JANET AND CURTIS LAROCHE:
Love is one of the most epitomizing aspects of life and being human. We each love somebody and, if we are fortunate enough, we are loved back. This love can exist between a parent and a child, or even a person with their pet. None can certainly deny the exceptionalism, however, that is consummate love, that is, the unique bond that exists between one person and another, which lasts an entire lifetime and beyond. One bond I have observed during my time here is the beautiful yet heartbreaking marriage that exists between Curtis Laroche and his recently passed wife, Janet Laroche.
"She was an amazing woman who always knew what she wanted. I was just there for the ride." Curtis means this statement quite literally; back in thei heyday, Curtis used to take Janet for jourides in an eighteen-wheeler for potentially days at a time. On some trips, Janet might tag along on trips to New York, Boston, or potentially even further south in the States. While they did these trips during the week, they would often go out to eat on the weekends. "Every Sunday, we used to meet a group of friends for coffee. Janet used to really like that. I only realized recently that I did, too." While Janet used to keep Curtis company, Curtis tells me she always had her own projects as well. "I don't know how she did it - she always had something to do, and she always did it well. She could be a cashier, secretary, clerk - you name it, she did it." As they say, if you want a job done well, give it to a busy person!
Janet passed away in January 2021. Just as we tend to absorb many of the qualities of the people we love, Curtis carries on Janet's legacy. She is also survived by her own children and grandchildren.
One of the most difficult aspects of marriage is knowing it will not last forever; perhaps this fact makes the union more meaningful, though. Despite the pain of living without Janet, Curtis knows he would not change any of their relationship. We should be so lucky to hope for the same fifty-six years of great memories in our lives.
Zach Fry
Social Work Assistant