In some ways this is just an ordinary family story about cancer, illness and premature death, with a lot of wise quotes from extraordinary people added in. However, it is also about immense individual courage, a full life lived with great love, a beautiful death, a proud funeral, of dealing with unbearable grief, and of getting on with life afterwards. So, in another way this could be a story for just about anyone, because the primary purpose for this book is to assist others with life threatening cancer or a similar difficult health situation, and their families and friends. I warn readers in advance it is probably going to bring some tears, but I am fairly sure it will cause some laughter to occur at times too. The second purpose is not one I started out with. Some odd events and coincidences seemed to happen after Donna's death. Some may think them logical and natural events, or perhaps psychological outcomes of intense grief and loss. Others may see a spirit connecting after death, to ensure that a grieving family is okay.

Regardless, my intent is to encourage others to think more deeply about their own mortality, to speak openly and often about the subjects of death and dying, and to at least contemplate the question of what happens to us after we die.