Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Have a favor please for all Jane's bloggin buddies!!
Today was a busy day at the Kaminske's. A visit by the Hospice nurse this pm assured that Jane is comfortable as she had requested to be. Just spoke to Dad who said that off and on today Jane was alert,but basically bedbound all day with limited awake periods. He said tomorrow he would try and have Jane listen to the blog entries as he reads them. I would like u all to post what Jane's blog MEANS to each of u and how it has touched each of your lives!!Also a prayer wave for comfort for Jane and also strength for Jane,dad,Barry, and Tim. Thanks and adios moe
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37 comments:
Jane, When I first met you at Women of Faith, it was God ordained that we shared the same room as we both had breast cancer. Reading your blog and seeing your faith and determination through all you went through was so touching. To get to know you, Barry and Tim through this path you were on, showed the love of a family, the strength of that love to persevere in so many trials. May God's hand be upon you as you continue this path until you are face to face with your Savior, Jesus Christ. May He give you peace during these days and May you sense Him by your side because He said I Will Never Leave You. God bless you Jane, Karen
Dear Jane,
Dittos on what Karen said! I also remember you at Women of Faith and that was such a joyful day. But, I remember, too, when we first met at WC, and you had lunch with Regene and me on the porch of the Admissions House and told us your story, I was amazed by your strengh and determination starting 'way back then. Reading your blog and getting to "know" you better, I admire your perseverance in fighting and the absolute love between you and your family and how you've dealt with this monster, and also how you've come closer to the Lord. It's been a joy to peek into your personal life as well. I feel like I'm sort of a distant cousin! Your blog has served to teach us and inspire us, since this could happen to us, too. If it does I know that I will remember what you have said, and what you have done, and how brave and strong in your faith you have remained. I am your sister in Christ, Jane, and He will keep you very well. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Denise
Jane, we met at Relay. You as the survivor that you are and I was the kid in charge's Mother. You are still that strong survivor I met back then and your strength has inspired me in my brief encounter with the stupid disease. Ever the survivor, you gave me a hug last year that will always be my strength should the ugly beast rear its head again! I don't think you knew what that small gesture did for me. It and you have had a great impact on my life during the past few years and I thank you for that. With much admiration and love. bec R
Jane, As you know we've been friends a long time. We were friends when you Barry and Tim lived on Long Island. We remained friends after you moved to PA and Darlene and I visited you in your new home several times. This blog has been a vehicle for us here on the island to get daily updates on how you and Barry are doing with your illnesses. Instead of constantly wondering we are able to log in and get a pretty good picture of your progression. We love you Jane and as soon as I'm done with this post, I will take a few moments to say a few prayers for you and your family. May God bless and keep you by his side always.
Vinny
You've left a huge impression on me Jane and the way I want to conduct my own life. So many times it's difficult for "strangers" to reach out to one another. It's not a natural feeling. As it is, you are my neighbor, literally - and yet I never really knew you at all. Our neighborhood is fairly quiet. I've been here 31 years in this house and how easy it is to just shut the door and look the other way.
And then your blog opened up a new world for me and reminded me in its' own way that you truly are my neighbor. You reached out to me and so many others with this illness of yours. Surely I can learn to reach out better to my friends and loved ones while I still have my health. We only have so much time to leave a precious legacy behind.
Thank you for impressing upon me how important it is to reach out and love at all times. It has been such a joy to follow this blog and to laugh and cry with you. You are a precious gem and if I wore jewelry - you are the kind of pearl I would wear around my neck.
Thank you for your treasured words and willingness to share your story with me and so many others. Ours lives are changed because of knowing you.
anne bruening
Hi Jane,
I am one of those who reads your blog daily, but didn't feel comfortable writing anything back. You have had so many close friends sharing your struggle much more personally than I could. Nonetheless, I guess it really is about time for me to "confess" that each day I pray for a miracle for you... He decides what that miracle will be.
We were blessed when we had you as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Camillus, and I am happy when I see Tim and Barry there. Remember the early morning when we sent Maggie and Brigid and Tim on their way with the St. C mission trip? How proud all of them made us then, and every day! How lucky for BFFs Brigid and Alaura to have best friends Ben and Tim as their wonderful boyfriends!! Smile when you remember how cute they all looked at Homecoming. Laugh when you think of Brigid and Tim playing the bass drums standing on their heads at the end of the football games! You have a great son, who will always have my girls and his many other friends with him, making new memories to treasure.
