Yesterday morning, after a battle with cancer, my friend, Jan Murray, died peacefully in her sleep. I hadn't know Jan for a very long time. In fact, before this summer, you probably would have considered us acquaintances. All that changed when we were paired up for an intensive acting workshop this past August. That's when we started spending every single day together.
The news of her passing came as an absolute shock to me. Yes, I knew she was sick, but she had beaten it before.
This isn't the first death I've experienced in my life this year. My grandmother passed away in late January. But she was done with life. When I saw Jan, I saw a woman so full of life that, in my mind, there was no way she was nearing the end.
I remember when we started working together, Jan told me one of the first times she saw me was in the very same class we were attending and she was so impressed and inspired by my me. I was confused. She had it backwards. I had seen her work in that class (she was doing a scene from The Graduate) and I was not only impressed by her work, but inspired by her life story.
Here was a woman who had overcome so much, including a major illness, and she was glowing. Jan always glowed. She simply looked stunning.
We worked together on John Patrick Shanley's Doubt, a play that will now have a very different meaning for me. Jan was always so keen and prepared. She'd get frustrated and apologetic for not being able to remember the lines so well, even though I kept telling her it didn't matter since someone would be on book. But we'd meet every day to have tea and run lines. And we'd talk. About our lives, about her son, her volunteer work, theatre in Ottawa and yes, her illness.
I enjoyed our talks, but I'd always tune out at that last one.
It was naive, I know, but part of me, I guess, believed in this healing power of the theatre and the work we were doing. Besides, when we were performing the scenes together, there was no way you would think that woman was dying.
I'll always remember a dancing Sister Aloysius.
In an odd twist, as costume pieces, I brought in a crucifix and rosary that belonged to my grandmother. Though I am not religious, I do believe in symbols and spirituality. I have been carrying that rosary around with me wherever I go. I carry it for Jan now too.
Jan Murray is my friend. I love her and I miss her.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_tIss1OhGM]
Ara Batur (The Row Boat) by Sigur Ros
Lyric Translation
You tried everything Yes, a thousand times Experienced enough Been through enough But you it was who let everything Into my heart and you it was who once again Awoke my spirit
I parted, you parted
You stir up Emotions In a blender Everything in disarray But it was you who was always There for me It was you who never judged My true friend
I parted, you parted
You sail on rivers With an old oar Leaking badly You swim to shore Pushed the waves away But to no avail You float on the sea Sleep on the surface Light through the fog
I parted, you parted