100 Years Project Anthology

But I get it now, even if you didn’t intend it. You have so much of
your life left to live, so much hope to sow, so many lives to touch.
You’re a blank page Ellie, and that doesn’t mean sorrow or fear; it
means opportunity. It means you have a future. Me, I have one page
left in my notebook, I don’t have much of a future but somehow,
you’re here and I know you’ll be a life-changer.”
My single tear turns into many and I feel my mother’s warm embrace.
I savour it.
“Ellie,” She says trying to keep her voice steady, even though I can
detect her shaking, “I have cancer. I’m fading.” My tears become
torrential but after they’ve had time to fall, I look up at her face.
“No, Mum, you’ll never fade,” I say determined to stay strong,
“You’ll always be with me. I love you.” She kisses my forehead, tells
me she loves me too, “I forgive you and I’m sorry too. I promise
you’ll never be forgotten.” The love courses through me and I finally
feel my pain and joy at balance. All my mother can do is nod and hug
me tighter.
“Will you help me write the last page in my notebook?” she asks.
“Yes.” I say, simply.
Deep within me, all that I have is given to my daughter. I entrust her
with it. This girl who is more than I ever imagined she could be.