You might remember the bittersweet story of Heather McManamy, the mother battling terminal cancer who spent the past few months writing letters to mark her daughter’s future milestones. Well, in a sad update to the story, she has passed away – but not without stunning the internet one last time.
Heather, who recently passed away at the age of 36, asked her husband Jeff to share her parting words via Facebook, and her ‘goodbye’ letter has gone viral this week.
In the letter, Heather admits that, yes, passing away “sucks”, but her amazing and inspiring attitude to life is ever-present as she insists that she was “so damn glad” to have lived a life full of love.
Heather also has a very special request relating to her young daughter, Brianna: she does not want the little one to be told that her mother is in heaven.
Hello all,I am posting this on behalf of the love of my life. These are her words. Much love to all. - Jeff...
Posted by Heather McManamy on Tuesday, December 15, 2015
In the refreshingly honest piece, Heather says: “I did everything I could to be here with her, as there is nowhere, NOWHERE, I would rather be than with her and Jeff. Please don’t confuse her and let her think for one second that is not true. Because, I am not in heaven. I’m here. But no longer in the crappy body that turned against me.”
She goes on to give instructions to her loved ones for coping with their loss: think of her and the memories they shared, and smile knowing that they got to have those experiences.
In a final, important farewell, Heather reminds all who are reading her letter not to forget that "every day matters.” We’re certain that her words have not only brought comfort to her family, but also to strangers all over the world dealing with grief or loss.
Jeff, Brianna and Heather’s loved ones are in our thoughts.
