Chicago-based author Lucy Thompson, renowned for her poignant writing, passed away on Monday morning after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Thompson gained widespread attention with her heartfelt Modern Love essay titled “You Might Consider Marrying My Partner,” which resonated deeply with readers. In her essay, she recounted her diagnosis with a mix of humor and honesty, saying, “Want to hear a sick joke? A couple visits the emergency room one evening, only to learn that what they thought was a minor issue is actually ovarian cancer.”
Thompson, who was married to her husband Mark for 26 years, leaves behind three children: Emma, 24, Jake, 22, and Lily, 19. An award-winning author, she published over 30 children’s books and was previously celebrated for her memoir, “The Story of an Ordinary Life.” Her essay served as a loving tribute to Mark, featuring a unique “dating profile” that illustrated their love story.
A Loving Tribute
Mark, whom she described as “easy to fall in love with,” was the focus of her essay. “He surprised me at our first pregnancy ultrasound with flowers. Every Sunday, he delights me with quirky smiley faces made from items around the kitchen,” she wrote. Thompson hoped her words would reach someone special who could carry on her husband’s story by finding love again.
In a statement, Mark shared, “I was with her as she crafted this piece, and when I read it for the first time, I was left in awe of the beauty and depth of her words, especially given her condition. I wish I had the same talent for storytelling; if I did, my tale would be the greatest love story—ours.”
The Profound Impact of Loss
The loss of a beloved partner is always profound, leaving an emptiness that lingers regardless of the time spent together. I’ve spoken with friends who, having lost their spouse early in marriage, felt as if their future had been taken from them. My grandmother, who spent 66 years with my grandfather, still walks by his favorite spot and murmurs, “Oh Bill, why did you leave so soon?” Love stories like Thompson’s remind us that time is never enough.
In her memoir, “Reflections of Lucy Thompson,” published in 2016, she poignantly wrote, “I will inevitably have to move on before I feel ready. My first word was ‘more,’ and it may very well be my last.”
Resources for Further Reading
For those interested in understanding more about home insemination and related topics, check out our other blog post at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re considering self insemination, Make a Mom offers valuable insights on the subject. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit CDC Pregnancy, which is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, Lucy Thompson’s heartfelt narrative about love and loss offers a glimpse into the profound connections we share, even amidst the challenges of life. Her story serves as a reminder of the beauty that love brings, even in the face of tragedy.