January 29, 2025 - Lift Me Up and Jane
A commemorative bench has been installed
As you all know, Jane was totally committed to Lift Me Up! Therapeutic equine center in Great Falls, VA.
Peg McCarty and I wanted something to be placed there in honor of Jane with hopes that her dedication would never be forgotten. We decided on a beautiful metal bench engraved with
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ELIZABETH JANE BEGAN
It is now sitting just outside the barn doors, where Jane wanted it to go. She passed through these doors hundreds of times over the years.
We worked with the Executive Director Julie Casso to find the right bench. We are so pleased with the results. It is an 8’ bench with a cast iron frame and a thermoplastic coating. It will last decades!
It was installed at the end of December, but we got this message from Julie today:
Hi Kathleen & Peg- Forgive my delay in sending these pics and updating you on the AMAZING bench at Lift Me Up! to celebrate Jane! A work group of Army Medic volunteers put the bench together in late December and placed it exactly in the spot we chose which is where Jane thought would be great too (how funny is that)! Thank you for making Lift Me Up! the charity to remember Jane. With this bench, she will ALWAYS be remembered.
Julie
Peg and I plan to go there soon with a bottle of champagne (Jane loved champagne) and dedicate the bench in person. I hope to have other Lift Me Up! Volunteers there as well as some of Jane’s local friends and cousins. Send me a message if you are interested in being there.
Jane was in heaven among the horses, riders, and other dedicated volunteers.
I think this song is appropriate for now.
Lift Me Up
Song by Rihanna
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me in the warmth of your love
When you depart, keep me safe
Safe and sound
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me close
Safe and sound
Drowning in an endless sea
Take some time and stay with me
Keep me in the strength of your arms
Keep me safe
Safe and sound
Lift me up
Hold me down
Keep me safe
Safe and sound
Burning in a hopeless dream
Hold me when you go to sleep
Keep me safe
We need light, we need love
lift me up in your arms
(Hold me down) I need love, I need love, I need love
(Keep me close) hold me, hold me
(Safe and sound) hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
(Hold me down) hold me, hold me
(Keep me safe) we need light, we need love
The bench is now sitting between the 2 large barn doors.
A great place to donate in memory of Jane!
That bench is beyond beautiful! What a perfect way to remember Jane. I really love the fact that so many people will go on to sit on that bench. An overly excited child trying to stop for a second to put their riding boots on properly, ready to get on a horse for the first time. A stable worker eating lunch in between mucking out the piebald horse who's secretly their favourite. So many people - who all share Jane's love for being there. And, yes, I reckon Jane would have sat there too. Now she'll always be there in spirit - providing a special seated moment to anyone who needs it 💖
Excuse me, but I have a tear or two in my eye. This is such a perfect memorial to Jane. Congrats to you and Peg for making it happen!