Menu Parenting
A Brave Young Woman Authored Her Own Obituary, Inspiring Us to Embrace Life by Emily Carter April 19, 2019
“35 years may not seem long, but it was an incredible ride!” This powerful statement opens the heartfelt obituary of Emma Thompson, a 35-year-old woman who passed away on April 5th after a courageous two-year fight against cancer. Despite knowing her time was limited, she penned her own obituary with a vibrant spirit that has touched the hearts of many.
In her poignant farewell, Thompson encouraged everyone to not sweat the small stuff and to truly embrace life. She expressed deep gratitude to her parents for the “greatest gift” of supporting her decision to decline chemotherapy, allowing her to live her remaining days on her own terms. “I often heard my mom say that losing a child is the hardest pain a parent can endure. My parents gave me the greatest gift by backing my choice to stop treatment and just let me live the way I believed was right. I know it must have been incredibly difficult to watch me stop the treatments and let nature take its course. My love for you both is boundless,” she wrote.
According to reports, Thompson led a healthy and active life until she began experiencing stomach pain. Initial medical assessments couldn’t pinpoint the issue, but an ultrasound and biopsy later revealed she had leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer affecting smooth muscle tissue. After a round of radiation failed to shrink the tumor, the risks of further surgery were deemed too high. Chemotherapy was presented as an option; however, knowing her prognosis was limited to two years and that it likely wouldn’t prolong her life, Thompson chose to forgo it, preferring to enjoy her remaining time.
In her obituary, she thanked her friends, whom she considered as siblings since she was an only child. “I never thought I could love my friends more than I already did, but through this journey, your unwavering love and support made a difficult experience feel more bearable and peaceful.”
She also expressed her love for her partner, Mark Davis, who entered her life just three months before her devastating diagnosis. “To my Mark… you had no idea what you were signing up for when you swiped right that day,” she noted. “I couldn’t have asked for a better companion through this journey, filled with adventures, appointments, laughter, tears, and breakdowns. You are a wonderful person, and everyone fortunate enough to know you is lucky. My love for you is beyond words.”
During the last two years of her life, Thompson, hailing from Nova Scotia, checked off numerous items from her bucket list. Davis shared that they traveled to 13 different countries, including parts of the U.S., Ireland, England, Norway, Croatia, and more. She even attended two concerts of her favorite band, Coldplay.
In a final message that resonates deeply, Thompson concluded her obituary with a reminder for all of us: “Don’t take the small stuff so seriously and live a little.”
For more insights on family planning, check out our post on at-home insemination kits, which provides valuable resources for those considering starting a family. Additionally, for expert advice on pregnancy, the Cleveland Clinic offers excellent information on IVF and fertility preservation. And if you’re looking for toys for your little ones, you can find great options at this authority on the subject.
Summary: Emma Thompson’s self-written obituary serves as a powerful reminder to cherish life and not sweat the small things. Her heartfelt words reflect gratitude for her loved ones and a vibrant spirit that inspires others to embrace every moment.