My greatest love in medicine (and the path I originally chose) is Oncology. ALthough I pursued another specialty as a more family-friendly career, my oncology patients have always taught me the greatest lessons. The grace, gratitude, and clarity that stems from confronting cancer makes them a special group, like no other patients. You are a star among those special people. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Lynn (Williams)
Jane, I have never met you but know you through Maureen. I have read your blog faithfully even though I have not posted that often. Your spirit and courage have amazed me throughout your illness. You have been so positive. I have treasured reading about Tim and all of his accomplishments. Your husband has been such a well of strength for you. I have come to appreciate Maureen even more as I see what humor and sense of loving and caring that she has demonstrated in helping you through this illness. I believe that we are all here for some purpose and one of your purposes, I think, has been to educate all of us about cancer and to serve as a role model for all of us should we also have to deal with a serious illness. Certainly, one of your most outstanding accomplishments is your wonderful son, Tim. What a fine young man he is! You certainly have been surrounded by love of family and friends!
Ann P.
Hi Jane!
I am so truly blessed to call you a friend. And more than that - a true 'bosom buddy'. Throughout it all, you have remained cheerful, insightful and faithful. You have shown GRACE throughout this battle that few understand.
I praise Jesus that you are His own. You have glorified Him from the beginning, and that is what we as Christians are to do. You've seen the silver linings, and have shouted them out to the world.
You are surrounded by love - with your heavenly Father, your precious family and your many, many cyber friends. May that love give you peace and comfort this day.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7
I love you Jane!!
- JK
Jane Knotts Kaminske - You have always been there for me over the past 48 years. Yes, I said it 48 years. You're the best friend a girl could have. From all the fun we had as kids on Nantucket and then in Medway, I always knew I could call you and laugh or cry. I hope you felt the same. When you asked your Catholic friend to be your maid of honor, I was honored to do it. When you asked your Catholic friend to be Tim's god mother, I was honored once again. As we got older and you became a mother, I saw a new Jane emerge. A shiny new Jane, a women so full of life and passion for her son. It was lovely to see. Your faith amazes me. This journey you have been on lets your faith shine though. It is so hard to put into words what you mean to me, but know this Jane, you will always be in my mind and deeply found in my heart. God speed.
P.S. Cancer does suck! Love, Mary Lou
Jane,
I'm sending lots of love and prayers and gratitude for the life lessons you've taught so many of us. We couldn't admire you more for the strength and dignity with which you've accepted this road. A hundred thousand thanks for sharing your journey.
Love you,
Doreen
Jane our families grew up together in Winchendon. We grew apart when you moved to Nantucket but all through the years the Knott's and Hayes' stayed in touch. Your family has had to endure so much. May God be with you and your family now in your hours of need.
Steve
Jane,
Will continue to keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Know that you are surrounded by those who know you well and those who are mere aquaintances, who send you wishes for comfort and peace. Follow your blog every day and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to travel this journey with you even at a distance.
God Bless, L
Jane, We met through our friend, Jody, all of us breast cancer victims. We have all become survivors and you have been such an inspiration to me. You always have a kind word and a smile. I don't know how you do it sometimes. But I know you are filled with your faith and it shows to everyone around you. I read your blog several times a day, the first thing I do when I click my computer on each morning. I am praying that you are not in such pain any more. Praying for you, Barry and Tim always, Marie D
Dear Jane,
We first met during a gathering for a band trip. I think Melda was the one that introduced us. I have not always been in your life or the other way around, but know that your spirit and the spirit of your son has been an inspiration to me. You are an amazing woman, and I admire your strength throughout your cancers. Your blog has also been an inspiration to many, many, many people and know that you have touched many lives. You are a blessing and shall be rewarded! God bless you and your family. And, if Tim needs anything, you can count on me and my family. Tim is Allie's good friend and I would be glad to help out in any way.
Fondly, Stephanie Cioffi
Jane, I have never met you but my friend Nancy who worked with you from Brookhaven told me of your breast cancer. I have had the same ailment. Like others I have looked at your blog from the beginning and have marvelled at your strength. I am looking for your next blog! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda in florida
Wow!What a homework assignment I have given to even myself!! To understand the meaning of Jane's blog is to understand Jane who is my little sister!! In retrospect today I went way back to the beginning of Jane's blog-5-19-04 with ZERO COMMENTS to her first comment of mine on 11-26-2004.3-22-05 there were 3-me,Eileen,and our cousin Len and his wife Donna! And then 3-29-05 the hits as she calls them start rolling in to a present whopping number this past week of 21 or so!!Her blog calling card says"It is a form of therapy as I deal with my cancer and my husband Barry's cancer for the past 4 years" I find myself several times a day jumping into the website to see if she has posted-it is a connection I can make to Jane,Tim,and Barry when I am not physically there-when she doesn't post I worry what is going on! With pride and honor, as the course of her journey has changed,I gladly accepted the role of being the bloggee!!She has always told me her blog is her life-each comment has become a part of her life and Barry's and Tim's. Jane has shown humor in her comments along with joy and sadness! I have asked Tim if he reads the blog and he smiles at me and says he is living the blog!!U know how I feel Jane-u are an awesome sister and sisters are forever and I promise u your blog has and will continue to be a part of so people's lives! Your blog entries are sometimes missed but u are always missed more!U truly are SURVIVORS as your blog is called and thanks for sharing a private part of your life with the world. and yes cancer does suck. We love u lots-Jane,Barry,and Tim-love moe and gene Have a restful day!and i even said adios way back in 2004!
