Janet was one of my dearest friends from Uniondale. We lived one street apart—me on Henry St. and her on Goodrich St. We became very close as we practiced to become “Rhythmettes” (an old-fashioned kick-line dance group) for Turtle Hook Jr. High School. (We made it!) We bonded as we were both the oldest in our families and commiserated about the duties and extra responsibilities that entailed. We were there for each other during some rough times.
I was extremely lucky that my parents were able to talk Janet’s parents into allowing her to come on vacation with my family to Ocean Grove, NJ, where my grandmother had a small hotel. This was the summer between junior high school and high school. We actually worked as “chambermaids” to earn some extra money and were let loose on the beach as teenagers. Of course, at that time, we were both much too shy to do anything other than stare at the older boys and lifeguards. We swam, got sunburnt, walked the boardwalk, played carnival games in Asbury Park, and went to Great Adventure together. We also had to walk to Bradley Beach on Sundays to attend the Catholic Church. (Ocean Grove had laws prohibiting all cars/vehicles on Sundays and was a Methodist community—no other churches then.)
We began Uniondale High School together. One of our favorites classes was typing—on manual typewriters! We sat next to a very cute boy that we knew who cracked jokes constantly and we were always getting in trouble for giggling too much. I know Janet went on to learn keypunch and I studied shorthand. One thing we both thought was hilarious was that other kids thought we were twins! Now, we both had dark brown hair and wire frame glasses—but I was barely 5’2” and Janet towered over me!!
We decided to join the drama club and participate in the musical. This was a big deal as neither of us actually wanted to act or even speak, but we were okay with being part of the chorus that sang and danced. Our first musical was “Fiddler on the Roof” in our sophomore year. I was a village girl, but Janet, due to her height, ended up playing a village man, complete with fake mustache and hat! It was a really fun experience.
We continued our friendship through high school (and two more musicals). Janet was very smart and received several major awards at our senior awards assembly. I don’t think she realized how smart she was and her family was not supportive. Once we graduated, I saw Janet a few more times, but then she was gone and we lost touch. Back then, it was very hard to find someone. Sadly, quite a few years (37!!!!) passed with no contact. I thought of her often and missed her as various life milestones went by.
Thank heavens for Facebook! We found each other again in 2016! Although we took very different paths in life, some things were strangely simpatico. We continued our education: Janet in the Air Force and me with lots of colleges/degrees. We both married Hispanic men. Our sense of humor was still the same. We laughed hysterically whenever typing was brought up and sent typing memes to each other. I did not have children, but I was an elementary music teacher, and we talked a lot about her beloved kids.
After living on Long Island my entire life (and not knowing Janet was out in Suffolk County), my husband and I retired to the southwest. But, in July 2017, I flew back to NY for a family obligation with my mom and visited my Janet. It was wonderful. I got to meet Manny and one of her daughters (so sorry, old age has caused me to forget who). We went out to lunch together and just had the best time. I was upset by Janet’s health issues, but she had such a positive attitude for life. We said a very sad goodbye, but continued to message each other.
Janet is too young to be gone so soon. Her body must have just worn out, but her spirit never failed. I wish I could be there to honor her at the services. I have had knee surgery and still cannot walk very much and the weather across the country is not good for travel. I will be thinking of her and praying for your family. My mom recently passed away and I took care of her until the end. However, she was 87 and was ready to see my dad in heaven. Your mom will be greatly missed. I write this on the day before her birthday and I am feeling your great loss. I wish I could tell you it gets “better” or “easier”; it doesn’t. However, it does get tolerable and as time goes on, you will be able to remember all of the best things about your mom and be able to smile. Much love to you all.
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