remember meta.

September 14, 2009 in Uncategorized

On this date three years ago, a young woman named Meta was thrown from a car in a wreck at Exit 6 on 240, and died. My story of her death and its aftermath–"Forever hold your penguin dear"–remains one of the most commented-about stories on 37days.

We all learned so much from Meta's death about community, about walking toward instead of away from. And, sadly, Meta's mom, Mary Anne, was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer just three months later, joining her daughter in death not long after.

It's clear that we keep people alive by retelling their stories. Please take a moment on this Monday–a date that will forever hold great meaning to her family and might pass unnoticed in yours–and read Meta's story, even if you have read it before. Then hug someone you love because we never know when they will go.

Peace in the journey.

Remember Mary Anne.

Remember Meta.

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

3 comments to " remember meta. "


Ren

September 14, 2009 AT 12:15AM

Thank you for the reminder Patti. That post was so meaningful and inspirational to me on many levels. Remembering is important.

Robin Manly

September 14, 2009 AT 2:33AM

I celebrated my son Josh’s 24th birthday tonight, giggling at his plans to grow a huge mustache to celebrate “Movember” (men’s health awareness) and being deliciously – and predictably! – horrified when he licked the frosting off the last birthday cupcake. The thousand times a night I checked to see if baby Josh was breathing have rippled into the millions of times I’ve wondered if I might ever breathe again when I’ve thought “grown” Josh might be hurt or in danger. It’s hard to type with tears in my eyes after reading Meta’s story. But I’m sure the drops aren’t sadness; they’re just an overflow from my heart. I’ve said my safe goodnight to Josh, who is asleep now in his own house, in his own bed. Tonight, on Josh’s happy birthday, I’m adding an extra goodnight kiss for Meta, who has had a safe passage of her own.

jylene

September 14, 2009 AT 7:14AM

thank you patti- i will never forget this family’s story.