Jane, My Hero... I have been depending on your blog to keep in touch with you for quite some time now. You are most definitely my hero and if the circumstances were reversed, I don't know if I could be as brave as you, but you certainly give me inspiration. Our date at the Tavern is still waiting. Please let me know if you ever, ever feel like going. Even just for a little while. I love you Jane and want you to know that knowing you in person and through your blog has meant the world to me. All my love, JoeAnn
Jane...I am sitting at my computer in Dad's living room wishing I was sitting on your couch with you. It has only been a week sinse I left, but miss you, Barry and Tim like crazy. I wish I was there with you, but I can't be selfish and keep you to myself. Watching Mom so Dad can go is a just as good. You are the stongest person I know going thru all this and still are a positive person. You have raised a wonderful son and I am proud of him and for you and Barry for making him the great person that he is today. I also want to thank them both for taking such good care of you. A lot of men would not do what they do. You married a good guy 29 years ago...even tho was in the hospital and missed the wedding. I hope you have a better day today and like the new bed. I also want to thank Amy for being such a wonderful Hospice nurse. I love you with my whole heart and soul.
Eileen
Jane,
Moe gave me a homework assignment, as she did to all of your blogging friends. I must admit this is one of the toughest assignements I have had. Although I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person, I still feel as if I know you. Through your blog you have shared your joys and pains throughout this battle. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, I would print out your blogs and read them to her. On her bleakest days, your words inspired her, Jane. She prays for you each and every day. She wants a miracle for you. She cries when she hears you are in pain. She introduced herself to you at Dr. Simon's office last summer when you were both receiving chemo. (Pat from Westminster (retired). She called me at work with such enthusiasm because she had met you. You still inspire her, Jane. Your dignity and grace and sense of humor are all qualities we would all love to have under these circumstances. You are a brave soldier, Jane. Keep fighting the fight. And we shall all continue praying. I am blessed for having known you through this blog and I know in my heart that this world is a better place because of you. God bless you, Jane. We love you.
Maureen (a.k.a. the other Mo) and her mom Pat Salmen
Jane: Your blog has become a big part of my day and it has help me become closer to you over the years. You are the bravest person I have ever known and that is not just because you are family. I have truly not known anyone else with your drive, spirit and outlook on life. I know that I call you "wonderwoman" and it is not a joke. You are a miracle alive considering all the bad things cancer has put you through. I wish everyday that I could hop on a plane and visit and help you in someway, instead I prayer everyday for comfort for you, Barry and Tim. Hoping that you are enjoying your visit with your Dad.
Keeping Everyone In My Prayers,
Debs ;-}
My dear, sweet Jane...I am so glad that you approached me that day at the soccer game when Tim and Logan were playing. If you hadn't I may never have met you and what a loss that would have been. I have said it before but everyone that meets you can see the beauty of your heart but I am still the only one that has seen the real thing. I was honored to be there for your surgery even though it is still the most challenging that I have been involved in to date. Over and over again I have marveled at your recoveries from your various surgeries. Watching you learn to walk and talk again after your first brain tumor incident was something that I will never witness again I'm sure. You are amazing in everyway! How you can manage to ever smile let alone make jokes and still care for others with everything you are dealing with baffles me. I am truly in awe of you. I doubt that many people are able to deal with this diagnosis with the grace and dignity and sence of humor that you do. You have educated and inspired thousands and thousands of people that you have never even met---what a gift you are to this world! I love you and admire you more than words can say. Thank you so much for being my friend. God Bless,
Patti
Dear Sweet Jane,
I remember first meeting you in at a mutual friend's house where our boys were staying overnight-was that 3 years ago or more?
You were in your white 4 wheel drive smiling from ear to ear and laughing as only you do... watching your son walk to the car to get in. I remember thinking there is a mom who loves her son!
I then saw you again from time to time and learned you had a only one- the one and only the special son,Tim. And we both know how special "onlies" are. I think they have a wisdom beyond their years!
