Hilton Head Island In Mourning and Prayer

Please join me in prayer as I am continuing to watch our community grieve over the loss of a beautiful teenager... a beautiful girl and I am watching as all are reminded how precious our lives are.  Please continue to pray for this family.  My family was in the identical situation and the pain is unbearable.  I do know God is with us though... please continue to lift up prayer and may there be some day where teens are not taken so quickly in their first years of driving. 

God please support this family as only you can in taking one step in front of the other.  We trust you and know only you can provide the kind of healing that is needed.  Protect this family and their friends in this time...and we pray for the families whose children are in the hospital... whose lives will forever be changed as well. Amen.

A Mother's Love

 

Its our first cold morning in the South.  In the forties... and I just kicked on the thermostat in a home I am so grateful to be in.  As the first heat warms the house it brings back memories of a mother's love....

Those were the days of going to school. Brown paper bag lunches and clean clothes.  Not trendy clothes... but lovely conservative clothing in style... warm colors and lets not forget the breakfast... even if it were a protein shake.  Mom was ahead of her time in the nutrition arena... and she did this all while still getting Dad and herself to work.  Amazing.

Those days became the days of planning for Thanksgiving.  She would be up so early... that thermostat would be kicked up... because every few years it was her turn to host the event.  Oh how beautiful she would always look... with her little apron.  Her hair done and the table set so beautifully... by the way she promised me those dishes so I hope I can still have them ...laughter... anyway... and Dad would do the carving at the head of the table and for about fifteen minutes all was peaceful until the political fights and food fights... more laughter... as Uncle Pete would watch on (amongst others....!! at times!!)  Who can forget a few food fights along the way... hahahahahaha.....

Then it became Christmas.  It was always too cold for me... but we were always bundled up... the mittens with the string attaching them... hysterical!!!  The string would go under our jackets.  Silly I always thought.  My philosophy was to just stay inside rather than put on three layers of clothing and stuck out in the snow.  Laughter again... and that is why I finally moved South.  We had great Christmas trees... and always toys, games and gifts surrounded the tree on Christmas morning... how lucky were we.  You were lucky to see the living room at all the presents were piled so high.

And the thermostat kicked high.  That is a mother's love... shining bright because of our Dad's love for her.

Here is to the Holidays,

love,

Janet 

A Soldier writes a letter on Hitler's stationary to his son

Thank you Paul Caldwell for sharing this link.  This is an amazing letter which became a royal sequel story over the years.   http://gizmodo.com/5855339/the-letter-a-soldier-wrote-to-his-son-on-hitlers-stationary  I felt it really important enough to be one of my top entries here.  Please share this with all you love!  It is a short read but a powerful and important one passed down through generations.

Janet Collins

Hilton Head Island will treasure Bill Moran

Mr. Bill Moran exemplified Hilton Head Island.  A self made man he was a huge advocate for long term care insurance.  A great husband, loyal father and champion entrepreneur I just had to hesitate a moment myself to recall a few memories. 

When I was a struggling insurance agent it was suggested mutually that I might try to add long term care to my portfolio.  It didn't turn out to be my "thing"... actually when I got married in 2002 I ran as far away from that business in general as possible!  I turned my true talents to decorating professionally and bought a franchise.

That one day of training though was truly fun!  Bill Moran took me on the road to Charleston where we had an appointment with a Doctor and his wife.  I will never forget it.  He educated, informed... quoted... and cared.  I sat on the sofa in this beautiful home watching, learning and admiring the skill that few have or will ever have in life associated with truly believing in their product.  What I remember most is this... the whole time his image was being reflected in the china cabinet from where I was sitting.

I can only laugh then and even now as I recall... Bill was a bull in a china closet.  In other words... he didn't mince words.  He told it like it was.  In my life of knowing him here on the Island I have to say it was refreshing, amusing... bold.  So few people do this.  That takes courage in my opinion.  It takes one really knowing oneself.  I believe Bill knew not only who he was but what he wanted along with what he wanted to accomplish.

