a judging position but truly from a loving one. We talked one night for hours and she opened my eyes to alot of things that I had blocked out from conversations from my parents. This was really special and I have always held that night in my heart and in my mind. She will never know how much I treasured that talk.

Another night was a night back in 1982. The drinking age in Florida at that time was 18 and since Ericka and I were legal drinkers, we packed into Jan's VW and went down to the Brown Derby for ladie's night (I think it was a Monday night.) After many fruity libations, we all stumbled out to the car to go home....Jan drove. The drive home was interesting to say the least, but the funny part of the drive was when Ericka and I looked over at Jan and she was driving with one hand over one of her eyes. She said it helped her to be able to focus on the road...ha ha! Thank you God for getting us all home safely.

I love her and am miserable with grief. My heart is broken for her girls and her family. I promised her several weeks ago at the hospital that I would stand by them during this time. It was a promise that was easy to make. Much love to you all. Kimmie

Jan's oldest daughter, Diantha, has been one of my dearest friends for over 30 years. And therefore, Jan and her family have been a big part of my life. Jan possessed an amazing gift of sharing her heart with everyone that she knew. She was so devoted to her children and grandchildren and always made me feel like part of the gang. I have such fun memories of her. Always smiling, laughing, and the life of any party.
Jan was quite the matchmaker! She introduced me to my second husband, the father of my loving Matthew, who now is the father of my two beautiful grandchildren.
I had the pleasure of meeting Art and his family a couple of years ago in Savannah. What a inspirational story behind Jan and Art's relationship!
To know Jan was to love her. She will be missed, but her memories will forever live in the hearts of all of us that's lives she touched.

Oh Mommy,
Woke up this morning and wanted to call you. Who will I call now for the best advice in the world? My heart is broken and I don't know how it will ever be the same. Guess I'll just have to live with a permanent crack in it. I love you more than you could ever know.

Your sweet girl,
e.