Goodbye, Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Amy Krouse Rosenthal, speaking at TEDx Waterloo in 2010
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trevorh/4390728130/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Author =Trevor Haldenby

Periodically, someone praises my bravery or my strength. I really appreciate that, but I don't really actually feel strong or brave. I keep saying, there are some really dark moments for folks like me, and I'm there for all of them. I know the hidden truth. I'm a big baby.

I also occasionally post about friends I don't actually know:  Lesley Gore, Sherri Fillipo; people who touch my life with cancer, some of them warriors like me. I didn't know Amy Krouse Rosenthal, but her essay touched me as much as her passing today touches me.

She was an amazing human being, whose last great work was dedicated to restoring her husband and her family's happiness after the inevitable. She was advertising for a new love for him. But her endless love for him shown through, and it was easy for me to relate. I feel that way about hubby. Except I am way more selfish. 

And I would want to be as eloquent. And gracious. It was beautiful, and touching, and I cried for hours like a baby. Because I can, dammit! See? I'm not brave; not strong, and I'm often very raw.

Here's her essay and here's her New York Times obituary. God damn cancer. Damn it to hell!

Peace, Amy, to your beautiful soul and to your family.