Mallard Landing: Meet Jane

When asked about what they like most about Mallard Landing, most residents reply, “the people.” I’ve interviewed some people who live here — a few for many years, others as new arrivals. They all have interesting stories to tell. Here is one of them.

There was a buzz in Building 1105—Jane was soon to move in.  And sure enough around the first of December there she was, albeit on a walker.  Her frosted head held high she seemed to be everywhere and then she was gone.  The pain in her hip from a second fall a couple weeks earlier had finally taken its toll and she had sought medical help.  Turns out she had pushed herself too hard after her first fall a month or so before and one day as she was shopping for a simple old bagel she tripped and fell.  Being Jane, she kept going until the doctors told her the fall fractured her hip in two places.  The good news is she is now graduating to a cane and will soon be tip top.

Those who know Jane know slow-down is not in her vocabulary—it’s something still to be learned.  For many years she worked in banking helping people with consumer loans—both in Delaware and in Salisbury where she has lived for 43 years.

One day she took a little test:  What kind of business really suits you?  Turns out sales was her strength and a natural fit.  She began her own “at home” business selling Aloe Charm, skin care products.  Even today her eyes light up when she recalls the pleasure of meeting people and teaching them how to care for their skin.

When she began her business, she set a goal for herself, something she learned from her father.  He was a leader and public speaker who taught that one must have goals if one hopes to be successful.  So, she set a goal. . . to be a manager in one year.  Managers at Aloe Charm wore blue suits, so she bought herself one, hung it in the closet as a constant reminder of her goal.  She achieved it her first year.  When the Sales Directors celebrated her elevation to Manager, they were wearing white suits.  So, Jane bought herself a white suit and aimed even higher.  In two years she was wearing that white suit as a Sales Director.  With it came more recognition.  As her sales continued to grow, the company recognized her achievements with all-expense paid trips to Greece, Aruba, Acapulco, Mexico and more.

Don’t think that’s all she did.  Jane’s husband owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle store.  So, -she bought some leather pants and a leather jacket, of course, hopped onto a cycle behind her husband and off they roared to see America! They went to rallies in Wyoming, the Great Lakes regions and more.  I’d like to say the wind was blowing through her hair, but she was hopefully wearing a helmet.

Her sons have taken the burdens of running a house from her shoulders by installing her in Mallard Landing.  They think she will slow down now.  Not likely.  You can see Jane with her puppy dog, Harley, walking around here. When you see this bright-eyed, independent woman she will still have a twinkle in her eye and will be ready to talk up a storm. . . ‘cause she’s full of life.

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