Heather McManamy, an American cancer patient and mother who wrote greeting cards for her daughter’s future milestones, has died.
But before he wrote a touching, funny, and heartbreaking eulogy that has been shared thousands of times around the world.
“Hello everyone. I’m posting this on behalf of a loved one,” her husband Jeff McManamy posted on his Facebook page today. “These are her words. Lots of love to you all.”
When Jeff, Heather and Brianna McMummy were still together. Photo: Attached
“So…I have good news and bad news,” Heather wrote in a prepared note. โThe bad news is, it looks like Iโm dead.
“The good news for those of you reading this is that you definitely don’t (unless there’s Wi-Fi in the afterlife). Yes, this is awful. It’s indescribably awful, but , I’m just so happy to be alive, full of love and joy and great friends.
“I’m lucky to be able to honestly say that I have no regrets and have put all the energy I have into living my life to the fullest. I love you all and thank you for this amazing life.”
“I love you, Jeff,” she continued. “I believe the beauty of Brianna is that our love has been brought to life, and that is so beautiful. It is truly heartbreaking to have to say goodbye.
โIf you are half as sad as I am, my heart will break again because I never want to make you sad. I hope you smile and laugh because we lived a breathtaking life.
Heather and Bly’s “Magical Disney Trip.” Photo: Attached
“Search ‘In Memoriam of a Physicist’ on Google and know it’s a scientific fact. I’m always with you both in some way. If I looked closely, I’d be there (in a non-creepy way) [sic]. You are my world and I loved every moment we spent together more than words.
“From the bottom of my heart, I wish all my friends good health and long lives, and I hope they can be as grateful for the gifts they receive every day as I am. If you go to my funeral, run up the bar tab. I’d be proud if you belted out “Keg on My Coffin” and danced at the bar (we should have a dance party sometime).
“Let’s celebrate the beauty of life to the fullest – a party, because I know that’s what I want and, in a strange way, I believe I can find a way to be a part of it too.” You know how much I hate missing out on fun.”
Mother and daughter at home. Photo: Attached
“I look forward to following each and every one of you, so this isn’t so much a farewell as a see you soon. Please, take a few minutes each day to acknowledge the fragile adventure of this crazy life. Don’t forget, every day counts. โ
McManamy, 36, of McFarland, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2013, but receiving a terminal diagnosis in August 2014 made her think about her family’s life without her. He told ABC News in the US that this was the trigger for him. July.
Knowing her life would be short, McManamy decided to leave little Brianna a pre-written greeting card celebrating every important moment in her life.
“They’re like a physical representation of, ‘This is everything I’m going to miss,'” she said. I’m always the last one to leave the party. โ
Among the more than 40 cards, McManamy said he gave his daughter advice, shared jokes and wished her well.
Heather left Bri a collection of greeting cards to celebrate all the milestones she will miss. Photo: Attached
“I’ve been there for her, whether she’s older or younger, random encouragements, bad days, weddings, driver’s licenses, first breakups, things like that,” McManamy said. “My husband and I have been together for 13 years and have a truly special relationship. I see the beauty in Bri as the embodiment of our love. She has made it normal for her mother to have cancer. I grew up watching her and she’s so happy and cheerful. She loves dancing and shaking her butt. She’s a special, empathetic child who really cares about other people.
“I don’t care what she does in life,” she added. “I just want her to find happiness. Life is short. If she’s true to herself, everything will be fine.”
McManamy has written a memoir titled “A Card for Brianna: Life Lessons and Love from a Dying Mother to Her Daughter.”
This book will be released in April 2016.
Breaking News – December 23rd