Then I learned you were diagnosed with breast cancer and shortly thereafter your husband. Wow, my heart broke for you and your family! But so much time passed and so many wonderful memories from those first days... all the while weaving in the word "cancer" into your life ...your families life and vocabulary! LIVING life is what you did, Jane! You and Barry both, you LIVED a life. One that you can be ever so proud of...you loved your son, you went to work, you attended church, you cooked,you cleaned, you visited with friends, you loved your husband through his diagnosis and illness and you battled CANCER.
You are a diamond! I am honored to have known you and continue to know you. Some people just shine so brilliantly they are remembered forever! You, my friend, are that brilliant and beautiful.
Rest in the love of your father here on earth with you visiting and in heaven. WE are all blessed to know you!
love,
bj
Dear Jane: Maybe you already know that what you are about to read is something I sent to your email address, along with a beautiful picture of angel, which is what you are. Anyway, it bears worth repeating: We may not have stayed in touch, but you are and have been always in my heart. You don't know the inspiration you were to me during RCIA, and again at EM classes out in Riverhead. Your happiness, your laughter and the tears of unmitigated joy you cried b/c you were so overwhelmed with love that you could do nothing else, helped in keeping me going back week after week after week. When I doubted, you assured me. When I was angry or bitter, you sweetened my day. When I was low, you lifted me. When I was full of grief or sorrow, you soothed me. When I was happy, you shouted for joy with me. I am grateful to God for having had an oh so wonderful time with you. Thank you, Jane, for being there. God Bless You. Love, Susan
Jane, you are in our thoughts,hearts & prayers. Stay strong.
Love, Len & Donna
Jane, I am a friend of your sister Mo who sent you Reiki. Your courage and strength have given hope to so many. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. I am firm in my faith that only your work here in the physical is nearing an end, but the journey for you does not end here. Your soul will continue to move forward and journey on and the lives of your family and friends will continue to be touched by your love and your spirit. You have created such a light in the lives of all that you've touched and that will be felt for many years to come. God bless you Jane.
Renee
...in my heart and mind forever.
Words do not exist to describe or explain how much you have touched my life.
TimBa
jane,
So I heard about the blog request and it has been on my mind all day as to what I would write. I decided not to read anyone elses until later. I wanted to be able to write this without too many tears. I guess the blog to me has represented an insight into your thoughts and feelings that some days I may not have been able to find out. There were days when I was so worried about you and then I would read your blog and you would be so cheerful. Through all of this I have never stopped being amazed by your strength and wisdom and courage. When we met those years ago in the hallway knowing we would become 'soccer moms' together I had no idea where this friendship would take us. Certainly much farther than the soccer field. Through you I have come to love Barry and Timster and your mom, dad and siblings. I have been so enriched by watching you see the good in all the little things that we so often forget. Never have you said to me'it's not fair...why me??" I say that every day for you. You deserved all the best life has to offer and no suffering. You have showed me the true meaning of faith when you didn't question..and I couldn't stop questioning. In my mind this cancer would never beat you because I have always found you invincible. You have fought back from so many obstacles and amazed all of us. You have gone longer than anyone else could have fought. In my selfishness I don't want to let you go but I want you to be pain free and at peace. You deserve that. You deserve to know that you have changed my life and having you as my friend is one of my greatest blessings. I am thankful that over these last years we have said many times to eachother that we love eachother. I think you know how I feel about you. I keep all our laughs, tears and smiles together so close in my heart. As I watched Tim today up on stage for the play teaser singing his heart out and making the crowd laugh I couldn't believe his strength. I was crying and he was just soaring up their on stage. You gave Tim such a gift of strength. You will forever have a place in my heart jane. I will always be there for your family. as always and forever
love ya
becky
Jane, you are a great Aunt and you have had a strong spirit and incredible will through all of this. I love you
jane. it was over 29yrs ago when we got you and barry together.. the good days when don and barry worked for the cape cod times.. we had a lot of fun on the cape. and a lot of fun when tim would come over and always had to sit outside in the back of don's truck. and it was nice that you barry and tim got to come arizona to see everything.. we all want to let you know you are a special person and in our thoughts and prayers.. we check on you everyday your blogs are the best way to check up on you. the pictures you put on are nice to see. enjoy your time with dad and dougie..
love
don, bonnie, donna, rachel, dewey and tessa..
Jane,
I am so thankful that Jody introduced us first via email and then in person. Our personal visits have been few, but I feel I know you so much better than that. Both by following your blog and by sharing the BC recurrence journey with you. Uggh! Why do some of my best friends have to have that in common?
