Written by Mary Anne Jonsson
Janet was diagnosed with metastatic bone cancer from an unknown primary site on March 14, 2001. Many physicians searched for the primary site but were unsuccessful. Metastatic Bone Cancer from Unknown Primary is a rare but medically documented diagnosis. She battled valiantly until her untimely death on August 31 2002 with her husband and many friends at her side and in her heart.
It has been 9 years and as we remember Janet on the walk for hospice, here is a small picture of her life and a few anecdotes she wrote in a college journal while pursuing her BSN as well as some thoughts while going through that year and a half with cancer.
Janet was a very loving and caring person throughout her life. She was always very supportive of her parents, husband, friends, co-workers and clients.
Janet loved her work with AIDS clients, men, women and children; and she wrote, “The babies are the hardest. The age ranges from 1 month to 3 years old. Each child is so special and different.” Another note states, “I think the part that gets to me is most of the clients are my age.”
After a trip out of the country she wrote, “I still am glad I live in America.”
On people watching, “I could sit on a bench all day and just observe the people walking by. I often wonder what mirror people look in when they do such things to themselves.”
On weekends, “I love weekends because that is when I see my friends.”
On Mondays. “ I hate Mondays.”
On Skiing, “I love to ski, I might not be the best but I have fun.” “I wish the snow in Vermont would start in October.”
On the Ski Mill, “It is just like having one big family up there.” “I love to relax in Vermont, walking up to the lake in the fall, the sky is so blue.” “I am in Vermont, the place I relax the most.”
On friends,” Through the years, I have come to realize how much friendship means to me. I guess I look at friends as an extended family.”
After her diagnosis she wrote on April 3 2001, “I am very lucky to have friends that care so much. It helps everything.”
Janet…we will never forget you …. you have taught us so much about friendship, love and caring for one another….
“To have friends, you have to BE a friend.”
Janet…..You are SIMPLY THE BEST