Interview with Maybelle Member, Janie
Thanks to you, and a lifetime love of singing, Janie found “another family” with our choir in 2019, after moving cross-country with just two suitcases. During COVID, Janie keeps connected by sharing her colorful personality and sense of humor during virtual choir and weekly calls with a cherished friend she met at her first choir practice.
“It’s like you guys were a family - a home away from home in a lot of ways. And I missed that.”
Q: How did you first get connected with Maybelle?
I’ve been singing since I was five, in the school and church choir. I just sing my heart out. That’s me - that’s what I do. I even joined a ladies’ barbershop quartet!
When I moved into my apartment, I didn’t really talk to too many people. I met a Maybelle Center volunteer who said, “Did you know Maybelle Center had a choir?”
When I came to choir the first time, I was scared for a little bit. But everybody introduced themselves and made me feel really comfortable.
Q: How have you stayed connected during the pandemic?
That first day in choir, I got connected to Jackie [a fellow choir member], and we started talking. Jackie and I now talk every Wednesday to keep in touch with each other. Jackie also helped me use Zoom, so I could go to remote choir practice.
I also generally talk to Cecily [Maybelle staff] once a week. Whenever I talk to Cecily, it’s like I’m talking to my sister. I keep her entertained. I get her laughing and she can’t stop. I’m always hoping she’s not falling off of her chair!
"When I was growing up, I had an abusive family, and wasn’t allowed to have any friends. Having friends now is really cool - I got people checking on me all the time and making sure I’m okay. That makes me feel good."
Q: Residents at MacRes love your pup. Can you tell us about her?
Lola's not like any other dog - she's been a wonderful blessing for me. Last year, we started visiting the Residence (Assisted Living at Maybelle) on Fridays. I loved it.
I’d say, “Okay, Lola, we gotta go see your friends, and she would pull me all the way there. Because of COVID, Lola can’t go see her friends at the Residence. And now I have a pouty dog on my hands!
Q: What do you secretly love about yourself?
I’m the kind of person who you know you can count on in a pinch. I was raised to give the shirt off your back if you can - that’s just me. I make it easy for people to sit there and talk; if you need someone to talk to, I’m the one.
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