hope
i need to dwell there awhile tonight
i need hope
it is the only thing i live on and i am dancing in it tonight
i am rejoicing in hope
running skipping hopping tralala trippingly toppling in hope tonight
every day is one day closer
closer
to breathing
to living
to starting my life anew
to waking up
breathing in ease
i am happy tonight
knowing i am hopeful
love
love
love
I spend a lot of time on DailyKos, it's true. But my real home, where my thoughts and feelings and disjointed memories are placed, is Livejournal. It's old school, I know. I started my journal over 10 years ago, and came across the story of Eva Markvoort about 2 years ago on the site. Follow me below the fold to learn more about an amazing woman who led an amazing life and who will be sorely missed by those who were privileged to be a part of her journey.
Eva Dien Brine Markvoort was born March 31, 1984. Born in New Westminster, Eva lived in Canada for the duration of her life. Diagnosed as a child with cystic fibrosis (CF), she soon learned to call the disease 65 red roses as she was unable to say the full name. Subsequently, she blogged under the name 65_redroses.
I would never in a million years do justice through my writing to a life so courageously and beautifully lived, but I believe everyone in the world should know her story, and be inspired by her bravery to learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and to become an organ donor.
An aspiring actress, writer, model, and artist, Eva became a beacon of inspiration to all who read her writing. 2 years ago, a Candian documentary by Nimisha Mukerji about her life premiered in Canada and other places around the world to great acclaim. It continues to be broadcast. The movie detailed her struggles with her illness, her friendships, and her double lung transplant that her body ultimately rejected.
Watch the trailer here: 65_RedRoses
Eva passed away in a Vancouver hospital on March 27, 2010 at the age of 25, just a few days shy of her 26th birthday. Radiating love in both life and death, and mourned by countless others in the virtual world, her life became a study in the power of love and what the internet can actually accomplish. As one profound commenter stated, "She gave all her life away".
Her blog, chronicling 4 years of her journey, can be found here.
An online memorial on the website Gone Too Soon can be found here.
CNN featured a story on Eva's life and death today.
I know there is so much going on in the world. Things are falling apart everywhere, and so much anger abounds. Take just a few minutes to enjoy a life far too short but so well lived. I hope you will be inspired too.
"Eva always said that if even one person was inspired to register as a donor after seeing 65_RedRoses – then it was all worth it."
RIP, Eva. I didn't know you in person, but you inspired me. Thank you, and thank you to your brave family and friends, for sharing your journey. You will be missed.
UPDATE: That this is on the rec list is a testament to the power and beauty of Eva's life. I have included a comment on Livejournal to her family letting them know this diary is here. Please consider signing the Facebook petition for a US broadcast of Eva's documentary, and join the fan page of the movie. Learn more about becoming an organ donor in the US.