Reflections on
JoAnn Hill
Reflections on
JoAnn Hill
From Carol Yankovich; Edinboro, PA:
I believe I met JoAnn when she and Russell came for (their grandson) Tristan's baptism so many years ago. I got to know JoAnn better when she and Russell came to Edinboro to be the caregivers of Tristan, Aaron, and Sarah when Katya was at the University of Pittsburgh studying for her PhD. When I would go over to Katya's, JoAnn would bring out the tea and we would have our chats. It was great hearing her views on life from child raising to political thoughts. Occasionally when Katya was home we would go for a bite to eat at Perkins.
While JoAnn was in town she would come to my house for a few days. On a couple occasions she and my mom hung curtains in my spare bedroom. Then, because of some damage to a door frame because of a large peice of furniture being brought through it, she brought over her magic and made the frame much more presentable. We also started collecting quarters together. She sent me her Denver minted quarters and I would send her my Philadelphia minted coins. Along with the quarters we sent each other a little note of recent happenings. I still have my last note of hers.
I remember JoAnn helping to make perogies or cabbage rolls (haloopkis) over at the little Orthodox church in Crossingville (where Katya went to church)when the ladies were preparing their yearly dinners.
I remember going to the University of Pittsburgh for Katya's graduation and JoAnn and Russell being there-- the proud parents of a daughter receiving her PhD.
This Thanksgiving I just want to say that I am thankful that JoAnn crossed my path of life. She was such a blessing.
My prayer for the family is that our heavenly Father surround them all with His loving arms and give them Peace.
I give you this one thought to keep--
I am with you still--I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone-
I am with you still--in each new dawn.071227
