Holly Butcher was just 27 when she passed away from Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that affects young people.
From New South Wales in Australia, she passed away on the 3rd of January surrounded by family and loved ones.
An open letter entitled "Note before I die",has gone posthumously viral, being shared over 56,000 times.
For one so young, Holly shares many profound words of wisdom.
"It’s a strange thing to realise and accept your mortality at 26 years young," she wrote. "It’s just one of those things you ignore. The days tick by and you just expect they will keep on coming; Until the unexpected happens. I always imagined myself growing old, wrinkled and grey- most likely caused by the beautiful family (lots of kiddies) I planned on building with the love of my life. I want that so bad it hurts.
That’s the thing about life; It is fragile, precious and unpredictable and each day is a gift, not a given right."
She said that even though death is feared, it is something that happens to all of us. In facing her own time coming to an end, she wanted to tell people to stop worrying about the little things:
"I just want people to stop worrying so much about the small, meaningless stresses in life and try to remember that we all have the same fate after it all so do what you can to make your time feel worthy and great, minus the bulls**t.
Those times you are whinging about ridiculous things (something I have noticed so much these past few months), just think about someone who is really facing a problem. Be grateful for your minor issue and get over it. It’s okay to acknowledge that something is annoying but try not to carry on about it and negatively effect other people’s days."
When it comes to the negative in life, whether it be work stresses, family problems or a wobbly belly, Holly says to let it all go:
"Let all that s**t go.. I swear you will not be thinking of those things when it is your turn to go. It is all SO insignificant when you look at life as a whole. I’m watching my body waste away right before my eyes with nothing I can do about it and all I wish for now is that I could have just one more Birthday or Christmas with my family, or just one more day with my partner and dog. Just one more."
Instead of worrying about bodily hang-ups, Holly says to "appreciate everyday your good health and functioning body":
"Look after it and embrace how amazing it is. Move it and nourish it with fresh food. Don’t obsess over it."
It is not just physical health she emphasises but "work just as hard on finding your mental, emotional and spiritual happiness" She encourages us to be "ruthless for your own well-being."
However, one of the most important things is giving back:
"Give, give, give. It is true that you gain more happiness doing things for others than doing them for yourself. I wish I did this more. Since I have been sick, I have met the most incredibly giving and kind people and been the receiver of the most thoughtful and loving words and support from my family, friends and strangers.
More than I could I ever give in return. I will never forget this and will be forever grateful to all of these people."
Instead of collecting material things, Holly insisted on collecting experiences:
"Buy your friend something kind instead of another dress, beauty product or jewellery for that next wedding. 1. No-one cares if you wear the same thing twice 2. It feels good. Take them out for a meal, or better yet, cook them a meal. Shout their coffee. Give/ buy them a plant, a massage or a candle and tell them you love them when you give it to them."
"Use your money on experiences.. Or at least don’t miss out on experiences because you spent all your money on material s**t."
Life is meant to be lived, not photographed:
"Try just enjoying and being in moments rather than capturing them through the screen of your phone. Life isn’t meant to be lived through a screen nor is it about getting the perfect photo.. enjoy the bloody moment, people! Stop trying to capture it for everyone else."
And finally, Holly hits home with a reminder to love the little things in life:
"Talk to your friends. Put down your phone. Are they doing okay? Travel if it’s your desire, don't if it’s not. Work to live, don't live to work.
Seriously, do what makes your heart feel happy. Eat the cake. Zero guilt. Say no to things you really don't want to do.
Tell your loved ones you love them every time you get the chance and love them with everything you have."
Holly also continues to encourage blood donations, as she was heavily dependant on them in her final year.
A truly inspirational young woman, who has definitely given us a lot to think about. May she rest in peace.
