A pancreatic cancer patient decided to take her own obituary into her hands by crafting the perfect letter to those she loved. Emily Debrayda wrote her life story for the Jacksonville newspaper, and her letter to her family and friends is full of humor, a passion for her life lived, and the acceptance of her end.
What makes the obituary especially thoughtful is the fact that Debrayda seems more than grateful for what life she had been given. Emily seemed to be someone aware of how blessed she was, and it’s impossible not to be touched by her love of life.
A particular gripping passage from her obituary reads:
So…I was born; I blinked; and it was over. No buildings named after me; no monuments erected in my honor.
But I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as all my family members. How much more blessed can a person be?
So in the end, remember…do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life. Oh, and never stop smiling.
If you want to, you can look for me in the evening sunset or with the earliest spring daffodils or amongst the flitting and fluttering butterflies. You know I’ll be there in one form or another. Of course that will probably comfort some while antagonizing others, but you know me…it’s what I do.
I’ll leave you with this…please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead be happy that I was here. (Or maybe you can cry a little bit. After all, I have passed away).
Today I am happy and I am dancing. Probably naked.
Love you forever.
Debrayda was a teacher, mother, and grandmother, who offered the advice, “Do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life.” Emily’s words are something to keep in mind in our own lives and to enjoy them while we can.
You can view her heartfelt obituary in it’s entirety here.
