Sunday, July 25, 2021
One Christmas, shortly after I became friends with Sarah, I was invited to spend Christmas with the Prices when they found out I was not going to be able to be with my own family for the holidays. Just like all the other “kids”, I got a toothbrush and Plackers in my stocking. And that’s how John and Janet made me feel: unofficially family.
Janet did love a good bargain—and she was happy to share details—and extras, when applicable. But she did so with such delight and excitement that she swept you along into her “deal adventures”.
Janet was an impeccably dressed, made up, and coifed proper lady who hid an eclectic and wickedly funny sense of humor, which showed up in a mischievous glint in her eye and a dimple in her smile when she was plotting something. More than once, I would be eating dinner with the Prices, and “Mom Price” would smile, showing off a mouthful of blackened, rotten, or wackily arranged false teeth. She would laugh gleefully and infectiously at my reaction to her “surprise”.
The last time I saw Janet, I had flown in to visit Sarah, who wasn’t yet home from an appointment when I arrived. I decided to see how Mom and Dad Price were doing, so I popped around the corner, only to see Janet sitting alone on the front porch. As I walked up the steps and greeted her, I could tell the instant she recognized me because her entire face lit up and she opened her arms. I was teary eyed at this warm reception—I didn’t realize the depth of the kindness she felt for me until that moment. We had a lovely conversation that showed she’d been keeping informed about my doings. I’m grateful I had a chance to hug her before I left and tell her, “I love you, Mom Price”. Janet, thank you for all the ways you opened your heart, your home, and your family to me as an “extra mom”.
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