After many years I stopped to see him this early summer to go over my new career with him.  He was the same.  Bold.  He was still a bull in a china closet.  That kind of energy, passion and truism will be missed on the Island.  He was not one to be so uncaring that he couldn't tell the truth in all matters.  Therein lied his heart and unique greatness. 

He shook things up.  He defied the world and became very successful.  He will be missed... and as for me... I had the rare opportunity of watching him what he did best.  Once visiting his office Larry and I along with Bill went to lunch at the Harris Teeter across from the office.  I remember scratching their dog on the belly.  Bill looked at me and said... why don't you do that with me?  I said... Bill if you want to lie on the floor belly up then you can have a few scratches too.  I remember Larry just let out laughing. 

Well.  That is all for now.  I know Bill is already up there in heaven with other true leaders organizing it and pursuing more of his dreams.  To the Moran family left here behind you have my heartfelt sympathy.  Everything Bill did was out of his love for his family .... and it shows.

Rest in peace Bill Moran.

Janet Collins

Steve Jobs passes at 56

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs

Far too young.  Rest in peace and thank you for your contributions to our world.  You are a Royal Sequel .

Do you have a story about 9-11? Please share it here and God Bless the USA

If you have a story from 9-11 that has particular meaning to you please share it here at Royal Sequel Stories.  Every life matters.  Every life has a legacy.  God bless you and God bless the USA.

In memory of Laura, the girl with the pearls.

Janet

Tough Topics For Seniors at Carolina House in Bluffton Sept 15, 2011

In honor of National Assisted Living Week, Carolina House is hosting a panel discussion on tough topics for Seniors.  Please share this collective panel discussion with your family and friends.  Complimentary admission, wine and cheese. 

A representative of Home Instead Senior Care will present a 40/70 seminar which includes topics 40-ish year old children should be asking their 70-ish year old parents.

A representative of Hospice Care of the Lowcountry will discuss the Five Wishes Program--a program that encourages talking about end-of-life decisions before a critical time.

A representative of Bonaventure Properties and Coastal Empire Pre-Planning Services will talk about the benefits of pre-planning for funeral expenses and encouraging loved one's funeral wishes.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15TH AT 2:30 PM.  For Reservations and information please call Nancy Rosen at 843-338-1189 by September 13th. 

CAROLINA HOUSE   Brookdale Senior Living  Bluffton, Highway 278
HOSPICE CARE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
BONAVENTURE FUNERAL HOME     http://www.bonaventurefh.com/
COASTAL EMPIRE PRE-PLANNING SERVICES, INC  You may also contact me, Janet Collins at 843-298-0279

Pass Through Pain to Eventual Acceptance of Loss, Bonaventure Funeral Home

http://www.bonaventurefh.com/blog/62/something-to-think-about-in-acknowledgment.html  Read this post entitled "Acknowledgement" by Kyle Nikola, President of Bonaventure Funeral Home.  Healing takes time...it helps when family and friends recognize the phases.  Have a blessed day!  Janet Collins 

Please Stay One More Day

I was inspired by the young people around me this evening... the big red tractor looked like a fun ride on a perfect summer night... let's cut the grass!  Okay... so instead of a nap I gave a few lessons.. and then sat back to let go.  I applauded inside their steps forward to a responsibility...and even though the lines may have been uneven... and the fact that I had to spend the evening with the blower behind them... couldn't dampen my feeling of pride for what they chose to do.  As I told them they did a beautiful job... their faces just glowed.  After all isn't that more important...is it not most important... to inspire?

I started to ponder and became inspired to write.  I want to say to young and old...as the markets are tanking right now and we seem to be working harder for less... I just want to say please stay one more day.  What I mean by that is even though you may be in the darkest of places hold on.  Reach out to people who will encourage you... who even though things may not be perfect as you attempt figuring out your life's purpose... just keep going.  Throw everything you have at what you believe in, what you love, what inspires you... because God doesn't make mistakes.  The good and the bad weather is endured and celebrated by all of us. 

