I met her in 2004 right after I had finished recording my first CD.

I had just completed Far From Home and was not very sure what I was going to do next. And in an otherwise unlikely turn of events, I decided to accept a temporary position working as a financial assistant – quite an adventure for a passionate teacher like me who up to that point was more used to the energetic, vivid atmosphere of a classroom full of teenagers rather than the intensely serious world of an office full of adults. I decided to work at the office for a couple of months until the official release of my album and my performing began.

And while working there was something I had never ever imagined I would do, I know that the Lord orchestrated my being at that office just so I would meet some of the amazing people on that 7th floor, people I might never have met otherwise… people like Jane.

Jane and I instantly became friends. Her laugh was infectious, and she had the greatest sense of humour. We would both try to lighten the mood in the office when everyone became a bit too serious… and the other employees could not help but smile when she entered the room. She just had that glow about her. We’d have lunches together when we could, and every time I’d pass her desk or she’d pass mine, we’d share a laugh or two.

I remember her being fascinated by my dreams and she encouraged me greatly. She was one of the very first people to purchase my CD; and after she had listened to the music, her words moved me deeply. You see, I wasn’t sure how people who did not understand the language were going to respond to my Armenian folk songs… but Jane’s reaction compelled me to keep pursuing my goals… she genuinely loved the music!

We continued to build our friendship when I left the company. I looked forward to our laughter filled lunches together when we’d share with each other what was happening in our lives. I loved hearing about her experiences working overseas, her stories about her family, and listening to her advice about men. “When you meet the one, you will know. If he is truly interested in you, you will know,” she looked at me with her shining eyes as she spoke. “When it is the real thing, there will be no doubt in your mind… he will be so clear in his intentions!” And she was right.

And then one day, she told me that she had cancer. She was very matter of fact about it. I looked at her, wide-eyed with disbelief. Yes, she had had a mysterious pain while we had been working together at the office, but no one had expected that the pain was a result of cancer… I was unsure as to what to say… but Jane smiled. She was determined to prove her doctors wrong. They had given her some months to live, but their words were not going to deter her from living life to the fullest, from surprising them all.

And did she ever live! Not once did I hear Jane complain about her chemotherapy, about her intense pain, about her situation. Rather, she continued to be the enthusiastic, witty soul she had always been. She did surprise her doctors and lived much longer than any of them had predicted. She continued to laugh, to travel, and to enjoy life. We continued to meet together and I looked forward to those times greatly. Jane was always a joy to be around. And I marveled at her strength. I marveled at the way she was able to laugh and live life with such a positive attitude. I marveled at her courage.

Each time I saw her, I was inspired. Each time, I was challenged. I learned so much from Jane.

And now, 3 years later, Jane is gone.

Jane passed away a week ago, and my heart is heavy. I miss her greatly. And at the same time, I am ever so thankful for having had the chance to know her.

I am thankful that back in 2004 I accepted a position in an office, where I met a delightful courageous soul who taught me so much…

I miss you, Jane.

You are a superstar…

Tags: death, friendship, life, music