Farewell to Jane...

Jane was my friend.

We first met when I went to her home to pick up my son Nate.  Nate - and Jane's daughter Laura - were juniors in high school and had met when performing in The Music Man at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.

When I arrived - Nate, Laura and some other friends were in the music room - and it was clear they had no intention of saying any quick good-byes.

So I joined Jane in the family room and saw a jigsaw puzzle spread out on a card table.



I loved doing puzzles too - so we sat down and worked on it together and got to know each other.

A new friendship was born.

There were many impromptu family dinners together, photo ops with Nate and Laura at proms and theatre performances, picnics at the Arboretum, weekends at Stevens Point and much more.

One weekend in June 2005, we drove to Stevens Point to see Laura perform in a college musical production.  I drove Jane's SUV there and back.  It was a perfect arrangement as I liked to drive and Jane liked to ride.

The following Tuesday, Jane sent out a group email explaining that she had some blurry vision in her right eye and had it checked out.  Unfortunately, a cancerous tumor was found in her eyeball.

The good news was that it was all-contained - and even though she would lose her eye - there wouldn't be any radiation or chemo treatments required.  It was surreal as she never mentioned or complained about any eye issues when we were together just a few days earlier.

Through it all - she maintained her positive spirit and deep faith...

...and her sense of humor.



She loved the cookie bouquet I got for her - complete with a pirate cookie with an eye patch.

Until it happened... I never knew that Jane's doctors had cautioned her that there was a possibility that the eye cancer could potentially manifest itself in liver or lung cancer within 6-10 years.

Unfortunately they were horribly right - as 6 years later cancer did appear in her liver.  It was unyielding and relentless and took her too soon.

Through it all - she and husband Don were so courageous.  Their CaringBridge posts displayed their unshakable Faith.  It was gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, amazing, and humbling, to be included on their journey. 

Jane was a woman of faith, integrity, and fun.  I will be forever grateful for her being part of my life.  I miss you Jane....til we meet again.

Jane was...and will always be...my friend.