You inspire me daily. I check your site more than I do my own. I love how you have shared your emotions and all the physical "junk" (I wanted to call it something else) that goes with this disease. It is a very individual journey, yet so much is the same. Many times after reading your entries, I sigh with relief because I know then that I'm having the same feelings and questions and know that I'm not alone.
Thank you for being my friend, teacher, inspiration and grace-filled hero! Thank you for showing us all how to live one day at a time and to do it all for the Glory of God!
I love you!
Ann Lueken
hi Jane....I am thinking of you..and am so grateful to have met you.You are one amazing lady and such an inspiration to all. the way you have confronted your illness and handled it with grace, courage and deep faith.You have showed all of us the power of faith...and we will never forget you. You brought sunshine and laughs to all as well...and there are many wondeful, fun times with you...that make me smile. I am so fortunate to have known you...and in the short time I have known you, you certainly have impacted my life. What a legacy you leave for everyone and anyone who ever had the great fortune of meeting you. love, jean w
Hi Janie--I am in Lynchburg, VA preparing for my mom's memorial service tomorrow. This week I have had some time to reflect on faith and the future all of us have with God. The quote that struck me and I hope you will like too is:
"Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings in the dark before dawn".
I am sorry I can't remember who the autor is...but you are a person who exhibits great faith in times that have been dark, but you bring light to all who know you Jane.
We send our love to you and your family,
Tom Williamson
Hi Jane, I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago thru email. Your sister Moe is a very dear friend of mine from the Cape. We worked together at Falmouth Hosp. She taught me everything i know. She has kept me informed in regards to your condition. I just want you to know that i think of you always and each day you are in my prayers. Moe is a very dear friend to me and my heart goes out to all of you in your very special loving family. God Bless you, Love Janet Hall
Jane,
From another "bosom buddy" of yours.. I remember meeting you years ago, when you and Barry drove Tim with his dirt bike here to ride. You and Barry were all smiles watching the boys take off in the dirt. I didn't know that we would later have cancer in common too. We walked in relay together, and I got to meet other friends,and members of your supportive and loving family.I loved going for ice cream with you,and talking about our boys and life. You have raised a great son, Jane and Barry!
Jane, you have lived your life and still do, with all you have been through, with humor, grace, openness, faith,and honesty. I remember sitting with you once in Sharon while you were getting chemo. I remember how you were so kind to the other patients, and nurses, even when you didn't feel well. There is so much I admire about you! I am blessed to know you,and know that by God's grace we will all be together again soon. Life here is so short compared to eternity with our Lord. I don't know how people can go through life without faith, and think that this life is all there is. I think about you so much and pray for you and Barry and Tim, and all your family. You have a wonderful family, and faithful friends who love you and are here for all of you. God Bless you, friend!
Lots of Love,
JoAnn S.
PS. Thanks a lot Moe.. I can't see what I have typed.
Jane,
Hello, even though we never met in person, I consider you to be my "cyber" friend. I started reading your blog about a year ago when the article about you was in the New Castle Newspaper. If you remember I live in Ohio now and read the NCN daily online as that is where I spent the first 40 years of my life.
Today I was reading an online devotional and thought that I would share the scripture verse with you. I have pasted it below.
Consoled by God
March 27, 2009
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NRSV)
You and your family are in my prayers daily. God bless all of you. Sheila W.
Jane,
I wish I had more time to collect my thoughts on this homework assignment. Rick is back in the hospital and I had to run home quickly for something and AS USUAL....I ran to my computer to check up on you!
I will keep this short...your blog has touched me. It's a part of my daily life. Not only do I feel close to you thru reading it daily, I feel a connection with many of the fellow bloggers. You have started something that will be difficult to stop. I would hope that we all can blog for years to come to stay in touch. Keep up with Tim's continued successes and hear from the CAPE folks. Suddenly have a sense of stepping over my bounds. I hope that wasn't a bold suggestion.
YOUR blog and your sweet litte smile means so much to so many.
Much love,
Linda f
Hi Jane
I posted once before on your blog and read it as often as you post.
I feel that I cannot add much more to whats already been said except to say I hope it comforts you some knowing how many lives you have affected judging by the many responses!
It is also as they say " a small world" for upon reading other peoples comments to you , I found out that we in fact have lived in
2 of the same towns! (Winchendon and Medway) one never knows do they?
My wish for you as always is to have a soft place to lie your head down when you need it and for some pleasant days with those you love and those who love you*
I do not know what the future holds but please know I will remember you and your grace,dignity and courage.
many cyber hugs and a smile for you,
NJ
a long distance blogger
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