Have a Wonderful Weekend.

Dear Jo,
The thoughts of Paul are even shared in the greek media:

http://www.huffingtonpost.gr/2016/01/26/life-nevroxeiroyrgos-zoi-karkino_n_9076102.html?utm_source=News247&utm_medium=huffpost_homebig&utm_campaign=24MediaWidget#

As a Caucasian living in Japan, I have to say that I get chatted up all the time by Asian-Americans! Except that I’m not American. “Oh, you’re from Ohio? Cool. I have heard that Ohio is a place, but I’ve never been there and know absolutely nothing about anything from Ohio, or even where exactly it is.”

From the Asian-American abroad piece: “I had the same internal reaction: Hi, White Person! Are you American? I’m American too! We might be from the same city! We might know the same people! Over here! Me! The short girl with black hair and brown eyes! Oh, wait. Everyone around us has black hair and brown eyes. Well, I’m different! I’m American! Let’s strike up conversation! Don’t you see I’m just like you?”

Nope. Not overly bothered by it, but it gets a bit tired to talk to an enthusiastic stranger who thinks we might have things in common just based on the fact that I’m white.

Hi Jo,

The interview between your sister and Katie Couric left me in chills and tears. I could not help but think of you when Katie asked your sister where her strength came from. I feel you too possess this gorgeous, intelligent and resilient strength of hers that seems so evident from her and Paul’s story. Maybe you both got it from your mother! Or one another. I am not sure, but it is so lovely to behold.

Thank you for sharing this and so much else.

Sincerely,
Courtney

When Breath Becomes Air had me sobbing all weekend – especially your sister’s beautiful and moving epilogue! I haven’t had such a wonderful cry in a long time – it was so touching.

Joanna – I’m writing from London, I just read the article on ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ in the Sunday Times Magazine. Paul was a wonderful man. It was a heart-breaking read, but your family is so brave and amazing. I thank Paul and Lucy so much for sharing their story. xxxxxxx

I’m compelled to comment here after watching the interview with your sister. This touched me in a personal way: I am just finishing treatment for breast cancer, something I found while pregnant with my second son. Though I’m currently well, I have daily and often intense fears that the cancer will recur and I myself will have to leave my husband and two little boys. Naturally, I cannot bear the thought. I am so overwhelmingly in awe of the courage of your brother-in-law and sister. What a wonderful person he was. Thank you for sharing.

Oh my goodness…tears streaming down my cheeks at my desk at work after watching your sister’s interview. What an amazing man your brother-in-law must have been, and what an incredibly resilient woman your sister is. Blessings to you and your whole family.

What an incredibly stunning soul your sister is. What a special, fresh, raw and inspiring outlook on life. I am heartbroken for her, but amazed at her courage and ability to view and face life head on with brightness. Your brother-in-law was truly magnificent, and your niece is absolutely stunning.

Thank you for sharing this, I can see it’s touching so many.

I wish I had known your brother-in-law. What a wonderful tribute. I especially love his words to his daughter. Beautiful.

your sister’s interview with katie couric is beautiful. so much courage for her and her husband both to share this with the world.

I just watched your sister’s interview. It was so moving. You have one beautiful, strong, caring sister. Your niece is such a stunning little girl. I just wanted to wish your sister and her daughter all the very best. Wishing you and your family all the best also.
Ruth in Dublin, Ireland.

Cried watching. Had just recently received my copy of the book. Such eloquence and a wonderful lesson of life.

Wow. Tears streamed from your sister’s beautiful interview. It was so candid and heartfelt. I am reading When Breath Becomes Air and underlying many of Paul’s wise words. He seems like quite the human being. I can only imagine what it was like to know him in person.

Your sisters interview was very moving and I wept through the video. I admire her strenght and courage. My prayers are with her and her daughter. Thanks for sharing.

It’s going to be a few minutes before I can reframe my mind and emotions, after watching your sister’s interview, and get back through the remainder of your links this week. My gosh, Joanna. What a stunning presence and a gorgeous tribute she’s offered of herself and for Paul (and for their daughter). And, as a bit of a side-note, I read the book last week over the course of a flight across country. And then I read Lucy’s epilogue that night before I fell asleep in bed. Eloquent. Meaningful. Of great and powerful substance. Reading it felt like an experience of the heart and validation for living a life well loved. Please thank Lucy for me (and surely for the millions of other people who will come to read and love the book, as well). And thank you for having shared some of the back story earlier on this blog. I felt, oddly enough, that I knew them going into it; which made for a unique and compelling experience. Sending love to you and your family.