This time last year a childhood friend of mine passed on.  She didn't want to stay one more day.  I don't know what to say about that... what a painful place she must have been in... but I want to say to anyone here that is experiencing a friend contemplating suicide or who has witnessed such a thing by now this:

Please stay one more day.  We will... find a way.  After all...it is okay.  So please stay...one more day.  We will figure it out this beautiful day... wouldn't it be nice to find a way?  So let us pray and find a way so that we can stay...one more day.

Our hearts are bigger than our fears... bigger than our disappointments... bigger than the world even.  We will find a way.  If this touches you please... feel safe to write to me anytime at royalsequel@yahoo.com

To my darling Holly.  You remain my inspiration.  Your life mattered and it does live on.

All my love,
Janet

"A FINAL GIFT OF LOVE" Free Seminar in historic Savannah, GA 8/25/2011

Free  Peace-Of-Mind Legacy Seminar.  Every life has a story and a legacy to tell.  Your WISHES matter.

Hear and speak directly with an Estate Planning attorney, Wealth and Estate Management Professionals, Estate Conservation and Taxation CPA,  Funeral Director and Certified Cemetery Executive.  They advise "It is never too soon to plan but it easily can be too late."  Be informed!

Attend a powerful, informative and educational free Peace-Of-Mind Legacy Planning seminar.  Take an opportunity to ask direct questions from the Professionals and get straight answers.  What does the average funeral cost today?  What happens if I don't have a will for my estate?  What if I just want to choose cremation?  How will my loved ones know what to do?    How do I appoint an executor and should that be a family member or attorney?  Questions can go on and on... its better to have them answered now instead of later.

Find out why "Legacy" Pre-Planning is a priceless GIFT for survivors.  Learn how to receive a FREE Personal Legacy Planning Guide.  Learn about Cemetery and Funeral Planning, Cremation options, Health Directives, the dangers of not having a Will and more.

                                                    WHEN:  August 25, 2011
                                WHERE:  BONAVENTURE FUNERAL HOME
                                                      2520 Bonaventure Road
                                                        Savannah, GA  31314

                                                           TIME:  6:00 -7:30

RSVP TO:  Janet Collins   Legacy Pre-Planning Counselor @Bonaventure Funeral Home for Bluffton, SC,
Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, GA     Service for the Lowcountry and the Coastal Empire 843-298-0279

RSVP can also be Bonaventure Funeral Home 912-236-0254 or Dennis Woolard, CEE 816-217-3390

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CHURCH, GROUP OR ORGANIZATION TO TOUR HISTORIC BONAVENTURE CEMETERY IN SAVANNAH PRIOR TO THE EVENT.  CONTACT JANET COLLINS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY PARK!

                                                      

Betty Ford... an American Legacy and First Lady

Read all about Betty Ford and her legacy in life here.  God Bless Betty Ford and her family in this difficult time.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Ford

Kyle Nikola of Bonaventure Funeral Home talks on Obituaries

This is a really great entry from Kyle on the importance of an obituary as opposed to a death notice.  I will be writing my own obituary as I turn in my paperwork to my Church at Church of The Cross in Bluffton, SC.

If anyone needs help writing on their legacy let us know.  We are here for you pre need or at need.  Please enjoy the entry here and also get to know our special facility on the web site.  Bonaventure serves the Savannah, Bluffton and Hilton Head areas with more expansion planned in the future.  We earn the trust in our communities every day!

http://www.bonaventurefh.com/blog/56/something-to-think-about-writing-your-obituary.html

Janet Collins
Professional Pre Planning Counselor
Skype:  Royal Sequel
843-298-0279
http://www.memorialproperties.com/

