Seri's Comments from the Memorial Service

Janet Johnson Porter was a one of a kind lady – I think we’re all pretty convinced of that or we wouldn’t be here.

There’s no controversy there - But what I’m about to say could be considered to be controversial - Janet liked Rabbits. Of course the dogs and the French merely think of them as food. But it’s true.

How do I know this you might ask? Janet once made the bold move to run out in her nightgown and scream at a neighbor to stop shooting the rabbits in his garden with his bb gun.

You may be shocked by this and even disbelieving, as this behavior was out of character for a civilized and socially aware person like Janet. But it’s not unbelieveable once you understand that Janet loved the rabbits – I never got the chance to ask her why – but I can imagine that she enjoyed seeing them hopping around on a spring day – or maybe it was her love of easter or really all holidays that involved happy children, because she definitely loved happy children, as the little cuties and big nasties will agree.

I think she may have also cared because they were so defenseless, and needed our protection as they were unable to even scream. I came to understand this when my dog walking friend’s dog Iggy managed to chase down a rabbit who was hopping around in a beautiful neighborhood park. Iggy got the rabbit in his mouth and was beginning to munch. My daughter and I watched in horror – as the rabbit finally screamed – we didn’t know what to do as it was our friends dog, and we weren’t all that interested in offending our friend or his dog – but the rabbit managed to get away – then the dog ran after it, and started munching again – I was propelled by a force beyond thought to go and scream at iggy to let go of the bunny – when that didn’t work I raised my arm so as to smack him – and he finally let it go – and I then remembered my mother screaming at the neighbor and I finally understood.

So when you see a bunny hopping around on a warm summer day amid the flowers – try to smile and think of Janet. And in fact, when you see any helpless creature in trouble – animal or human - think of a way to help and think of Janet.