She Died on Facebook So That We Might Live

Years ago, when I was just launching the marketing firm, I tended bar at an upscale Italian restaurant. When you're behind the bar, you meet a lot of incredible people. Many are like ships passing in the night. Others leave more of an impact on you - and sometimes you can't comprehend how until it's too late to thank them.

One of those people was Francine.

This is the story of how she died on Facebook...so that we might live.

Who Was Francine?

Francine was a quiet professional. She was sweet, thoughtful and a wonderful tipper. She was filled with patience and was a charismatic woman who could always brush off with a laugh you forgetting to bring out her drink. She'd always ask about my day, my family and my business. She was one of those rare women who just radiated love.

I didn't know much about Francine. I didn't get to know her well. She was a quiet and private woman. It wasn't until after I stopped seeing her that I learned her story.

The Social Connection

A couple of years ago, Francine and I connected on Facebook. It was on social media that I learned more about her. I learned about how proud she was of her family and her country. I saw her support for the men and women who serve. I got to know the sports teams she rooted for and the videos that made her laugh.

I loved to see that she wished people a Merry Christmas. I loved to see that she also believed in the values our country stands for.

I saw lots of passion from her...but I always saw respect. Nothing but love and respect.

The Transformation

I don't know when Francine was diagnosed with cancer. But I do know when I started seeing her updates.

Francine was a fighter - but never looked for pity.

Francine surely struggled - but never looked for attention.

Instead, she continued to share her passions - albeit slightly less frequently.

We watched as she traveled and spent time with family and friends, bringing us updates from time to time on the chemo.

Her posts were filled with hope and strength. There were requests for prayers - for others. There were sports wins and stories of love and big cheers for Army in Army vs. Navy games.

There were tributes to her parents - who had passed - many times. There were moments of pride shared about her kids. And in the face of a growing struggle with cancer, there were very few messages of pain and countless messages of joy.

Saying Goodbye

It was apparent as 2014 was winding up that she wasn't doing as well. It seemed from her posts that there were more hospital visits, more treatments and more pain. But there was also love. There was so much love. There were countless comments from friends and family with words of encouragement. There were flowers. There were messages of hope. There were holidays surrounded by family and friends. There was gratitude. There was LIFE.

Then, on December 29, 2014 - there was this.

"Traveling the last leg of my journey

Pancreatic cancer is extremely difficult to combat with many patients dying within months of diagnosis. With the excellent care of Yale, I have battled this difficult disease. However, since August, I have had to deal with an electrolyte imbalance, hepatic encephalopothy, a small bowel obstruction and more recently a large bowel obstruction. At this point, I have experienced too many complications and these complications make further chemotherapy ineffective or increase risk without discernible benefit.

I want to thank all of you that have travelled with me along this journey and provided your love, prayers, and support."

In the days following, there were countless messages of love left on her wall - and I'm sure many, many more sent privately.

One message summarized the feelings of so many.

"Our lives, so fleeting, are filled with moments to relish the lives we have touched, and that have touched ours. We build our memories on the kisses of wind in our face, the warmth of a kindness that wraps around our hearts, and in God's unconditional love. We taste the sweetness of friendship and are supported by the gifts others share with us. You have taught so many so much, and I hope you feel cherished as we adore all that is you. Our hearts leap in wonder of your strength. Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey."

Yesterday, her family shared a message on her page telling us that Francine had passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

Her Message

I barely knew Francine - and most of you never knew her either. But she left us all a gift.

Francine share her journey and her battle with us so that we might know LIFE. She shared her fight so that we might know LOVE. She opened her story to the world so that each moment we might savor life just a little more fully, so that we might love a little more powerfully and so that we might appreciate every moment that we have.

Francine never knew the number of lives she touched. She never could have known the number of prayers that were prayed, the number of tears that would be shed or the number of hearts that would be opened.

Almost a year ago to the day, Francine shared a post entitled "great thoughts to begin the new year". It read like this:

"Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living."

This isn't just Francine's story. This is the story of so many who have battled cancer. This is the story of so many who have taught us that life is precious. This is the story of lives who have touched ours. This is the story of those who have gone before us and of those who have taught us not how to die - but how to live.

Let's keep Francine's story - and the stories of those who have also fought - alive. Say a prayer today and share this with someone who you think would appreciate it.

God bless.

If you post touched you - make sure to click "follow" above so you don't miss any future pieces!

POSTED BY

Kyle Reyes is the President and Creative Director of The Silent Partner Marketing, New England's #1 Marketing Agency. We're a boutique marketing firm focused on helping businesses grow in an age of exploding technology. You can find him on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.