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Cards for Brianna

A Mom's Messages of Living, Laughing, and Loving as Time Is Running Out

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Though the end of your life may be near, it doesn't mean you have to stop living

After being diagnosed in her early thirties with terminal breast cancer, Heather McManamy felt like her life was crumbling. Her "normal" vanished—and was replaced with multiple surgeries and dozens of chemo treatments that could briefly extend her life, but would not prevent her inevitable death. With an effervescent spirit and a new perspective, Heather started to live each day as if it were her last. She learned to soak in the moment, appreciate the beauty around her, and celebrate her blessings. She also pondered her daughter's future journey without her mother—and gracefully prepared for it.

Heather began to write greeting cards to Brianna. Cards for her first day of school, her sixteenth birthday, her wedding day. Cards for when things were going right and when they were going wrong. Cards for when Brianna would need her mother—whether in five years or in fifty years—and Heather wouldn't be able to be there for her. Cards for Brianna is the story of one mother's powerful love for her young daughter and Heather's unmatched experiences, laced with laughter and charm, are a reminder to never take a single day for granted.

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    • Library Journal

      March 15, 2016

      A research specialist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 35-year-old McManamy was diagnosed in 2014 with terminal cancer, despite having undergone a double mastectomy and numerous rounds of chemotherapy. She parlays her final thoughts into this book, which she hopes will comfort and motivate her soon-to-be-five-year-old daughter, Brianna. Each chapter begins with a card to mark varying occasions (first day of elementary school) and life events (Brianna's wedding). McManamy then reveals her feelings and attitudes as her prescribed time comes to an end. Her intent is not to shock readers, but the filters are off. About chemotherapy: "Seriously, it's a little strategy and a lot of luck." On preparing her daughter: "I searched Google for 'dead mom' to see what ideas would pop up." On meeting her favorite band, Motley Crue: "I said, 'I'm dying of cancer.' I told them what a pleasure it was to meet them while we were both on our farewell tours." McManamy died in 2015, but she left behind an appreciation of life that some never get to experience. VERDICT For all patient health collections.--Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal

      Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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