Andrew Harnett

(continued from Guestbook)

Jana had a dramatic influence on how I saw the world. She raised questions that I had never considered and brought what seemed like age old wisdom to our interactions when in fact we were nearly the same age. In the seven years we spent together she played a huge part in my changing from being a full grown boy to being a young man. I will always be indebted to her for helping me grow into a more complete person.

During the few conversations I had with Jana over the last year and particularly one only a little before her passing I was amazed that she sounded as if it was any normal day in her life from ten years ago. The lilt of her voice and immediate laughter were just as I always remembered despite the knowledge that she was enduring severe pain every minute of her time. Given Jana's strength and candid manner in some ways this is not surprising since she has always been someone who within a few sentences after not speaking for a year I would feel as if we had been talking on a daily basis.

Intensely devoted and protective of those close to her. Bitingly harsh to anyone she saw as in the wrong. Deeply committed and passionate about her beliefs. Painfully rational and possessed of an immensely accurate memory during any and all arguments. I think Jana often seemed to have a personality of extremes at first glance. But the longer you spent getting to understand the many layers that defined her life you would come to realize that she was in fact JUST an immensely diverse and interesting person. I believe this is why those that spent significant time with her developed such strong bonds with her. She was someone who was always fun to spend time with.

Although we spoke infrequently over the last 10 years when we did speak I thought I began to detect a gradual lessening of the inner anger and consternation that Jana spent her earlier years battling. I would wager that this seeming peace with her life stemmed certainly from age and experience but also most assuredly was due to the unwavering support of her true companion Dan.

It was with anguish that I realized that she seemed to have found a less difficult path through her life just in time to be confronted with increasingly terrible physical aliments. But even in this I think she could not have wished for a better or more dedicated partner than Dan in such a trying and desperate journey.

Dan, This website is genuinely beautiful just as Jana was and we are all indebted to you for capturing some of the essence of the Jana we knew and loved. I hope the memory of the fantastic times with Jana can ease the pain of her passing.

Love,

Andrew Harnett