Cancer mom did something amazing for her daughter

Heather McManamy, 35, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2013. Despite a fierce fight and several courses of chemotherapy, the terrible disease metastasized to her liver and spread to her bone system. In August 2014, the woman learned she was doomed. Fortunately, Heather found a way to continue to be a part of her daughter’s life, even after her death.

“It’s heartbreaking to know that my daughter and my husband will be sad for me when I’m gone, but there’s nothing I can do to comfort them,” Heather said

“But how can I give my daughter love and support and let her know I need her when I’m not around?”

Heather came up with a wonderful idea. She decided to create a memory window for her daughter consisting of lots of notes for different occasions

“It gave me a sense of control over something that none of us have control over.”

So far, Heather has created about 40 postcards, videos, letters and books all housed in one box

The notes and letters contain messages for every important occasion in her daughter Brianna’s life, including birthday, engagement, wedding, first child, first job, getting her driver’s license, various anniversaries and finally a Mother’s Day greeting.

However, Heather didn’t limit her notes to “big days.”

Heather wrote notes of encouragement for a hard day, a comforting card for the loss of a beloved pet, an encouraging card acting as a “kick in the butt,” a gentle “hug” card from Mom, a card congratulating Brianna on her first beer, one breakup card for her boyfriend, and cards to remind Brianna that she is beautiful, to remember to be herself, and that Mom is proud of her.

And while other people would cringe at the thought of missing out on their child’s life, Heather found a way to stop time
“Most people just die and that’s it. I was lucky, I was given time to prepare. I will do everything in my power to make my family’s passing easier. Everyone grieves differently. But, if there is some way I can provide comfort, I will use it. It brings me comfort and peace of mind.”