Gone Too Soon

(Photo by Ike Siler) Front: Ike Siler, Josie Siler
Back: Aubrey Wait, Janell Javis, Annie Siler, Randy Siler

This isn’t your typical Behind the Photo Friday post because this hasn’t been a typical week. This week we experienced tragedy.

Early Tuesday morning my brother Ike went to wake up his best friend and roommate only to discover that she had passed away in the night. Sweet Janell was only 33 years old and her loss hits us all hard.

I wish you could have met Janell, you would have loved her! She was full of life and energy and fun. She was easy to love and became an instant part of our family.

This summer was one that none of us will ever forget. My cousin Aubrey came to stay with me for a couple of months this summer and our little family of four grew to a family of six for three wonderful months.

We played hard together and even though I didn’t know Janell long, I felt as if I’d known her forever. She was one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I have ever met. She knew how to love well. She impacted all of our lives in a profound way and we will never forget her; we’ve been forever changed by the impact of her life and her love.

Janell loved dragonflies. When we got home from spending time with her parents on Wednesday we pulled into the driveway to discover hundreds of dragonflies swarming around our yard. I didn’t take any photographs because that was a special moment just for us. It was a gift from God, a special little hug to remind us that Janell is with Him and that she’s not just okay, but better than she’s ever been.

“Dragonflies” in Loving Memory of Janell Javis

They flit, they fly

They zoom through the sky.

Twisting, turning

Our hearts are yearning.

Diving, soaring

Peace and hope restoring.

Coming, going

Our love is flowing.

Laughter, tears

We’ll remember you all our years.

Dragonflies, dragonflies

What a blessed surprise.

Until we meet again,

Josie

P. S. (Hug your loved ones extra tight tonight.)