Goodbye for now x
23 May 2018Today we as a community said our final goodbyes to the most selfless, courageous and brave woman
I have ever met. And I know that in these thoughts, I am not alone. During this journey, I have been
told personal stories by so many, about how Janelle touched them with her love, support and acts of
random kindness. I’ve also heard stories about a fierce woman who was ready to stand and fight,
for friends, for family, for those that couldn’t and for strangers. This is how Janelle conducted
herself right up until her final day.
This givealittle page is testimony to how so many felt about Janelle. The selfless Janelle wasn’t sure
about the page at first, but when she accepted that people wanted to support her and that it would
help her and her girls, the courageous and brave Janelle agreed.
But who knew that Janelle had touched so many. I would call and text Janelle as donations came in,
sometimes she would not believe me, sometimes she would cry, but always she was completely
humbled by the outpouring of love, support and donations. And the generosity didn’t stop there, so
many people have given gifts, their services, time and helped her and her family in too many ways to
mention.
Janelle was also one of the most private people I know, yet she shared, openly, this last chapter of
her life with us. But she didn’t share for herself. She shared for her children and for all of us. Janelle
wanted to protect us. She wanted us to know that she was just any regular person that cancer
happened to. Janelle wanted to do what she could to raise awareness and prevent others from her
struggle. Janelle wanted us to know our bodies and to listen to our bodies, over listening to doctors.
A lesson that came too late for Janelle.
But even when that lesson came, Janelle never once complained. She never once blamed. Janelle
accepted that this is the way it was meant to be for her and she made the most of the time she had.
And she suffered everyday, to just have a little more time.
Janelle used her life to quietly, discretely, anonymously to help people. Unwittingly she had woven a
network of love and support. This wrapped itself around Janelle and her family and gave her the
courage and strength to keep up the fight as best she could, because she knew, we were all behind
her.
In her final days, this same thing gave her the peace to let go. Janelle was at peace in the fact that,
she knew that we would all continue to love and look after her family the way she so desperately
wanted to.
I know that Janelle is eternally grateful to all of you. For all of the things you did for her and her
family, especially her girls. I also know that she still doesn’t think she was deserving, but we all know
otherwise.
Be strong
But not rude.
Be kind
but not weak.
Be humble
but not timid
Be proud
But not arrogant.
For me, this is Janelle’s legacy, I am sure she left her own one with you all. On behalf of her family, I
would like to thank you for your love and support throughout this journey and into the future.
Kia kaha to all that loved Janelle. Xx
