Brilio.net/en - Athena Orchard was 13 years old when she passed away from bone cancer. On May 28, 2014, a big Leicester family of 11, including six sisters and three brothers mourned her death. Days after, her parents Dean and Caroline went through Athenas room and belongings, including a full-length mirror that stood against her bedroom wall.
Behind the mirror, Dean and Caroline found Athenas handwritten 300-word message scribbled with pen. Athena was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12 and the last year of her life was soon filled with series of operations, surgical procedures, and rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. But staying in the hospital didnt weaken Athenas spirit. She was the one who made sure to keep the familys spirits up. Despite her illness she remained positive.
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Image via littlethings
Apparently, in her sickness she found the meaning of love, and she meant to share it with her family. She understood the importance of living each day to its fullest and didnt want to bring her newfound wisdom to the grave. So she wrote it down on the back of the mirror, hoping that she left behind a legacy to her beloved ones.
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Having their hearts touched, Caroline and Dean didnt want the message stop with the family. They thought this message would be important for many people to hear, especially those who are lost and in need of feeling love. The Orchards wanted to show the world the bravery and high-spirited their daughter was. They are sharing the message to the world but keeping the mirror for themselves, because reading those beautiful and deep-meaning words keeps Athena close to their heart.
Below is the full message from Athena:
Happiness depends upon ourselves. Maybe its not about the happy ending, maybe its 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 Ive done, but not what Ive been through. Love is like glass, looks so lovely but its 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 wouldnt 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 cant 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 its about how much you can prove its true. Love is like the wind, you can feel it but you cant see it. Im 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, its about who you cant 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 Im fighting myself. Baby I can feel your pain. Dreams are my reality. It hurts but its okay, Im used to it. Dont be quick to judge me, you only see what I choose to show you you dont know the truth. I just want to have fun and be happy without being judged.
This is my life, not yours, dont worry about what I do. People gonna hate you, rate you, break you, but how strong you stand, thats what makes you you!
Theres no need to cry because I know youll be by my side.
Source: littlethings