Health & Fitness
Why I Read Donna
Pink is the color of October - But take a look back at the Gold of September.
A few days ago, I read the last installment of “Donna’s Cancer Story;” a gorgeous story written by well known blogger Mary Tyler Mom over at Chicago Now.
MTM (as I will continue to refer to her) wrote about her beloved daughter Donna, who at the age of 20 months old was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. Donna’s Cancer Story appeared daily throughout the month in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September. Each post covered one month of Donna’s 31 months of treatment.
“Why would you read that?” many of you may be wondering. Or even “HOW can you read that?” As a mother, I stopped reading many a book, stopped seeing so many movies and reading so many news stories regarding mistreatment, misfortune and tragedy surrounding children.
Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
They all just hit too close to home. They hurt me. They stirred up my worst fears. But Donna’s story? I felt compelled to read. After the first paragraph, on September 1st, knowing dear Donna died way to soon, I knew I had to hear her story.
I kept reading for many reasons. At first I read, quite simply, because MTM is a gifted, articulate and compelling writer. Her words are heartfelt, tragic and oh so authentic. Once I got to know her writing, I got to know Donna - a bright little ray of light toddler girl who warmed my thoughts every day. As September moved along, I read because I felt an obligation to see the story through with the rest of the 46,000 + readers. I felt an obligation to continue to know Donna.
Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
I kept reading to show support for this brave and wonderful mother. I kept reading because I realized every day, I was learning to grab life, my kids and my husband a little bit harder. I kept reading and crying and counting my blessings. I read until the end knowing the outcome, but still hoping....Not that the story would change - I knew that wouldn’t happen.
But I came away believing in hope for every moment. More than ever, I will “live until I die.”
And on the days I forget to hope or forget to live, I will think of Donna, a baby girl I never met, and remember.
If you’d like to get to know Mary Tyler Mom, and her sweet angel Donna, head over to http://www.chicagonow.com/mary-tyler-mom/.