Bruce Springsteen's Eulogy for Clarence Clemens

This is a slightly revised version of the eulogy I delivered for Clarence at his memorial. I'd like to thank all our fans and friends who have comforted us over the past difficult weeks.FOR THE BIG MAN
I've been sitting here listening to everyone talk about Clarence and staring at that photo of the two of us right there. It's a picture of Scooter and The Big Man, people who we were sometimes. As you can see in this particular photo, Clarence is admiring his muscles and I'm pretending to be nonchalant while leaning upon him. I leaned on Clarence a lot; I made a career out of it in some ways.
Those of us who shared Clarence's life, shared with him his love and his confusion. Though "C" mellowed with age, he was always a wild and unpredictable ride. Today I see his sons Nicky, Chuck, Christopher and Jarod sitting here and I see in them the reflection of a lot of C's qualities. I see his light, his darkness, his sweetness, his roughness, his gentleness, his anger, his brilliance, his handsomeness, and his goodness. But, as you boys know your pop was a not a day at the beach. "C" lived a life where he did what he wanted to do and he let the chips, human and otherwise, fall where they may. Like a lot of us your pop was capable of great magic and also of making quite an amazing mess. This was just the nature of your daddy and my beautiful friend. Clarence's unconditional love, which was very real, came with a lot of conditions. Your pop was a major project and always a work in progress. "C" never approached anything linearly, life never proceeded in a straight line. He never went A... B.... C.... D. It was always A... J.... C.... Z... Q... I....! That was the way Clarence lived and made his way through the world. I know that can lead to a lot of confusion and hurt, but your father also carried a lot of love with him, and I know he loved each of you very very dearly.
It took a village to take care of Clarence Clemons. Tina, I'm so glad you're here. Thank you for taking care of my friend, for loving him. Victoria, you've been a loving, kind and caring wife to Clarence and you made a huge difference in his life at a time when the going was not always easy. To all of "C's" vast support network, names too numerous to mention, you know who you are and we thank you. Your rewards await you at the pearly gates. My pal was a tough act but he brought things into your life that were unique and when he turned on that love light, it illuminated your world. I was lucky enough to stand in that light for almost 40 years, near Clarence's heart, in the Temple of Soul.
So a little bit of history: from the early days when Clarence and I traveled together, we'd pull up to the evening's lodgings and within minutes "C" would transform his room into a world of his own. Out came the colored scarves to be draped over the lamps, the scented candles, the incense, the patchouli oil, the herbs, the music, the day would be banished, entertainment would come and go, and Clarence the Shaman would reign and work his magic, night after night. Clarence's ability to enjoy Clarence was incredible. By 69, he'd had a good run, because he'd already lived about 10 lives, 690 years in the life of an average man. Every night, in every place, the magic came flying out of C's suitcase. As soon as success allowed, his dressing room would take on the same trappings as his hotel room until a visit there was like a trip to a sovereign nation that had just struck huge oil reserves. "C" always knew how to live. Long before Prince was out of his diapers, an air of raunchy mysticism ruled in the Big Man's world. I'd wander in from my dressing room, which contained several fine couches and some athletic lockers, and wonder what I was doing wrong! Somewhere along the way all of this was christened the Temple of Soul; and "C" presided smilingly over its secrets, and its pleasures. Being allowed admittance to the Temple's wonders was a lovely thing.
As a young child my son Sam became enchanted with the Big Man... no surprise. To a child Clarence was a towering fairy tale figure, out of some very exotic storybook. He was a dreadlocked giant, with great hands and a deep mellifluous voice sugared with kindness and regard. And... to Sammy, who was just a little white boy, he was deeply and mysteriously black. In Sammy's eyes, "C" must have appeared as all of the African continent, shot through with American cool, rolled into one welcoming and loving figure. So... Sammy decided to pass on my work shirts and became fascinated by Clarence's suits and his royal robes. He declined a seat in dad's van and opted for "C's" stretch limousine, sitting by his side on the slow cruise to the show. He decided dinner in front of the hometown locker just wouldn't do, and he'd saunter up the hall and disappear into the Temple of Soul.
