As far back as I can remember, my sister Jan has always dreamed of going to Vermont. I understand Vermont presents some of the most magnificent mountains and beautiful scenery in the nation but I am almost sure that isn’t her main focus. My bet would be that she is fascinated with the hundreds of little white churches located over the entire state or the small towns where real neighbors give you the sense of security in belonging somewhere. A couple of months ago, my niece Barbara, left her home in North Georgia along with her three daughters and of course the dog, and traveled to Vermont to do a drive-by cell phone description of my sister’s beautiful dream spot. Photo’s and information on the internet provide great information but seeing through the eyes of her daughter gave Jan even more love for this state.

My sister stays inside most of the time. An occasional trip to the grocery store is it, except for the necessary trips to Atlanta’s Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. For the past 20 years my sister has kept foster children. As a matter of fact she has had about 163 children pass through her home and mostly children that the State could not find placement for. Ten years ago Jan got a call from DFACS with a request to pick up a 10 week old “shaken baby” and keep her until she died. This beautiful little normal girl had been severely shaken by her father which resulted in permanent injury and disability. Both of her tiny legs had been broken and the shake resulted in brain injury and blindness. Even though this tragedy is heart wrenching and extreme, Kimi has been such a blessing to countless people. When she was still a baby, she was the first girl Baby Jesus in our Christmas program at church. Her performance was flawless. Kimi cannot see or talk but when my nephew Jay plays the piano, she can sing her own songs, with her own words, in her own language.

Kimi will be ten this year and her body is growing as if she were normal. I don’t see how Jan does it.
Jan is 61 years old and has not slept in a real bed since she got Kimi. She has fashioned a group of sofa’s and ottomans that she calls “Kimi Island” and that is her life 24/7. The devotion Jan has for this child is incomparable. A couple of years ago Jan legally adopted Kimi. Judge Cliff Jolliff, who for years had watched over her in court, had also fallen in love with this child, was able to perform this beautiful service. The courtroom was filled with Kimi’s friends and relatives from church, CASA and DFACS. Now she belongs. She is Jan’s daughter and Martha, Barbara and Jay’s sister. She has aunts, uncles and cousins and she is loved.

Last year Jan had a bout with cancer. Could we even imagine Kimi without Jan? The questions were endless.

Thank God for His healing and guidance through the help of Dr. Stephen Salmieri in Lawrenceville. Not only was he the happiest doctor I have ever met, he was also able to successfully operate on my sister and save her life.

My precious sister has lived through a lot and I hope she has many more years ahead. There are many places to see and people to meet but for now I wish for her as much happiness as possible as she lives her life with Kimi.

I only hope that when the times comes, Jan can Stop By Vermont on Her Way to Heaven.

Visit my website at: http://www.LakeLookers.com to find out more about having fun and living on Lake Lanier in North Georgia. From Islands to Highlands we have it all!