This is everything, Erica. A perfect love story, a perfect life story, and what it means to be fully embodied in this human life with all of its beauty and pain. Thank you. I love you. 🙏❤️
What a gift of an essay to receive. Thank you a million times over. I was stood here in my kitchen (in Manchester in the UK), putting away the dishes and I stopped for a browse which somehow led me to you Erica. And Janet. And this poem. This poem had me in tears. For the loss you and your family must feel having to live (in this life) without such a wonderful friend. That this planet lost such a good soul. And also at the kindness of you to write this and share your friendship and Janet’s message. That it is so remarkably positive even through the devastation. Ripples. All the ripples. All the light. Thank you so much both xx
Awe. Thank you so much for reading and sharing this note. It feels so good to connect with all of you in this way. This is humanity at its absolute best. ❤️
I didn’t know Janet, but we were in the same milk bank group and, as a fellow mom via surrogacy, I was so incredibly inspired by her journey to motherhood. I’ve followed Rebecca for years and seeing this beautiful tribute to someone who lived such an incredible life and fought so hard to become a mother is so moving. Sending so much love and healing to those who had the privilege to know and love Janet.
I have to echo everyone. Thank you for writing this, the love and support you provided to Janet, and (Rebecca) for sharing. I couldn’t say anything earlier, because this piece hit me in my stomach. I have been avoiding writing about last moments and reading your writing brought me back to the hospital. Beautiful.
I was lucky to know Janet a little bit (she hired me at SFWAR in the summer of 2009, shortly after I moved to San Francisco). She was so cool, so smart, and so kind. This is such a beautiful tribute to her.
Awe—I love that you know her! I wondered how many people read Rebecca’s words and might also know Janet. Love how this world is connected. Maybe I’ll meet you at the next memorial in Cali?!
This is remarkable. A truly good death. Thank you for sharing all of this.
This is everything, Erica. A perfect love story, a perfect life story, and what it means to be fully embodied in this human life with all of its beauty and pain. Thank you. I love you. 🙏❤️
The night fell.
The winds blew.
The door flew open.
Your mom flew inside.
Your breath began to rattle. Loud with the wind.
The whole thing is beautiful but this particular phrasing made my chest ache. Love to you and Janet's sweet family <3
Erica and Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing this remarkable story and bit of writing that is so close to your hearts.
I recently lost a dear friend unexpectedly. I wept the entire way through reading this piece. It is so beautiful and life-affirming.
Here’s to many more heart-soaring experiences while we get to be alive! Warmly, Amanda
Awe. Thank you. Sending so much love to you!
What a gift of an essay to receive. Thank you a million times over. I was stood here in my kitchen (in Manchester in the UK), putting away the dishes and I stopped for a browse which somehow led me to you Erica. And Janet. And this poem. This poem had me in tears. For the loss you and your family must feel having to live (in this life) without such a wonderful friend. That this planet lost such a good soul. And also at the kindness of you to write this and share your friendship and Janet’s message. That it is so remarkably positive even through the devastation. Ripples. All the ripples. All the light. Thank you so much both xx
Awe. Thank you so much for reading and sharing this note. It feels so good to connect with all of you in this way. This is humanity at its absolute best. ❤️
And now Janet lights our lives too. I hope to leave in such a powerful, kind and remarkable way.
Lost my lifeline and best friend last year, this destroyed me in a good way - I guess. I’m still not ready…
Beautiful. The power and love of sisterhood and friendship lights up our lives. Thank you for sharing your dear friend’s beautiful life with us. 💫❤️
Platonic love is just in every way as important as romantic love and the loss is just as fierce. I’m glad you got love your friend
Yes. So true and thank you I’m glad I got to love her too ❤️
I didn’t know Janet, but we were in the same milk bank group and, as a fellow mom via surrogacy, I was so incredibly inspired by her journey to motherhood. I’ve followed Rebecca for years and seeing this beautiful tribute to someone who lived such an incredible life and fought so hard to become a mother is so moving. Sending so much love and healing to those who had the privilege to know and love Janet.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have to echo everyone. Thank you for writing this, the love and support you provided to Janet, and (Rebecca) for sharing. I couldn’t say anything earlier, because this piece hit me in my stomach. I have been avoiding writing about last moments and reading your writing brought me back to the hospital. Beautiful.
“It’s off the rail that magic happens” 💛 thank you for sharing her with us
Thank you for sharing this extraordinary love and life with us. May Janet rest in peace, and may you (and all who knew her) rise gently. 💕
❤️
❤️
I was lucky to know Janet a little bit (she hired me at SFWAR in the summer of 2009, shortly after I moved to San Francisco). She was so cool, so smart, and so kind. This is such a beautiful tribute to her.
Awe—I love that you know her! I wondered how many people read Rebecca’s words and might also know Janet. Love how this world is connected. Maybe I’ll meet you at the next memorial in Cali?!