Of course, also enchanted was Sam's dad, from the first time I saw my pal striding out of the shadows of a half empty bar in Asbury Park, a path opening up before him; here comes my brother, here comes my sax man, my inspiration, my partner, my lifelong friend. Standing next to Clarence was like standing next to the baddest ass on the planet. You were proud, you were strong, you were excited and laughing with what might happen, with what together, you might be able to do. You felt like no matter what the day or the night brought, nothing was going to touch you. Clarence could be fragile but he also emanated power and safety, and in some funny way we became each other's protectors; I think perhaps I protected "C" from a world where it still wasn't so easy to be big and black. Racism was ever present and over the years together, we saw it. Clarence's celebrity and size did not make him immune. I think perhaps "C" protected me from a world where it wasn't always so easy to be an insecure, weird and skinny white boy either. But, standing together we were badass, on any given night, on our turf, some of the baddest asses on the planet. We were united, we were strong, we were righteous, we were unmovable, we were funny, we were corny as hell and as serious as death itself. And we were coming to your town to shake you and to wake you up. Together, we told an older, richer story about the possibilities of friendship that transcended those I'd written in my songs and in my music. Clarence carried it in his heart. It was a story where the Scooter and the Big Man not only busted the city in half, but we kicked ass and remade the city, shaping it into the kind of place where our friendship would not be such an anomaly. And that... that's what I'm gonna miss. The chance to renew that vow and double down on that story on a nightly basis, because that is something, that is the thing that we did together... the two of us. Clarence was big, and he made me feel, and think, and love, and dream big. How big was the Big Man? Too fucking big to die. And that's just the facts. You can put it on his grave stone, you can tattoo it over your heart. Accept it... it's the New World.
Clarence doesn't leave the E Street Band when he dies. He leaves when we die.
So, I'll miss my friend, his sax, the force of nature his sound was, his glory, his foolishness, his accomplishments, his face, his hands, his humor, his skin, his noise, his confusion, his power, his peace. But his love and his story, the story that he gave me, that he whispered in my ear, that he allowed me to tell... and that he gave to you... is gonna carry on. I'm no mystic, but the undertow, the mystery and power of Clarence and my friendship leads me to believe we must have stood together in other, older times, along other rivers, in other cities, in other fields, doing our modest version of god's work... work that's still unfinished. So I won't say goodbye to my brother, I'll simply say, see you in the next life, further on up the road, where we will once again pick up that work, and get it done.
Big Man, thank you for your kindness, your strength, your dedication, your work, your story. Thanks for the miracle... and for letting a little white boy slip through the side door of the Temple of Soul.
SO LADIES AND GENTLEMAN... ALWAYS LAST, BUT NEVER LEAST. LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE MASTER OF DISASTER, the BIG KAHUNA, the MAN WITH A PHD IN SAXUAL HEALING, the DUKE OF PADUCAH, the KING OF THE WORLD, LOOK OUT OBAMA! THE NEXT BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES EVEN THOUGH HE'S DEAD... YOU WISH YOU COULD BE LIKE HIM BUT YOU CAN'T! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE BIGGEST MAN YOU'VE EVER SEEN!... GIVE ME A C-L-A-R-E-N-C-E. WHAT'S THAT SPELL? CLARENCE! WHAT'S THAT SPELL? CLARENCE! WHAT'S THAT SPELL? CLARENCE! ... amen.
I'm gonna leave you today with a quote from the Big Man himself, which he shared on the plane ride home from Buffalo, the last show of the last tour. As we celebrated in the front cabin congratulating one another and telling tales of the many epic shows, rocking nights and good times we'd shared, "C" sat quietly, taking it all in, then he raised his glass, smiled and said to all gathered, "This could be the start of something big."
Love you, "C".

