Chicago-based author, Lisa Harrington, who recently captivated many with her poignant essay “You Might Consider Marrying My Husband,” sadly passed away on Monday morning after a brave battle with ovarian cancer. In her heart-wrenching piece, Harrington detailed her diagnosis, sharing how a seemingly minor health issue escalated into a life-changing revelation. “Want to hear a sick joke? A husband and wife walk into the emergency room one evening. Hours later, the doctor informs them that the wife’s discomfort isn’t just appendicitis but rather ovarian cancer.”
Lisa was married to her partner, Tom, for 26 fulfilling years, raising three children together: Jake, 24, Mia, 22, and Zoe, 19. An award-winning author, she published over 30 children’s books and was previously recognized for her memoir, The Encyclopedia of a Simple Life. Within her viral essay, Lisa crafted a “dating profile” for Tom, detailing their love story in a unique and touching way.
“Tom is someone who’s incredibly easy to fall in love with. I did it in one day,” Lisa wrote. She fondly reminisced about their life together, highlighting sweet moments like how he surprised her each Sunday with whimsical smiley faces made from kitchen items. Lisa saw her essay as “the most genuine, non-vase-oriented gift” and expressed hope that the right person would read it and start a new chapter with Tom.
Reflecting on the depth of her words, Tom, now 52, shared, “I wasn’t fully aware of what she was writing, but witnessing her through this process was profound. When I first read her words, I was taken aback by the beauty and depth of her prose given her condition, and it emotionally shattered me.”
Loss always feels premature, regardless of when it occurs. Friends who have lost partners describe a sense of time stolen from them, echoing sentiments of my own grandmother, who lost her husband after 66 wonderful years. She still walks past his chair, whispering, “Why did you have to leave so soon, Bill?” Love stories like Lisa’s remind us that there’s never enough time with those we cherish.
In her memoir, Textbook Lisa Harrington, published in 2016, she poignantly wrote, “I will always have to move on before I feel I’ve had enough. My first word was ‘more,’ and it may be my last.” For more on similar themes, you may want to check out this insightful piece on intracervical insemination to stay engaged.
For those interested in exploring at-home options for insemination, Make a Mom offers a reputable selection of syringe kits to assist you. Additionally, the NICHD provides a wealth of information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Lisa Harrington, a beloved author known for her viral essay “You Might Consider Marrying My Husband,” has passed away from ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love and heartfelt words. Her poignant reflections on life, loss, and love remind us of the deep connections we share with others.