I know you had previously shared that same passage from the book written to their daughter, the one recited at the end of the segment, and it is so touching. It’s wonderful that Paul and Lucy have been so clearheaded, honest and loving through his illness and in grief. I’m planning to get a copy of the book!

And as always, love reading these end of week lists. :)

Thinking about you today Joanne. Hope you and Alex and Toby and Anton are well and safe and warm.

Your sister is incredibly insightful and strong. As a third year medical student, her story hits close to home as I’ve seen patients starting, in the middle or at the end of their terminal illnesses. She is an example for all those in the health profession and I feel privileged that she’s shared her experience with the world. Thank you.

I am so moved by your sister’s story and words, Joanna. Thank you, Lucy and Paul, for the courage of your love, and for living life and facing death with such dignity and open hearts. (Watching the tenderness of that interview I also couldn’t help thinking of how Katie Couric also lost her husband quite young to cancer. all the tears.) And I loved how she pointed out Paul’s work as pastoring, as blessing. I’m a young pastor, and this was a beautiful reminder to me what a privilege it is to accompany people in joy and sorrow, make meaning, lift up love, and bless one another (I loved the beautiful scene of their daughter’s baptism!) Thank you for the blessing of this story, and the many blessings your blog brings me:)

I am overwhelmed and amazed by your sisters courage, grace and fearlessness. Thank you for sharing that beautiful video. I can’t imagine what your family has gone through, losing him and gaining his daughter, all within a short span of time, but I pray many blessings on your lives.

The Katie Couric interview was so touching and well done. Your sister is a gorgeous human being. And I’m honored you’ve shared some of her journey with us. Thank you.

Your sister’s interview had me tearing up. What a beautiful, heartbreaking life. Thank you for sharing. Prayers to Lucy and her family.

You’re sister’s interview touched me deeply. I am amazed by her strenght and courage. What a beautiful soul Paul was and what a beautiful gift.

Lucy,
I cannot relate to the heartbreak you must still be nursing but I hope you know just how beyond inspiring it is for a young woman to see a you- someone who has so much presence, who has drawn so much grace and strength from loving unselfishly.
Please know just how meaningful both you and your story are and will continue to be.

Joanna,
Thank you for sharing your family and heartbreak with us.

Thank you for sharing your sister’s interview and their story. I finished the book last night and want to share it with so many people I know, yet also hang onto it and re-read it a few more times myself. It’s not often I am so eager to recommend a book that made me cry profusely, but in this case the message is so worth the tears. What a beautiful, important book.

Deep Dark Fears. Genius.

I sent you a note already Jo but my goodness what a family you have and what a lioness of a sister. I have to admit I’m girl crushing on her. :)

So imagine my joy when she actually commented on my blog post about the book! Thank you again for introducing me to them through your blog.

http://sitdaily.blogspot.com/2016/01/when-breath-becomes-air.html?m=1

Loved that asian american article! And that IS the cutest short wedding dress.. .I think as untraditional as I am, I still prefer a long gown type dress.. but this would be such a good after-party/reception-dance dress. So pretty!

Profound interview, one that unfortunately resonates with my heart. Your sister is remarkable, and courageous. Thank you for sharing.

I am sitting here awash in tears on a Friday night. Your sister and her husband’s story is devastating, inspiring, real, and beautiful. I wanted to reach through the screen and hug her for her grace and bravery. Thank you for sharing. xo

I was so moved by your sisters interview with Katie..what a really remarkable couple, and beautiful love story. Wow. I have so many thoughts regarding it, their perspective and courage to face it head on. I’ve been in a clinical setting 33 yrs, and approach medical challenges much the same way. Just today my father was diagnosed with Stage 2 esophageal cancer. Next week he begins a cancer journey himself, and we, his children and my mother will journey with him. I’m going to buy and read Pauls book. I want to know I am ready and prepared to be the support my father needs, no matter the outcome. Love is the greatest gift.

thank you Lucy for sharing your story and might I say, your baby girl is precious! I see her daddy in her, and that just makes my heart swell!

I loved the Asian American abroad article! Great read!

Reading about your sister and Paul’s story always leaves me in awe and in tears. Such a strong couple. And Paul’s message to their daughter is just so beautifully written.

I am so touched and inspired by your sister Lucy. I couldn’t stop the tears again after watching her interview. I received their book in the mail the day before yesterday and stayed up reading the whole thing after the kids were in bed. It is a life changing book. I am so inspired by Paul and his life and insights. The last chapter by Lucy was the perfect conclusion. She is an amazing writer as well and I cried the whole way through that part. She transmitted so much love and strength amidst her grief. Thank you for sharing their journey with us. Best wishes to the family as they continue on.

I read their book last week. What a wonderful book. Thank you for linking this interview.