Jane Thornhill:
CLASS OF 1966
Milledgeville High SchoolClass of 1966
Milledgeville, IL
Washington Middle SchoolClass of 1998
Peoria, IL
University of Illinois - Liberal Arts & SciencesClass of 1973
Urbana, IL
Kent State University Class of 1973
Salem, OH
Sioux Falls CollegeClass of 1970
Sioux falls, SD
Jane's Story
UPDATE -- July 14, 2009:
Today I am reflecting on turning another year older. However, that celebration is bittersweet this year, as I lost my mother on May 27th in Illinois. Mom's birthday card was always the first one I received, and her phone call to wish me a happy day always arrived mid-morning. In fact, since I usually phoned Mom twice a day to check on her, I still find myself reaching for the phone to make those calls.
In the middle of February, I moved to Milledgeville, IL, to live with my once fiercely-independent, 89-and-a-half-year-old mother. One year ago today Mom was hospitalized for a broken hip but made an amazing recovery, which permitted her to return to her little house. This time a walker became her constant companion instead of the quad cane she had known for over 20 years. Nevertheless, Mom continued her daily outdoor walking regimen with vigor until the weather turned cold. Snowy and icy conditions made outdoor walking hazardous, so Mom walked "laps" in her carless, 2-car garage. She knew how crucial it was to keep moving.
Then in February, Mom began experiencing one health issue after another, and I already knew how important it was for her to remain in her own home as long as possible. Therefore, life in Waterloo, IA, was placed on hold, as I gladly transitioned into oldest daughter/caregiver mode. The Sterling, IL, hospital and a local skilled care facility became places we knew well. Yet after each health scare, treatment, and rehabilitation, Mom was able to return to her home.
Fortunately, all Mom's family celebrated Mother's Day on May 10th with her in her home, knowing she was scheduled for an upcoming major surgery. On May 13th my mother entered the hospital for the final time and was moved to a nearby hospice facility on May 22nd. This time skilled care with recovery was not an option for Mother, and that "going home" would mean making the trip to heaven to be with her sweet Jesus and not to her little, yellow-and-white house. Accepting that reality w...Expand for more
as tough for me, but Mom had long been ready to embrace the journey's end.
Mom's mind was sharp throughout this February through May journey, and she promptly informed medical personnel that her daughter Jane would make all decisions for her. She and I had forged an incredible mother/daughter bond during our 24/7 time together--one that I had never expected to have. When I told Mother that I would be with her to the end, she knew I would be, and I was.
I am mourning the loss of my best friend. Until Mom and I lived together, she was simply my mother, and I was a long-distance daughter. Calling her a friend was not in my thinking. Thank you, God, for permitting me to participate in this journey with my mother and for allowing me to become the daughter I had always wanted to be, had always needed to be, had always known I could be, and that Mom had always known I was. <SIGH>
Yes, today I celebrate an incredible past twelve months. Yes, life goes on.
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In August and September 2008 my husband Ed and I made our third trip to the Eastern Cape of South Africa on a hunting safari. Another AWESOME experience! I will post some photos from that trip. We both enjoy hunting big game and also shoot trap and skeet here in the Waterloo, IA, area.
In fact, I'm the president and webmaster of the Cedar Falls Gun Club--quite a different lifestyle than I led ten years ago in Peoria, IL! Since late May, I've dealt with a nearby devastating tornado, an overwhelming flood situation at the Gun Club, and my 89-year-old mother breaking her hip in Illinois.
Also, I'm involved with the Black Hawk County [IA] Chapter of Pheasants Forever as its secretary and webmaster. More fun with a great group of folks!
Another activity I'm proud of is my dichroic glass jewelry business. While I haven't had the time or inclination yet to tackle a third website--one for JANE'S DISTINCTIVE JEWELRY--my little business is holding its own. :)
More another time. [11-29-08]
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