Athena Orchard was a sweet, 13-year-old girl from New Parks in Leicester. Tragically, her life ended too early due to a terminal illness.
She was diagnosed with the bone disease known as osteosarcoma when she was 12 and told she only had one year to live. Even with treatments, their daughter could not overcome the ailment. On May 28, 2014, Athena passed away in her daddy’s arms.
Image via express.co.uk
Her parents (Dean and Caroline), along with her three brothers and six sisters, were completely devastated after Athena’s death. But it turns out their sweet daughter and sister left behind a something special to help her family mourn and give them a sense of happiness.
Image via dailystar.co.uk
While going through Athena’s things, Dean found a heart-wrenching note etched behind her full-length mirror. It was more than a note though, she had written an extensive letter to the world concerning her perspectives on happiness and on life.
Image via christianpost
Here’s a small portion of Athena’s letter:
“Happiness depends upon ourselves. Maybe it’s not about the happy ending, maybe it’s about the story.
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Happiness is a direction not a destination. Thank you for existing. Be happy, be free, believe, forever young. You know my name, not my story.
You have heard what I’ve done, but not what I’ve been through. Love is like glass, looks so lovely but it’s easy to shatter.
Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change. Every day is special, so make the most of it, you could get a life ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. Life is only bad if you make it bad.
If someone loves you, then they wouldn’t let you slip away no matter how hard the situation is. Remember that life is full of ups and downs.
Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about. I want to be that girl who makes the bad days better and the one that makes you say my life has changed since I met her!
Love is not about how much you say I love you — it’s about how much you can prove it’s true. Love is like the wind, you can feel it but you can’t see it. I’m waiting to fall in love with someone I can open my heart to.
Love is not about who you can see spending your future with, it’s about who you can’t see spending your life without… Life is a game for everyone but love is the prize. Only I can judge me.
Sometimes love hurts. Now I’m fighting myself. Baby I can feel your pain. Dreams are my reality. It hurts but it’s okay, I’m used to it.
Don’t be quick to judge me, you only see what I choose to show you… you don’t know the truth. I just want to have fun and be happy without being judged.
This is my life, not yours, don’t worry about what I do. People gonna hate you, rate you, break you, but how strong you stand, that’s what makes you… you!
There’s no need to cry because I know you’ll be by my side.”
That sweet goodbye has given her family a greater sense of peace as they try to stay close to Athena. The following short interview with her parents will warm your heart:
Share this wonderful story to spread Athena’s love, selflessness, and an incredible perspective.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8MRbVTf9pw
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.