Life is a perplexing thing. Exquisite yet ephemeral, it's as beautiful as it is painful.
But if there's one thing to take from life, it's that there is always a balance, and with the sorrow comes the joy.
That's why this story is so deeply touching. Though it's tremendously saddening, it's a beautiful story of survival and love.
After seven long years battling stage four biliary cancer, Beth O'Rourke of Paxton, MA passed away. She was only 44 years old. But before she passed, Beth left behind something extraordinary for her friends and family — and now, the whole world: her obituary.
With her emotional words, Beth teaches us that though cancer may take our bodies, it can never truly take our lives — because through the love we shared with others, we live on. Now, Beth's emotional words are encouraging the world to revel in the here and now, while we still have it.
We’ve quoted some of our favorite lines from her beautiful obituary, coupled with photos from her life. We hope you find them as touching as we did.
Please SHARE if this story inspires you to cherish every day!
"I died Thursday, April 16, 2015 surrounded by family, in the arms of my husband and anam cara, Brendan Patrick O'Rourke. I was 44 years old. I was a survivor."
"I was blessed in this life with two amazing children; Courtney Elizabeth age 11 and Seamus Brendan aged 8."
"I LOVED my life. I loved a long run, to sit quietly by the lake, to read and dance and sing and be silly with our children. We loved watching summer storms blow across the water."
"I loved to chat and laugh with my sisters and friends, until tears ran down our legs!"
"Nursing was my calling, during my career I had the honor and privilege to care for patients who were amazing people; they often gave me the strength and courage to get through my journey..."
"Brendan and I enjoyed many trips together, most enjoyable were those to Ireland, visiting family to share a pint..."
"Of all the things I did in this life, nothing compared to being with Brendan and our children… No person could ever ask for a more loving and supportive husband, always my champion, always. I enjoyed every moment we shared; the great ones, the sad ones, the easy and the hard…"
"...I fought every day to stay alive and to be with them..."
"No matter where this journey brings me next, I will forever carry their love with me, as I am sure there is a piece of me that will forever remain with them."
"But cancer does not care who it takes, who it hurts, or honor or love..."
"We were clung only to each other with pure love and faith binding us, in the end is when the most amazing thing happens..."
"...Cancer loses its strength and grace appears... We accept it, and go with it. Grace and love win, not cancer."
"I hope to be remembered, with laughter, love and a good pint. And for my children to know, "No Momma ever did and no Momma ever will...'"
Please SHARE if Beth's words touched your heart.
You can read her full obituary here, and if you'd like to help Beth's family in their time of need, click here to find their GoFundMe page.
