krista-morris.html

Krista Morris’ letter to author Lurlene McDaniel, “So Much to Live For”

Dear Lurlene McDaniel,

It’s amazing how much I take for granted in life.  The colors of a sunset fading from orange, to pink, to midnight black; my little brother’s laugh; or just being able to get up, walk over to my mirror, and style my hair in the morning.  I had never imagined that there are people out there who can’t see the sun rise, or that I could never hear my brother’s laugh.  I could never relate to being too weak to get up and walk; of looking in the mirror in the morning and realizing chemotherapy had made it so I had no hair to style.  You would probably ask now why I’m writing to you then.  Well, you see, I now realize just how lucky I am.

Dawn Rochelle has made me think a lot [about] my life.  I wonder if I will ever have as much strength and courage that Dawn did.  Even when all hope seemed lost, she got back up and kept going.  Like in “So Much to Live For,” it’s hard to imagine watching someone you love suffer and die.  Dawn went through a lot, but still came out on top.  I came to think that having those around her that loved her helped her through it all.

About two years ago, a classmate of mine had an older brother who was diagnosed with leukemia.  It was so hard for her, but all of her friends were right there with her.  I think it made a huge difference and helped her through it.  I visited her brother in the hospital once, and when I got inside the room, I thanked God right then and there for keeping me healthy.  I could see why his sister was so down, and also how horrible Dawn’s life really was for her.

I attended his funeral this past year.  Almost the whole town came; it was a loss for everyone.  We had all supported the family and raised money for some of the medical expenses.  At the funeral, my eighth grade class signed a basketball and gave it to his sister.  It was our way of showing, “We’re here for you.”  I know now, after reading Dawn’s story and reliving some of it myself, that life isn’t always fair to you.  Dawn survived, but you can’t save everyone.

Dawn taught me a lot about how hard it is to have cancer.  Her story showed me there are people out there who don’t have everything easy; how lucky I am to be able to do all the things I do.  I know about a lot of people who have cancer.  It seems that after I read Dawn’s story, cancer became a reality.  I want to help as much as I can now.  Our school still does an annual dodge ball benefit to raise money.  I go every year.

I’m healthy and have a lot going for me.  I have a loving family and some awesome friends!  I can see the sunset and am able to get up and do my hair in the morning.  Now I look at everything and try not to take those little things for granted, like my little brother’s laugh.  Dawn taught me to follow my dreams, live each day to the fullest, but most of all to never give up.  At this, I’d like to thank you for her story.

With Gratitude,
Krista Morris