Janet, my mom, was kind and compassionate.  She really listened when you spoke and gave much thought to your thoughts. Many of my childhood friends still tell me, all these years later, how much she made them feel heard, accepted and loved during the often painful and  uncertain times growing up. She also cared greatly for  small creatures, she'd suddenly slam on the brakes of her wood panelled station wagon, run out of the car to move a turtle across the road. Her actions may have seemed simple at the time but now I see there is much grace, power, support and love to be found in the simple.