Hello,
I met Janet not long after she was adopted by the Smith family in Guelph. We were both around 11 or 12 years old, I believe. Janet was my best friend for the next several years, and she told me her real name was Verna Louttitt.She knew she had several brothers and sister, but couldn't remember all their names.I remember feeling shocked and sad, and had no understanding of why this would have happened.
Janet and I were inseparable for the years leading up to her pregnancy with Grant. We would hang out together and did our Bronze Medallion together at the local YM/YWCA. I had been grounded for something, and swimming was one way I could get out of the house. Janet and I attended every lesson, but we were fooling around and making plans to escape. I don't think we passed.
One of the last times I saw Janet, she told me of her plan to move to London. Our mutual friend Grant was so supportive of Janet at this time. She honoured him by naming her son after him.
I have a photograph of Janet and baby Grant from when they were in London and Grant was 18 months. 1975, at Rose's parents place. Its the last communication Janet and I had.
Ive thought a lot about Janet over the years, and with the recent recognition of residential schools and the 60's scoop, she has come to mind many times. I finally searched her out, and landed here.
I am so happy to see that Janet (Verna) reconnected with her birth family and siblings. And continued to be connected to her adoptive family The Smiths. The photographs show a beautiful, happy soul. I wished we could have met again; I loved Janet. But I'm happy to read about the family she had surrounding her in her adult years.
with love
Michelle (Kilcoyne) Fitt
michellefitt@gmail.com
