Just Call Me Jane

I have always had people who knew my mother tell me that someday

someone should write a book about that woman. While I sometimes

had the inclination to write her story, I never seemed to find the time.

However, I was forced to have a spinal fusion and the recovery period

meant months away from my golf game. I now had the time to write my

mothers story, which turned out to be my story as well.

Because this would be a totally new venture for me, I was looking for

help and input from many directions.

Undoubtedly, Martha, my wife, was my biggest helper and supporter.

I want to thank her for putting up with Jane and her bizarre ways all

those years. Martha also has a degree in English, which came in very

handy when editing the book.

Next I would like to acknowledge our four children, Mark, Michael,

John, and Shannon. They all had to deal with Jane. They reminded me

of some of Janes eccentricities which are mentioned in this book. Most

of all, I want the kids to know that I sincerely regret that Jane was not a

better Grandma to them. Grandmas are wonderful people and our kids

missed out on that joy in life.

I appreciate the input of Rosie Browning, our friend and

accomplished teacher of English, who read the first draft and made many

suggestions that I welcomed and incorporated into the book. I would also

like to thank Sandi Faber for her contribution and editing skills.

Many thanks to Dee Domingo, our neighbor and computer guru. I

could not have put this book on a flash drive without her.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of my friends who gave

me such positive encouragement. My friend Jeanie Williamson suggested

the title, and Nancy Campbell, my former secretary, shared some of her

memories with me. Every story about Jane in this book is true and is written exactly as

remembered by folks who dealt with her directly. To my brother-in-law

Jerome Carrigan, my nephew Jay Carrigan and his wife Lisa, my niece

Michele, and certainly John Nelson, I just want to say thanks for

remembering.