Isadora (You are My Sunshine)

There was one final thing Isadora needed to tell her daughter, who had been struggling with cancer, and she did it by writing this story in our class. The date was October 20. Her daughter passed away exactly a week later. One day after that, I received an email from the senior center telling me that the family heard about the story – I would assume this is because Isadora told them about it – and would like to include it in the obituary.

Every time Isadora writes a story in class, she begins with, “The best day of my life is today,” regardless of what that day’s story was about. For months now, most of her stories have been about the status of her daughter’s cancer. On October 20, whether she knew or not what the next week would bring, she began her story the way she always does.

Isadora – please stay strong during these difficult times. We missed you in class the past couple weeks and are thinking of you, and we feel your daughter’s radiance in the room. See? Today, the sun is shining. No clouds in the sky.

From: Estavia Jefferson
To: Benita Cooper
Date: Friday, October 28, 2011 12:12 PM
Subject: Writing Class Member

Hi Benita,
I received a call today from Isadora Fields family member informing us of the passing of her daughter yesterday. Ms. Isadora wrote a story last Thursday, October 20th about her daughter called “My Sunshine.” Is it possible for you to email me the story so, that I can pass it on to the family to put in the obituary?

Thanks in adavnce,
Estavia Jefferson
Activities Coordinator
Philadelphia Senior Center

Isadora Fields
10.20.2011
You Are My Sunshine

The best day of my life is today. This sun is shining. No clouds in the sky. You are the sunshine of my life. That’s why I am always hanging around you. From the top of your head to the bottom of your feet, you are my sunshine. Morning, noon, and night you are my sunshine my only sunshine. I can’t stay away from you. You are irresistible. You are my only sunshine. You are my beautiful daughter.