Mother’s Message to Her Young Daughter Lives On in New Memoir
“Cards for Brianna” Features a Lifetime of Love, Lessons, and Laughter
“So…I have some good news and some bad news,” Heather McManamy wrote in a note her husband, Jeff, posted on Facebook. “The bad news is, apparently, I’m dead. Good news, if you’re reading this, is that you are most definitely not (unless they have Wi-Fi in the afterlife). Yes, this sucks. It sucks beyond words, but I’m just so damn glad I lived a life so full of love, joy, and amazing friends.”
McManamy faced death in much the same way she faced life – with a full appreciation of those she loved and a hearty dose of laughter.
The 36-year-old Wisconsin mother, who died of terminal cancer on December 15, 2015, will live on in a memoir she finished just hours before her death. Cards for Brianna: A Mom’s Messages of Living, Laughing, and Loving as Time Is Running Out (ISBN: 9781492642138; APRIL 12, 2016; $14.99 U.S.; Memoir; Trade Paper) is a celebration of her love for her four-year-old daughter, as well as her unwillingness to let death stand in the way of their relationship.
McManamy, who was originally diagnosed with stage 2 cancer in April 2013, was told the following year that her diagnosis was terminal. She captured headlines around the world when she began writing greeting cards to her daughter Brianna to share advice and celebrate all of the significant milestones she would miss: first day of school, birthdays, wedding day, and even her retirement.
The cards also cover everyday occasions, such as when Brianna needs encouragement, hope or help getting over a breakup. There are 70 in all.
The book, which was co-authored with William Croyle, will feature short excerpts from some of Brianna’s cards, Heather’s thoughts about life, love and cancer, and a variety of photos.
I received a copy of this heartwarming book and also a beautiful butterfly greeting card. Silly me! I forgot to take a photo before sending it off to my BFF in Northern California, who I miss dearly. Thank goodness for cell phones, Facebook and Instagram..she doesn’t really always seem that far away!
I highly recommend this lovely book for all women because it is motivational, inspirational and made me smile!
A portion of the proceeds from print book sales in April 2016 will benefit METAvivor – a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that funds research for metastatic cancer.
Self Disclosure: I received a free book and greeting card to facilitate this post. No other compensation was received.
If you had to live in a distopia be it 1984, Mad Max, A Boy and His Dog, ect… what one would it be? why?p.s. Don't do a cop out and say "1984 so I cam be Big Brt&oertquho;