COLUMBIA

Clarence Clemens passes but not without a legacy!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/e-street-bands-clarence-clemons-dies-at-69-20110618    Read the article here. 

Byron Martin and how he saved five lives!

I loved Byron...we all did.  He was such a great kid.  He entered my life in 2001.  Byron is my ex husband's grandson and he loved his Grandaddy.  He was really good to our dogs and he rode my horse once...a real natural rider.  He was an animal whisperer.  He never met a stranger young or old!  Some of my fondest memories ... all of my fondest memories are of how he looked after all of us.  If he were visiting Rose Hill on the Golf side he still would run into the woods to view the deer.  On the estate side he would practice his golf swings... but to the animals he was a God.  He just had that gift. 

I remember how he took care of his younger sisters.  I remember how he used to say Yes, Sir and Yes, M'am.  I remember how he and his sisters always participated in the live play "This Man Called Jesus" in Lexington, SC.  I commented to my stepdaughter at the time... how is it they can have camels and horses indoors as a part of the play and not freak out at the crowds??"  lol... she said... they never have!  A real miracle.  All three of her babies played parts of baby Jesus and of wise men... year after year they were in it.

Byron was going to be a veterinarian and he would have been a brilliant one.  It wasn't God that took him.  It was the wrong car on the wrong turn without a seatbelt that took him.  God was just there to hold him on the other side.  His legacy?  "Buckle Up For Byron" is the mission now of the Lexington Police Department.  The car is there as a reminder.  My stepdaughter Hope at the time was and remains to this day a very strong woman of faith.  Byron donated five organs upon her wishes and saved five different lives on his passing including a father of 35 who needed a heart.  Another's eyesight was saved.. the lungs helped another and the kidneys others...

All live on.  I love you Byron and I always will.  Take good care of our horse Royal Sequel until we meet again.  I know God is happy to have you helping with all our animals in heaven!  You passed on in October of 2007 but your life giving energy stays with us always and forever.

The Passing of A True Friend... my Royal Sequel

I am glad I saved this.  I sent this letter out to all of Royal Sequel's owners, trainers and everyone whose life he had touched.  He was a good horse.  Enjoy.  This was March of 2009.

Hello.  I have sad news.  Our darling Winslow did have to be put down tonight due to his gut being too twisted to be able to fix.  Last night he had to have Milk of Magnesium and the Ulmers were very diligent.  Dr. Mitch Lowery had two other cases over the past few days as well...something with the weather.  I applaud all their efforts.

 

I couldn't be more grateful for having such a unique friend in my life.  I will always regret never having more time with him.  Our last moments together were very private and very beautiful.

 

I got the call from Kay...as I drove up to the farm I couldn't help but notice that even in death there is beauty.  This is what I wish to write to us all now.  It could have been cold, rainy...one hundred degrees but it wasn't.

 

As I pulled up to the barn the sun was setting sunset orange...the weather was perfect.  There were no bugs and there was a slight breeze.  Kay hugged me hard as I took the lead line from her.  He was on lots of meds...the turn for the worse had happened suddenly so there was no delay other than me flying to the barn to say good bye.  Suffering was not an option.  I knew exactly what I was going to say to him.  His head was hung low and he was standing.  I immediately rubbed his forehead and thanked him for being the best horse anyone could ever own.  I told him to look for my grandson...Byron was going to come and get him now...and see he is right there so he could bring him to his new home.  I was sitting on the ground now so I could look him in the eye and I told him I love you over and over and over again.  I told him he was one in a million...and he was.

 

He looked me right back...took his head up a few inches and looked at me.  I took my eyes and looked into his with my forehead touching his.  It was amazing.  I said to Kay...now...he is ready now and so am I.  She ran to cut him a piece of his mane which I have here next to me as I write.  I looked at Kay and said please bury him here.  Please make a spot for him.  She said of course, this is his home and they were readying a final place for him next to the pond.

