Beth O’Rourke was a nurse, a wife and mother to Courtney (11) and Seamus (8). She was also battling cancer for seven years.
In the months before her death she told longtime friend and funeral director, Jim Heald, that she wanted to write her own obituary.
Heald told ABC News:
“She was a planner, and it was her best effort to prepare herself and her family for what was coming. Being in the first person is very different. I write them for the family and she did it firsthand. It’s absolutely magnificent.”
Beth’s letter is a beautiful expression of how precious and how fleeting life can be and reminder to all of us to cherish our days.
Beth’s husband, Brendan said the letter was “typical Beth” saying, “It’s pretty amazing to think that someone could write that before passing away. It’s pretty amazing. Beth was amazing”
Beth’s words resonate:
“We loved watching summer storms blow across the water. I loved to chat and laugh with my sisters and friends, until tears ran down our legs! Brendan and I enjoyed many trips together, most enjoyable were those to Ireland, visiting family to share a pint and some good ‘craic’. I enjoyed working for a cause, among them, the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, whose members’ spirit and dedication amazed me.”
“Of all the things I did in this life, nothing compared to being with Brendan and our children. I fought every day to stay alive and to be with them. No person could ever ask for a more loving and supportive husband, always my champion, always. I enjoyed every moment we shared; the great ones, the sad ones, the easy and the hard. I pray they have learned to feel the deep sense of faith that I shared. No matter where this journey brings me next, I will forever carry their love with me, as I am sure there is a piece of me that will forever remain with them.”
O’Rourke family photo via GoFundMe
