Sunday, August 29, 2010

THIS ONE BELONGS TO GOD


Esther just turned 16 years old recently, and went home to be with her Lord after battling thyroid cancer for four years.

She watched every episode of Lost and all of the past five years of Dr. Who. She liked the Syfy channel best but also enjoyed watching romantic movies.


Earlier this summer, she became a celebrity in her niche of the Internet when John Green, an award-winning author of young adult fiction, posted a YouTube video encouraging people to vote “with Esther’’ in a contest. The prize was a $250,000 grant, and the outpouring for Esther garnered so many votes that the award went to the Harry Potter Alliance, a nonprofit founded in Somerville (Mass.) that promotes human rights, literacy, and disaster relief efforts.

That drew the attention of J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, who sent a hand-drawn picture of a magical Sorting Hat and wrote underneath: “To Esther, with love and best wishes always — Jo.’’

You may read more about her here.

About ten years ago Wayne Earl and his family came to my town of Medway, Massachusetts as the interim pastor of our little church. While here, he and Mister became very good friends and got together for coffee often. They have remained friends since the Earls moved on.

11 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Such a sad loss but she has gone to be with God. Sounds like an amazing young lady.

Lily said...

The family is in my prayers. You have touched my heart today :)
~Lily
www.neverfadingwood.blogspot.com

Cherry Chick said...

Sue,
I am so sorry..my thoughts are with you, your family and Esther's family.
Hugs....Vicki

Unknown said...

My thoughts are with the Family, but what joy and happiness she brought in her brief stay. She's an inspiration.

genie said...

My thoughts are with all of you who loved Esther so much. She must have been one special little girl to have fought her battle with such a positive outlook and dignity. Today my husband lost his sister, so we, too, are grieving. Both Ann and Esther are now no longer suffering and for that I have to give thanks.
Fondly,
Genie

Lemon Lane Studio said...

What a heartfelt post. It sounds like all who knew Esther were blessed by it. My prayers are with you. Patty

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

Where Esther is now is even more amazing than Hogwarts and I bet she is enjoying it immensely.

"Gone, not forgotten."

Cheeseboy said...

Sounds like she had made quite a positive impact on people while she was with us. I am sure she will be missed.

Anonymous said...

Sending my condolences.
A nice tribute and shows how she celebrated life.

Dena E's Blog said...

My what a story,,,thanks for sharing with all of us Sweetie
Blessings and Hugs Dena

Anonymous said...

So sad. I agree with Cheeseboy as far as her positive impact. That's something for her loved ones to hold on to--a light that shined too briefly but oh so brightly.