 

Get Mitch...I wanted Winslow to sleep now.  Mitch started to come over but before he did I had one last opportunity now that I was standing...to hold his head in my arms, stroke his forehead and remind him just look for Bryon now.  It only took a few minutes...I was going to be there until the end...we stood back and then he landed in the sand.  Although Kay said to be careful in case he lunged I knew he wouldn't.  I still went forward and stroked his head and prayed Jesus take him quickly.  Still looking each other in the eye he did.  Win stopped his painful breathing and lay still, peaceful and at rest.  The last words said over him until his last breath was I love you, I love you...I love you with my hand on his forehead telling him how good he was.

 

I pictured Bryon leading him to his new home...from one dimension to another.  Winslow is the bravest horse I know.  I think all horses have his qualities but it grew immensely in  him over time.  I strongly believe that it is because of the women who are reading this including me...that led him to believe he was the biggest, most handsome of them all.

 

Royal Sequel will have a lifelong place to rest on Buckingham Plantation...quite a place of honor forever.  He had a good and healthy life.  Winslow was 17.  Our last ride was Sunday in the ring and on the trails with his dogs, Lady and Rosie.  God is good.

 

Love from Janet and Win

 

 

---

Whirlaway is a Royal Sequel

Long before my horse's time and possibly in his bloodline is Whirlaway of the early 1940's.  Every life has a story including great athletes like Whirlaway.  He won his race... believe in and win yours.  You are a Royal Sequel.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvr1Qpc4YM&feature=player_embedded  Whirlaway was an inspiration during World War II.  Lets do that for each other now.

Enjoy the photo gallery in this pictorial tour.  Its just beautiful!

Janet Collins
Skype:  Royal Sequel
Royal Sequel was in the bloodline of Native Dancer.. and for a short time we belonged to each other.
Live your life... dance your dance!  Win your race.

Holly's Legacy

Yes.  I thought it was about a year ... I just checked out her Facebook page which still lives on and confirmed my thought as I see a post from her Mom.  My childhood friend.  Our Freehold childhood friend and amazing woman.

Holly.  Well... for me the street on Starling Avenue just would not have been the same.  Her laughter... her silliness.  Her boldness.  Her heart.  Holly loved with all her heart.  She would do things on a dare.  She would speak her mind.  She was loyal to everyone she knew and that loyalty shined on for all of her years here on this earth.  I will never forget sitting in English class the first year she celebrated Christmas...and said its only 360 (some odd number) to Christmas... she shouted out her joy right in the middle of a classroom where most of us were just looking at the clock.

Her hands.  Her spirit.  She could brush by you without a touch but you knew she was there... she could also touch you and it was so light... her spirit in the flesh was so light.  That is why I just know she is still lighting up our worlds in her wonderful, joyful ways.

If you knew and loved Holly feel free to leave a post.  Every life has a story... a royal sequel.  Holly's is one that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.  Holly... upon hearing of your passing last year I was in a cottage on Johns Island in Charleston.  Laura Sacca chatted in.. did you hear.  I stood up, threw down my glasses.

And sobbed.  I love you girl.  One day we shall see you again... and I for one can't wait.  Until then...as your Mom says... look over us Angel.  Darling Angel!  You surely live on.  xxoo 


Janet Collins

Every life has a story!

Its an amazing time in our history.  We have what I like to call generational talents that cross over and interact with each other like no other time I can imagine!  For those that are Baby Boomers we can only stand in awe of the technology we have seen transform before our eyes.  There weren't even calculators at one time in our schools and look how we have evolved... to computers and now to Ipads?  I have witnessed a two year old use an Ipad!

Can a two year old live without their Parents, Grandparents and now in some cases even Great Grandparents?  Every life has a story and the legacy will be equal to the amount of attention we give preserving it for them.

I am Janet Collins and I proudly help tell life stories of families....those that matter to them... those who have passed or will pass in their family history.  Every life has a story... won't you please share yours?  We are all Royal Sequels!  Please post a favorite sequel for others to share.  For me... it was a boy just turned 16 in 2007.  It is also a Grandfather and two Grandmothers.  More on them in time...tell me about yours.

http://www.memorialproperties.com/  
http://www.bonaventurefh.com/