HOT PURSUIT

For 20 years she battled three bouts of varying types of cancer. And each time she came out fighting to keep ahead of it—and succeeded with a gracious heart.

On Saturday, Glenda Janning of rural Blooming Prairie lost her battle to ovarian cancer. She died at home with family members at her side. She was 79.

But Glenda’s ultimate death didn’t come without a fight. She showed considerable bravery and optimism. Her battle should be a lesson for all of us in keeping a hopeful heart and confident mind despite life-altering medical conditions.

Last fall, I sat with Glenda on the front porch of her home for several hours as she shared with me about her personal struggles with cancer. There were also other personal life struggles besides cancer along the way that made the interview quite compelling. And it certainly was an interview I will never forget.

Even her lifelong partner and husband, Ron, commented to me how surprised he was with everything she shared.

Glenda’s medical struggles began in 2003 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2015, she found out she had cancer on the kidney. And just as the kidney cancer was cured about a year later, doctors discovered ovarian cancer. Since 2016, she has fought multiple rounds of ovarian cancer.

Adding to Glenda’s heartache was the untimely death of her grandson, Ryan Jirele, 35, about a year ago. He died of stomach cancer. She was convinced his death led to her deteriorating health.

Sadly, Glenda was no stranger to tragedy. Her 16-year-old son, John Janning, was killed by a drunk driver near their farm in 1982. She told me that John’s death rattled her faith, causing her to become angry with God and back off from attending church regularly.

“Time is the greatest healer, but you never totally get over it. You learn to live with it,” she said.

Glenda slowly regained her faith and considered herself a deeply committed Christian. “My God is all around me,” she told me. “I put my trust in my God. I have faith in the Lord. If I didn’t have that, I would be more fearful.”

Glenda’s greatest wish at the time of our interview was to be healthy enough to spend the winter months in Florida at their second home. She made it in November, though it was cut short when the cancer came back with a vengeance, and she returned to Minnesota.

After our interview, I marveled not only at Glenda’s courage, but also her attitude. She certainly had every reason to be angry and throw in the towel. But she didn’t. And that’s what is so impressive about Glenda and the story she shared with our readers.

“My glass isn't half full or half empty,” she said. “My glass is overflowing. I can’t change things in my life, but I can manage them. Your attitude is going to make a big difference. I have a good outlook. I have a good attitude. I believe it’s my faith.”

Through it all, her husband, Ron, was at her side. “He’s been wonderful with me,” she affectionately said pointing at him during the interview.

It’s neat how Glenda found solace in her attitude and faith. And it’s something we all could use an extra dose of while going in hot pursuit of living our lives.