Last night we had Megan's Birthday Party. We went to the Mall for a scavenger hunt. Each team had a list of clues and $20 to purchase something at each store once they figured out the clue. We had a lot of fun. We didn't even get kicked out.

Things I have Learned.....Somethings I have been reminded of, and some new gratitudes

* Cancer Sucks
* Life is not fair
* Mothers can never be replaced
* Who our real friends are
* Who truly cares for us
* Watching the cycle of death is fascinating
* I miss my mom
* We have a new "NORMAL" still searching for the normal
* Life does go on
* I miss home
* Time does heal
* Prayer is real
* Little Sisters can teach you a lot
* I am grateful for my sisters
* Glad I have sisters and not brothers :)
* My dad is the best dad
* My friends and family that check on me via phone, email, text, just to say hi or see how I am doing. Even if I don't answer or respond they still ask
* Some one always has it worse
* My new moms (you know who you are)
* I wasn't 5 years old when my mom died
* My kids are old enough to remember all the fun things Grandma did with them
* I know I will see her again


I went to Napa this weekend. We had a great time. We talked a lot. Laughed a ton, and got to visit with friends that will never go away. Char and I talked Friday night into Saturday morning. We had a great talk, learned many leassons, and had lots of AH HA moments. It was great. Thanks Char. She is still paying for the late hour.

It is true we have a teenager. UGH!! 13 years ago today started the longest 10 days or our married life. Megan came into this world, not too sure if she wanted to stay. But she fought really hard and we are blessed to have her in our lives today. I can't believe 13 years old. She started out so cute, and now she is so very pretty. Meg we love you and are very proud of you. We hope you have a good day.

Happy Birthday Meg We love you!!!!!!!!!

We were able to get some last family pictures. What a blessing it was that we were able to get everyone together. We are very lucky to have 5 generations. Every time we went to Napa we tried to get Great Grandma Bowen so we could get pictures, she always says she isn't going to be around much longer. Never in a million years did we think my mom would go first. But she did. Sorry Grandma!! You get to be with us for a little longer :) Today it has been 2 weeks. I was talking to my sisters today. I know imagine that. On one hand it feels like yesterday, and on another it feels like forever. It is good to be back home. But I miss my Napa home more than ever. We talked about if we had the chance to bring her back would we. We decided we would not. We know she is in a better place,happy, and having fun. We will have to find a new normal to our lives now. Hopefully sooner than later. We love you mom!! We will see you when we get there........

Jeannie Kortz

Jeannie Kortz
Sunday, March 01, 2009
NAPA - Jeannie Kortz, a truly beautiful woman, passed away Feb. 27, 2009, surrounded by her family. As beautiful as she was on the outside, she was even more beautiful on the inside. She was born Aug. 27, 1952, in St. Helena, and lived in Napa her entire life. She graduated from Napa High School in 1970 and married Lynn Kortz on Oct. 17, 1970. Together they raised three daughters: Christine, Michelle and Charlene. She was given the name Billie Jean Bowen, but to those who knew her and loved her, they called her Jeannie, Mom, Grandma, aunt, sister and friend.

Jeannie always opened her heart as well as her home to those who needed a little help in life. She opened them willingly to friends and misfits, as well as family. Everyone knew her house had a revolving door where she would welcome you and feed your body and spirit with words of wisdom, comfort and encouragement. She was never too busy to make you feel important. Family meant everything to Jeannie. She loved having Easter parties, family reunions and family gatherings just because, always in an effort to get the family together to enjoy each other’s company and create memories that last forever. What wonderful memories her family has of her, because of her selflessness! Her life was devoted to her eight grandchildren, children and friends. She would hop on a plane in an instant or drop what she was doing to help someone who had a burden she could lighten. The true meaning of love radiated from her being.
Jeannie’s life was full. She loved the beach and spent many days camping along the shores of Bodega Bay with her children, friends, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She enjoyed sitting by the campfire, being at the beach, reading books, visiting and reflecting. She loved to garden, feel the earth in her hands while pruning her roses, harvesting her vegetable garden and many fruit trees. She spent hours working on her property, beautifying everything she touched, creating serene, peaceful flower gardens where her family could feel her love in the air. She helped people through Hanna Somatics Education. Those who were blessed to work with her know of the passion she had for her work and how fortunate they were to work with such a remarkable person.

As cancer ravaged her body, her indomitable spirit still showed through. She left everyone with a message of love, courage, compassion and true friendship.
Jeannie is survived by her husband, Lynn Kortz, of Napa; children Brandon and Christine Dorney, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Derek and Michelle Cordes, of Castle Rock, Colo., and Jason and Charlene Erickson, of Napa; eight beautiful grandchildren: Megan and McKenzie Dorney, Alexa, Brock and Davin Cordes, and Haley, Dallin and Ethan Erickson; sisters Shirley Bowen-Gonos and Ruth Bowen-Zimmer; brothers Tom Bowen, Mike Bowen and Dean Bowen Jr.; mother Opal Bowen-Brackett; father Earnest Dean Bowen; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Please join us March 5, anytime between 1-2:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2590 Trower Ave., Napa, to a see a tribute to our mother and to offer condolences to our family. A celebration of her life will be at 3 p.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Hospice of Napa Valley in her name.

Cancer Sucks!!!