I realise that my blog is quickly becoming filled with tributes and words said by those who are no longer with us, but sometimes I read a story or a news article which I feel I have to share with somebody, even if that somebody is an anonymous person who stumbles accidental onto this page.
Today, I read the heartbreaking story of Athena Orchard, a 12 year old girl who lost her battle with osteosarcoma (cancer in her bones). Following her death last week, her parents uncovered a secret note in her room revealing her thoughts and feelings on life, love and her situation - which she had written in marker pen upon the back of her mirror.
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| The message on the back of the mirror, discovered by her family. |
Here are some extracts from her message, which I think all of us can take something from:
"Happiness depends upon ourselves. Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story."
"The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
"Happiness is a direction not a destination. Thank you for existing. Be happy, be free, believe, forever young. You know my name, not my story."
"You have heard what I've done, but not what I've been through. Love is like glass, looks so lovely but it's easy to shatter."
"Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change. Every day is special, so make the most of it, you could get a life ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. Life is only bad if you make it bad."
"If someone loves you, then they wouldn't let you slip away no matter how hard the situation is. Remember that life is full of ups and downs."
"Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about. I want to be that girl who makes the bad days better and the one that makes you say my life has changed since I met her!"
"Love is not about how much you say I love you – it’s about how much you can prove it’s true. Love is like the wind, you can feel it but you can't see it. I'm waiting to fall in love with someone I can open my heart to."
"Love is not about who you can see spending your future with, it's about who you can't see spending your life without...
Life is a game for everyone but love is the prize. Only I can judge me."
"Sometimes love hurts. Now I’m fighting myself. Baby I can feel your pain. Dreams are my reality. It hurts but it’s okay, I’m used to it."
"Don't be quick to judge me, you only see what I choose to show you... you don't know the truth. I just want to have fun and be happy without being judged."
"This is my life, not yours, don't worry about what I do. People gonna hate you, rate you, break you, but how strong you stand, that’s what makes you… you!"
"There's no need to cry because I know you'll be by my side."
Rest in Peace Athena, a truly brave and remarkable girl, so wise beyond her years, and thoughts and prayers to her family and friends for their unfathomable and tragic loss.
❤
